I wasted months dealing with a nightmare vlogging setup. I’d pack my camera, then realize I needed a separate phone mount. I’d buy a tripod, then discover it didn’t have the right adapter for my rig. I’d be on a hiking trip or traveling for work and suddenly I’m lugging three different mounting systems just to shoot decent content. It was ridiculous. I knew there had to be a better way, so I started researching compact rig systems. That’s when I found the Ulanzi U-Rig Pro, and it honestly changed how I approach travel content creation.
What Was Causing the Problem
The core issue is that most creators either go all-in with a heavy, expensive rig system or they cobble together multiple cheap solutions that never work seamlessly. I was in the second camp. A phone mount here, a camera bracket there, random adapters everywhere. Nothing connected logically. When I traveled or hiked, I had to make tough choices about what to leave behind. This meant missing shots or compromising video quality because I didn’t have the right tool with me. The real problem wasn’t that good rigs don’t exist, it’s that most of them are designed for studio use or they’re so modular that you end up buying a dozen accessories to make them functional.
How the Ulanzi U-Rig Pro Multi-Function Phone and Camera Rig Fixes It
The U-Rig Pro is built around a simple philosophy: one lightweight system that handles phones, cameras, microphones, and monitors without requiring you to swap out half your gear. I appreciate that I can mount my phone on one side and my mirrorless camera on the other. If I need to add a microphone, there’s a cold shoe mount. If I want to add a small monitor for detailed focus, there’s space for that too. The whole thing weighs practically nothing, maybe 8 ounces, and it collapses down to fit in my camera backpack’s side pocket.
What really sold me was the build quality. It feels solid in my hands, the grip is comfortable, and I don’t worry about my gear slipping. The mounting points are precise, not loose or wobbly. I’ve taken this rig on a week-long backpacking trip, used it for product shots in my kitchen, and brought it to outdoor adventure locations where weight matters. Every time, it performed reliably.
What Changed After I Started Using It
Before the U-Rig Pro, I was making compromises. Either I’d shoot on my phone because my camera rig felt too heavy, or I’d shoot on my camera but miss B-roll opportunities because my phone wasn’t mounted. I was also spending mental energy managing multiple systems instead of focusing on actual creativity.
After switching, I travel lighter and shoot more. I’m no longer deciding between gear options. I grab one rig and I’m ready to create content with both my phone and camera simultaneously if needed. My hiking vlogs improved immediately because I could capture cinematic wide shots on my camera while getting close-up reaction footage on my phone. My product photography got cleaner because I could position both devices exactly where I needed them. I’m actually using my gear instead of managing it.
Pros and Cons
- Lightweight and travel-friendly, fits easily in any bag without weighing you down on hikes or trips
- Works with multiple device types simultaneously (phone, camera, microphone, monitor) without needing separate systems
- Build quality is solid and reliable, no wobbling or slipping even with my heavier mirrorless camera mounted
- The grip can feel tight initially when mounting heavier cameras, though this loosens naturally with use
- Doesn’t come with all accessories (you’ll likely want the ball head separately for better angle control)
My Verdict
I recommend the Ulanzi U-Rig Pro Multi-Function Phone and Camera Rig because it’s genuinely the most practical content creation tool I’ve bought in years. It solves a real problem: how to shoot professional-quality video and photos without being weighed down by gear. For travel photographers, vloggers, and creators who work on location, this rig eliminates the decision fatigue of managing multiple mounting systems. At around $80, it’s an investment that pays for itself the first time it keeps you from buying three separate accessories.
If you’re currently bouncing between different rigs or leaving gear behind because it’s too much to carry, I’ve been exactly where you are. The U-Rig Pro is the solution I wish I’d found sooner. See It on Amazon