Ulanzi’s latest release offers an ingenious design ideal for traveling and hiking photographers or those who like to keep their kit lightweight. The multi-functional design of the Ulanzi TT35 incorporates three hiking poles, a mini tripod, a full-sized travel tripod, and a selfie stick into one product, so each component serves a purpose when out in the field.
Full disclosure: This sponsored article is brought to you by Ulanzi.
When backpacking or traveling, every ounce of weight counts, and every free space in a pack is crucial. Because of this, traveling with a tripod can be a pain since it mostly just takes up space and adds weight while only getting used for certain portions of the hike or trip. The new Ulanzi TT35 Hiking Stick Tripod Kit aims to fix that by serving as five products in one, making it more worthwhile to bring along.
Ulanzi’s latest release offers a multi-functional solution for hiking or traveling photographers by acting as five different products. It even comes with two different heads, adding to its versatility. The ball head features a bubble level and a quick-release plate. Unfortunately, though, there’s no tab on the plate’s screw. Instead, it requires a hex key (one is included) or something similar to attach the plate to the camera, so I recommend doing that before heading into the backcountry. A hex key with a key ring would have been a nice touch to prevent it from getting lost.
Instead of a lever to release and lock down the plate, there’s a knob that requires twisting. It’s not the quickest, quick-release plate I’ve encountered. The ball head has a bubble level, though, which is nice to see. The second head is a screw head mount for when quick-release functionality isn’t necessary.
Hiking Poles
The first function of the TT35 is a hiking pole, or, rather, three hiking poles. These poles each have a foam handle that is comfortable to hold and a strap for added security around the wrist. They have three extension points that use a snap-style lock that holds securely. Each pole weighs 284 grams (10 ounces), has a folded height of 47 centimeters (1.5 feet), and a fully extended length of 130 centimeters (4.3 feet), so users can easily adjust it to their height. The bottom leg section offers markers in centimeters, so those who use two poles can get them to be the same height more easily.
Mini Tripod
The second format of the TT35 is a mini tripod that’s ideal for use on a desk or for low-angle shots. The leg levers allow the legs to adjust to 20 degrees, 50 degrees, and 80 degrees, providing three different heights. Depending on the head used and the positioning of the legs, the mini tripod offers a height of 22.7 centimeters (8.9 inches) or 14.2 centimeters (5.6 inches). The rubber feet grip nicely, so they stay on my smooth desk.
Monopod
The third option with the TT35 is a monopod mode. Attach the tripod head to the top of the trekking pole to create the monopod. The provided instructions don’t make this very clear, but to add the tripod head, first pull down on the textured metal piece at the top and remove the cap that comes on the hiking pole. Pull down on the metal piece again, insert the tripod head, and release the metal cylinder to lock it in place. This is how every piece connects, making switching configurations incredibly quick and easy.
While the monopod can be used as is, users can connect the mini tripod as a base for more stability. This setup weighs 630 grams, offers a working height of 60 to 140 centimeters (1.9 to 4.6 feet), and supports a maximum load of 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), though Ulanzi doesn’t suggest going over 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). I tried it with my Sony a7 III and Rokinon 135m f/1.8, which weighs 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds). It was definitely wobbly on its own but would work in a pinch if I held on.
Selfie Stick and Extension Pole
Next, by simply attaching a tripod head to the top of the trekking pole, the TT35 functions as a selfie stick and extension pole. It’s ideal for grabbing selfie footage with action cameras or reaching beyond where arms can go. For even more reach than one pole, the three trekking poles can be connected for an ultra-long extension pole, offering a maximum length of 350 centimeters (11.5 feet) and weighing 852 grams (1.9 pounds).
Travel Tripod
Finally, by attaching each trekking pole to one of the legs on the mini tripod, the TT35 also serves as a lightweight, compact, full-sized tripod. Be sure to remove the rubber feet on the mini tripod first, though, or they won’t connect very well. The entire tripod weighs 1.19kg (4.2 pounds) and is narrower than most water bottles. It is long when assembled like this, though, coming in at roughly 74 centimeters (2.4 feet) with the ball head attached. When fully extended, it offers a height of 145cm (4.7 feet).
As a full tripod, the TT35 can support up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds), though Ulanzi suggests only 3kg (6.6 pounds). It nicely holds my Sony a7 III and lenses that are a little on the heavier side, but it shouldn’t be used with any large telephoto lenses. Given the modular design, it was surprisingly stable. It doesn’t offer as much support as heavier tripods, but that’s to be expected.
Pricing and Availability
The Ulanzi TT35 Hiking Stick Tripod is available for pre-order now with early bird pricing of $199 for the full kit. Early bird pricing is only for 50 in-stock units, though, and ends on May 6. Users can also opt for different components of the TT35, including just the monopod kit ($148), only the mini tripod ($79), or only the hiking poles ($69).
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Image credits: Photographs by Abby Ferguson