Occasionally, an invention or a product comes along that sets a standard by which all others are measured in the future. Think of the Bialetto Mocha Pot or the Swiss Army Knife. These are two classic products that have been around for donkey’s years and have often been imitated but never bettered.
I have a strong feeling the Ulanzi MA38 mobile phone stand might also become a modern design classic. This MagLock phone stand works with MagSafe-compatible smartphones and phone cases, although it does come with a self-adhesive metal ring you can stick on your phone if it isn’t MagSafe compatible.
This pocket-sized gadget is a multi-purpose phone stand that can function as a tripod, a grip, a magnetic holder and a selfie stick, keeping your phone steady in landscape or portrait mode whenever you are taking photos or videos.
Holds Up To 450g
The MA38 is made from a tough aluminum alloy and includes a very strong magnet with a holding force of 14N and the ability to handle a payload of up to 450g. The Ulanzi MA38 measures just 155mm long when folded and can be used in one of five ways.
To start with, there is Snap Mode. This uses the magnet built into the base for attaching it to any magnetic surface, just like a limpet. The second is Mantis Mode, which uses the stand’s hidden hook and two splayed legs to hang it from the top of a door or a ledge, like a praying mantis. In Mantis Mode, you can shoot dramatically high shots.
In Phone Stand mode, the Ulanzi MA38 functions much like any basic phone holder, as if it were on an easel and is a great way to watch a movie or shoot tabletop photos.
Five Ways To Use
Handheld mode sees the Ulanzi MA38 transform into a mini selfie stick for carrying around and shooting video. Finally, there’s Tripod Mode, which uses the two splayed legs and the fold-out base to create a sturdy mini tabletop tripod.
The Ulanzi MA38 also has a traditional tripod thread on its base so it can be screwed onto a traditional tripod or a microphone boom arm. This stand is nothing if not versatile. Finally, the MA38’s base is also compatible with an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate, so it can be quickly attached to a compatible tripod head.
The MagLock head of the Ulanzi MA38 has a carabiner feature so it can easily be attached or clipped to a strap or the D-ring on a bag. The head of the stand can swivel through 360 degrees so it can be turned around for use as a webcam or for taking selfies.
Because the MA38’s stand has MagLock properties, it can also function as a stand for small photographic lights or a filter holder. Measuring just 155mm tall, the MA38 can comfortably fit in a trouser pocket or slip into the side pocket of a camera bag.
The Ulanzi MA38’s uses are only limited by the imagination. It’s perfectly possible that it could replace a full-size tripod and the only thing that’s missing is a bottle opener.
Pricing and Availability:
The Ulanzi MA38 MagLock Phone Stand is shipping now and available via Amazon or the Ulanzi online store, priced at $55.99.
Tech Specs:
- Model: MA38
- Material: Aluminum Alloy and Magnet.
- Max Load: 450g.
- Folded length: 155mm.
- Weight: 108g.
