Taking a good photo by yourself is not always as easy as it looks. There are times when there is no one around to take the photo, the available surface is too low or unstable, or asking a stranger to take the picture feels awkward. Even when someone does agree to help, getting the right angle or framing can take a few tries.
That is where a tripod can make a difference. A good tripod gives people more freedom to take photos and videos on their own. It can be useful for travel photos, family pictures, group shots, video calls, social media content, or simply recording a moment without having to ask someone else to hold the phone. Add a remote trigger, and there is no need to keep running back to the phone after setting up the shot.
For people who create content regularly, a tripod becomes even more useful. It can help with everything from shooting videos and taking product photos to recording unboxing videos and getting overhead shots. But with so many tripods available today, choosing one can still be confusing. Some are made for quick smartphone setups, while others offer more flexibility for different shooting situations.
After using many tripods throughout a content creation career, three Ulanzi models have become go-to gear for the creator behind this feature. The Ulanzi TT88, Ulanzi MT85, and Ulanzi MT-79 each serve a different purpose, but all three have proven useful in real-world shooting situations. More importantly, they show that choosing a tripod is not just about how tall it gets or how much it weighs. It is about finding one that fits the way someone actually takes photos, records videos, and creates content.
Ulanzi TT88: A Flexible Tripod for Everyday Content Creation
Among the three, the Ulanzi TT88 is the personal favorite of the creator behind this feature. Both the black and white versions are owned and regularly used, making the TT88 more than just another tripod in the gear collection.
One of the biggest reasons for that preference is its flexibility. The TT88 supports four shooting modes: Handheld Mode, Mantis Mode, Floor Stand Mode, and Overhead Desktop Stand Mode. That range of options makes it useful beyond simply placing a phone on a tripod and taking a photo.
The overhead function has been especially useful for unboxing videos. Instead of trying to find another way to position a phone above a product, the TT88 can be configured for overhead desktop shooting. Its hidden hook is designed to support overhead shots in Desktop or Mantis Mode, with a load capacity of less than 500g. The legs can also be adjusted to the desired angle, giving creators more control over the setup.
For smartphone creators, the TT88 combines a MagSafe magnetic panel with a spring clamp phone holder. This provides two ways to secure a phone, depending on the setup. The phone holder also features soft silicone pads designed to protect the phone and improve grip.
The TT88 can rotate 360 degrees for horizontal and vertical shooting and tilt up to 270 degrees for different shooting angles. Its seven-section aluminum telescopic pole can extend from 30cm to 144cm without a clamp, while the tripod and selfie stick modes support loads of less than 800g.
Portability is another reason it works well for travel. At around 335g, the TT88 can be folded down and packed into a bag without taking up much space. It also includes dual cold shoe mounts for video lights or microphones, giving creators more options when putting together a smartphone content setup.
The remote control has a range of up to 30m, which is useful when the creator needs to step away from the phone. For solo travel photos, videos, and hands-free content, that can make the entire shooting process simpler.
For the creator, the TT88 stands out because it can adapt to different types of content without requiring a completely different setup for every shot.
Ulanzi MT85: Quick Setup for Smartphone Content
The Ulanzi MT85 takes a different approach. Its biggest appeal is convenience. Instead of manually opening and positioning each tripod leg, the MT85 is designed to pop open when it is placed down, allowing for a quick hands-free setup.
That feature can be particularly useful when traveling or when a shot needs to be set up quickly. The MT85 uses four-leg support with non-slip pads and has a load capacity of up to 1kg for the center column.
It also features a dual-side magnetic mount. A phone can be attached to one side while another compatible piece of gear can be mounted on the other. The magnetic hold is rated at 20N for phones and 25N for accessories.
For creators who want to move from tabletop shooting to a taller setup, the MT85 can extend to around 1.5m. Its seven-section design allows it to function as both a selfie stick and a floor stand, while twist-to-lock sections help secure the extension.
The included Bluetooth remote adds another useful feature for solo shooting. With a range of up to 10m, it allows photos and videos to be captured from a distance. The remote can also slide down for storage when it is not being used.
At approximately 385g, the MT85 remains easy to bring along for travel. Its multi-axis folding and rotation also allow creators to adjust the shooting angle without having to completely reposition the setup.
For the creator behind this feature, the MT85 is the second personal favorite among the three. Its biggest advantage in actual use is the pop-open design, which makes it convenient when a quick smartphone setup is needed.
Ulanzi MT-79: A Portable Light Stand That Can Do More
The Ulanzi MT-79 is technically a light stand rather than a traditional travel tripod. However, it earns a place in this list because of how useful it can be for content creators who need a portable stand for lighting or a stable setup for a compatible camera.
The MT-79 features a 1/4-inch screw that can connect to fill lights, cameras, mobile phone clips, action cameras, and other compatible gear. Its recommended load capacity is 1kg.
For the creator, the MT-79 is particularly useful as a portable light stand. Instead of bringing a larger standard light stand, it can fit into a bag and be carried outdoors more easily. That makes it practical for creators who need to bring lighting equipment while keeping their setup portable.
The stand has eight sections and can adjust from around 39cm to 207cm when the tripod is open. Its adjustable angle can also reach 180 degrees, allowing the setup to be rotated vertically for different shooting needs.
The MT-79 weighs approximately 550g and uses an aluminum alloy and plastic construction. Its large leg grip area and low center of gravity are designed to provide stability and reduce shaking during use.
It can also be useful when a mirrorless camera needs a stable stand, provided the setup remains within the recommended load capacity. This makes the MT-79 a practical addition to a creator’s gear bag when lighting and camera support are both part of the workflow.
Choosing the Right Ulanzi Tripod for Travel and Content Creation
The three Ulanzi models serve different needs, which is important to consider before choosing one.
The Ulanzi TT88 is the most versatile option of the three for the creator behind this feature. Its combination of multiple shooting modes, MagSafe support, a spring clamp, overhead shooting capability, adjustable height, and a long-range remote makes it useful for a wide range of content. Its overhead function is particularly valuable for unboxing videos and tabletop content.
The Ulanzi MT85 focuses more on speed and convenience. Its automatic pop-open design makes it useful when a smartphone setup needs to be ready quickly. The 1.5m extension and Bluetooth remote also make it practical for travel photos, videos, and solo content.
The Ulanzi MT-79 serves a different role. It is primarily a portable light stand, but its 1/4-inch screw and 1kg recommended load capacity allow it to work with compatible cameras and other content creation equipment. For creators who regularly bring lighting gear, its portability can make it a useful option when a larger stand is less convenient to carry.
For travelers and content creators, the right tripod ultimately depends on the type of content being produced. Someone who regularly shoots overhead videos may benefit from the TT88’s flexible design. Someone who prioritizes quick smartphone setup may prefer the MT85’s pop-open system. Someone who needs portable lighting support may find the MT-79 more useful.
That practical difference is what makes these three models worth considering together. They are not identical tripods designed to solve exactly the same problem. Each one approaches travel and content creation from a different angle.
Where to Get the Ulanzi Tripods in the Philippines
The Ulanzi TT88, Ulanzi MT85, and Ulanzi MT-79 are available from JG Superstore and Ulanzi Philippines through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.
For people who travel, take photos on their own, or create content regularly, having a dependable tripod can make the process much easier. The right setup means less time worrying about how to position the phone or camera and more time focusing on the photo or video itself.
For the creator behind this feature, the Ulanzi TT88 remains the personal favorite, followed by the MT85. The MT-79 fills a different but equally useful role as a portable light stand. Together, the three show how the right tripod or stand can become part of an everyday setup for travel, photography, video, unboxing, lighting, and content creation.
