Inexplicably, and without reason (according to my wife…), I find myself in the position of having bought my 3rd tripod this year.  But unlike the previous two tripods that I purchased, this one isn’t for photography.  I bought it for a video work.  My YouTube channel is picking up some steam and I’m producing more videos.  I’d like to be producing one a week.  So I had been considering getting a video tripod or at least a video head for one of my other tripods when all of the YouTube influencer videos hit last week on the release of the Ulanzi GlideGo video tripod.

The GlideGo video tripod comes in two versions – I purchased the version with the dedicated video head (JJ06), but there is a second version that’s more of a travel photography tripod (JJ05).  So let me get my first complaint out right up front with something that applies to either version of this tripod.  The most recent Ulanzi tripod releases have featured tripod legs with a twist to release function, which I really like.  Why then do the new GlideGo tripods have older style tripod legs that you have to unlatch to release and extend?  Obviously not a dealbreaker, but just an annoyance given how much I like the Ulanzi TreeRoot Quick Lock Light I bought earlier this year.  I will say that for a tripod that extends via latch release, the latches are the softest and easiest to use that I’ve every encountered.  Similarly, if you want to splay out the tripod legs to get the unit closer to the ground, the aluminum releases are quite easy to actuate – they can be downright painful to use on some tripods.  You also notice that all of the anodized aluminum pieces on the tripod will color shift depending on the light from black to green.  Not sure that was intentional, but some will find it interesting.

While the  GlideGo Video Tripod is marketed as anis marketed as a travel tripod, it isn’t as light as I would have hoped at 3.85 lbs. (1745 grams) – but that’s still pretty darn light.  I’m not going to take this thing on vacation with me, but if I do want to do some video work outside the studio it should be just fine.  Yes, the version of this tripod that I have is a bit heavier due to the video panning head.  Also, adding to the weight of the panning head is the screwdriver and bit set built into the panning handle.  I’m sort of of two minds on this particular feature.  On one hand, a screwdriver is not required for getting the tripod into its various configurations And its inclusion here does add not insignificantly to the weight of the tripod.  I believe the thought here is that when you’re shooting video, you use a lot of equipment and a lot of rigs which could potentially need a screwdriver.  Which is probably a good thought.  I could see where this would save your bacon getting out on location, getting the shot set up and realizing that you need the screwdriver you left back at your studio.  The video head is of course compatible with the Ulanzi Falcam F38 quick release plates which was another reason I was attracted to this tripod as I use the F38 plates extensively with all my photography gear.  The quick release plate mounting point is actually U-Ka, and not natively F38.  It’s designed to support heavier loads (video work) and has more points of engagement to keep he payload sturdy.  Whether you use the included U-Ka plate, an Arca Swiss plate, or the Ulanzi F38 quick release plates, you’ll find they go in a little tighter requiring a bit more finesse.  It might take you a second or five longer, but it will be safer and more secure for your video rig.

The tripod can be easily and quickly configured to perform top down video and photo work – no tools required.  I can see this being potentially handy when you’re out in the field.  But even more useful for me is the fact that when the tripod is configured  in the “top down mode” it can be used to do some really interesting panning video shots .  It’s difficult to describe but you can smoothly pan in closer to your subject, than pan away.  I demonstrate this capability in my YouTube video.  It’s pretty unique – I’ve not seen this before in other tripods.

The center column of the tripod does have a hook that allows you to attach a heavy bag and stabilize the tripod, which is particularly recommended if you’re going to use it in the top down configuration.  Lifting and extending the center column allows the GlideGo to reach an impressive 73 inches (187cm) Maximum height.  That’s easily over my head.

Another unique feature of the GlideGo is the driver set built into the panning handle:

Just unscrew the handle/driver, and unscrew the magnetic bit holder in the back of the handle.  Is this a good idea?  I’m not sure.  It no doubt adds some weight to the tripod – and cost.  Again, none of the essentially functions of the GlideGo require tools to configure.  I could see how if you were on a professional shoot and needed to make a quick adjustment that this built in bit driver could save your bacon.  But if you’re a shooting professionally, you really should keep, at a minimum, a good Leatherman multi-tool with you.  I’m sure the bits in this built-in kit are of lower quality and could potentially cause you to strip a screw.  But for infrequent, quick adjustments, they should work fine.

Overall, I’ve found the Ulanzi GlideGo Video Tripod (JJ06) to be an excellent addition to a crowded product segment, and well suited to my YouTube project needs.  Speaking of YouTube videos, if you’d like to see the tripod in action, just check out my video review below: