As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Collapsed, the ULANZI MT85 looked more like a lightsaber or flashlight than a phone stand. It is a magnetic stand with an unusual four-leg base, and its quick-opening mechanism impressed me most.
A button on the bottom activates when the stand meets the floor, releasing all four legs automatically. My first attempt on camera was awkward, but the later demonstrations went much more smoothly. Collapsing it was straightforward: I pulled up on the neck and brought the legs back together.
A screw-down mechanism near the bottom locks the stand while it is collapsed. I loosened the lock before pressing the bottom button to open it again. This keeps the legs closed while I am carrying the stand.
The MT85 extends much higher than its compact form suggests. I am six feet four inches tall, and I estimated its fully extended height at about five feet. The seller lists a maximum height of 1.5 meters and markets it as a 60-inch model, but I did not measure it independently.
At the top is a magnetic phone mount with pressure-fit hinges. I adjusted the mount to the position I wanted, and the hinges held it there during my demonstration. My MagSafe phone stayed attached, but I could still remove it by hand without much effort.
The extension sections took a little force to adjust. I preferred that resistance because they did not feel loose while I handled the stand. The stand also felt light but sturdy during the demonstration. According to the seller listing, it weighs 385 grams, although I did not independently verify that weight.
A small detachable Bluetooth remote is stored in the handle. It does not pull straight down. I had to slide it slightly downward and then out. I used it to control recording on my phone during the video, confirming that basic function with my device.
The seller claims the remote works from up to 10 meters, pairs with iPhone and Android devices, and cannot be recharged. I did not test its maximum range, broader phone compatibility, or battery life.
What I liked most was how quickly I could carry, open, adjust, and collapse the stand. Its adjustable height, magnetic mount, stored remote, and locking base suit the way I film in different locations. Based on this demonstration, I plan to bring it with me when I need to record away from my usual setup.
