Ulanzi MT-44 Review - Flexible Creator Tripod for Phone and Camera Setups

Ulanzi MT-44 extendable vlog tripod in black with hidden phone clamp and compact tripod legs Save
TL;DR: The Ulanzi MT-44 is a lightweight hybrid tripod and selfie stick for phones and compact cameras, with a hidden clamp, ball head, cold shoe, and near-59-inch reach. It is a strong fit for travel creators, desk setups, and quick solo video work.

Summary#

The Ulanzi MT-44 is a lightweight hybrid tripod and selfie stick that works with both phones and small cameras. Its hidden phone clamp, 360-degree ball head, cold shoe, and near-150 cm reach make it an easy pick for travel vlogs, overhead desk shots, and casual creator setups.


At a Glance#

Product : Ulanzi MT-44 Extendable Vlog Tripod (Upgrade) 2502B

Brand : Ulanzi

Best For : Creators who want one compact support for smartphones, action cams, and lightweight mirrorless kits without carrying a full-size tripod

Form Factor : 7-section extendable tripod and selfie stick with hidden phone clamp

Buy Now : View on Amazon

Key Highlights:

  • Hidden 60-80 mm phone clamp keeps the design compact when you are using a camera
  • 360-degree ball head makes fast switches between vertical, horizontal, and low-angle framing easy
  • 13-inch to 59-inch working range covers handheld selfies, desk shots, and standing talking-head videos
  • Cold shoe and 1/4-inch mount support lights, mics, phones, and compact cameras
  • 422 g build stays light enough for daily carry without feeling flimsy

Who Should Buy This#

The MT-44 makes the most sense for people who need versatility more than maximum payload. It is compact enough to live in a day bag, long enough for group shots and stand-up videos, and flexible enough to hold a phone one minute and a small camera the next. If that sounds like your workflow, check current availability here: View on Amazon

Perfect for:

  • Travel vloggers who need one light support that can jump between selfie-stick and tripod duty in seconds
  • Phone-first creators who want a cleaner setup than carrying a separate clamp, mini tripod, and light mount
  • Desk setup reviewers who film overhead or face-to-camera clips and need more height than a tabletop tripod can offer
  • Casual photographers who use lightweight mirrorless or action cameras and want a compact backup support in their bag

Design & Build Quality#

The MT-44 gets its appeal from how much hardware Ulanzi fits into a slim travel shape. The folded body works like a selfie stick handle, but the top section hides a phone clamp that flips out when needed. That keeps the tripod cleaner and less awkward than clip-on phone holders that are easy to lose.

The aluminum-and-plastic construction is a smart compromise for this class. It is not a heavy-duty studio tripod, but it does feel substantial enough for phones, action cameras, pocket gimbals, and lightweight mirrorless bodies. At 422 g, it stays easy to pack for daily commuting or vacation use.


Key Features#

Integrated Phone And Camera Mounting#

The built-in clamp expands to fit phones roughly 60-80 mm wide, which covers most modern handsets without needing an extra accessory. Collapse the clamp and you are left with a standard 1/4-inch screw for compact cameras, action cams, or other creator gear.

That hybrid approach is what makes the MT-44 more useful than a phone-only selfie stick. You can pack one support for multiple devices instead of managing a pile of adapters.

Tall Reach In A Compact Body#

Amazon lists the tripod at roughly 13 inches folded and up to 59 inches extended, while Ulanzi notes a 57.6-inch handle length before the phone holder adds the last bit of height. In practice, that gives you enough reach for eye-level solo videos, tabletop demos, and wider family photos.

For creators who normally outgrow mini tripods, that extra extension is the reason the MT-44 stands out. It covers more shooting situations without forcing you into a bulky travel tripod.

360-Degree Ball Head#

The ball head is simple but genuinely useful. You can rotate into vertical framing for Shorts or Reels, then swing back to horizontal for YouTube or landscape stills without changing mounts. Once you tighten the side knob, the head locks firmly enough for lightweight kits.

That speed matters when you are filming alone. Less time fiddling with orientation means more time actually shooting.

Cold Shoe For Better Mobile Rigs#

The cold shoe built into the clamp gives the MT-44 a real creator-friendly advantage over generic selfie sticks. Add a compact microphone or LED light and your phone rig becomes much more practical for indoor commentary, product clips, or hotel-room travel videos.

It is still a minimalist setup, but it solves the biggest weakness of basic phone tripods: no clean place to mount audio or lighting.

Travel-Friendly Weight#

At 422 g, the MT-44 is light enough to toss into a backpack or camera sling without thinking about it. That matters because the best tripod is usually the one you actually bring. A heavier full-size model may be sturdier, but it is far more likely to stay at home.

If you want a support that is easy to keep with you every day, the MT-44 hits a practical sweet spot.


Technical Specifications#

Model : MT-44 / 2502B

Category : Extendable vlog tripod and selfie stick

Material : Aluminum and plastic

Weight : 422 g

Minimum Height : 13 in / 340 mm folded working length

Maximum Height : 59 in / 1500 mm with phone holder attached

Handle Length : 57.6 in / 146.5 cm before the phone holder adds final height

Phone Clamp Range : 60-80 mm

Head Type : 360-degree ball head

Accessory Mounts : 1/4-inch screw thread and cold shoe

Compatible Devices : Smartphones, action cameras, compact lights, and lightweight mirrorless cameras

Color : Black


Pros & Cons#

Pros:

  • One compact tool covers phone, action cam, and light mirrorless use
  • Hidden clamp design is cleaner and easier to pack than separate phone holders
  • 59-inch max height is unusually useful for a travel-size creator tripod
  • Cold shoe lets you mount a light or mic without extra cages
  • 360-degree ball head makes vertical and horizontal shooting fast
  • 422 g carry weight is easy on a sling bag or backpack

Cons:

  • Not the right choice for heavy cameras or long lenses
  • Plastic sections will not feel as confidence-inspiring as an all-metal travel tripod
  • Leg spread and stability are good for light kits, not windy outdoor setups
  • No remote shutter included in the package

Final Verdict#

Buy it. The Ulanzi MT-44 is one of the better low-cost picks for creators who switch between phones and compact cameras and want more reach than a pocket tripod can offer.

Our recommendation: If you shoot travel clips, overhead demos, or quick talking-head videos, the MT-44 is the kind of lightweight support you will actually carry and use. Grab it here: View on Amazon

Category: Cameras

Tags: Ulanzi MT-44 review, Ulanzi tripod, phone tripod for vlogging, selfie stick tripod, creator tripod, camera tripod for travel