Ulanzi U-190 vs SmallRig 3457
Comparison of the two smallest compact lightweight mini video heads. Features and specifications of Ulanzi U-190 Mini Fluid Head against the SmallRig Lightweight Fluid Video Head 3457.
Weight: Ulanzi U-190 (353 g) vs. SmallRig 3457 (512 g)
Maximum load capacity: Ulanzi U-190 (10 kg) vs. SmallRig 3457 (5 kg)
Height: Ulanzi U-190 (8 cm) vs. SmallRig 3457 (10.4 cm)
Bottom base diameter: Ulanzi U-190 (4 cm) vs. SmallRig 3457 (4.6 cm)
Bottom base thread: Ulanzi U-190 [3/8" 16 with 1/4" 20 adapter] vs. SmallRig 3457 [3/8" 16 no adapter for 1/4" 20 (can be purchased separately)]
Forward tilt: Ulanzi U-190 (90°) vs. SmallRig 3457 (90°)
Backward tilt: Ulanzi U-190 (-80°) vs. SmallRig 3457 (-60°)
Panning rotation on bottom base: Ulanzi U-190 (360°) vs. SmallRig 3457 (360°)
Panning rotation on mount section (clamp): Ulanzi U-190 [No (it might be possible to unscrew mount section with clamp, rotated 90° and screwed in but this is unverified)] vs. SmallRig 3457 [Yes, 360° ]
Panning degree markings: Ulanzi U-190 (numeric value step: 15°, line markings step: 7.5°, short lines: 2.5°) vs. SmallRig 3457 (numeric value step: 15°, line markings step: 5°)
Adjustable sliding mount section (clamp): Ulanzi U-190 (No) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes) can be used to easily balance the center of gravity after a camera has been mounted
Handle length: Ulanzi U-190 [20 cm (handle can be removed)] vs. SmallRig 3457 [14 cm — 33 cm (extendable handle)]
- Feels flimsy on the SmallRig
- When I measured the handle on SmallRig 3457 it was between 13.5 cm and 31 cm.
Telescopic handle: Ulanzi U-190 (No) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes)
- Telescoping feel flimsy and is more of a nuisance than a utility, despite the length advantage and compactness advantage when collapsed.
- Telescopic handle is more likely to be damaged due to its design and material.
- Non-telescopic handle is easier to use and is always ready to use.
Detachable handle: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes)
Detachable handle clamp: Ulanzi U-190 (No ) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes, handle and handle-clamp are connected so they are detached together)
- The clamp holding the handle can be removed on the SmallRig which makes it more compact and reduces its weight.
Removed handle grip mount can be used as an additional accessory mount: Ulanzi U-190 [No] vs. SmallRig 3457 [Yes, has a 14" 20 thread mount (with teeth)]
Angled grip on handle: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes) vs. SmallRig 3457 (No)
Bubble spirit level: Ulanzi U-190 (No) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes)
Accessory mount: Ulanzi U-190 [No] vs. SmallRig 3457 [Yes (1/4" 20 thread)]
Quick release plate size: Ulanzi U-190 [3.2 cm x 3.2 cm (top), 3.8 cm x 3.8 cm (bottom)] vs. SmallRig 3457 [5 cm x 3.3 cm (top), 5 cm x 3.8 cm (bottom)]
Quick release plate shape: Ulanzi U-190 (Square) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Rectangle)
Quick release plate anti deflection edge: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes) vs. SmallRig 3457 (No)
- Helps reduce camera shake when tilting the camera on Ulanzi U-190
Quick release plate screw(s): Ulanzi U-190 (Yes, one. screws can be added.) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes, two. screws can be removed.)
Quick release plate screw can be tightened by hand without a tool: Ulanzi U-190 (No) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes)
- For the Ulanzi U-190, you might be able to purchase screws separately that can be tightened by hand, but the space is quite tight on the release plate.
Quick release plate safety: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes, but not reliable.)
- Clamp opens up further on SmallRig 3457 than on Ulanzi U-190.
- Release plate width difference between top part and bottom part is less on the SmallRig 3457.
- Height of release plate on SmallRig 3457 is 1 mm less than on the Ulanzi U-190.
- Shape of indentation to stop release plate sliding off is different.
Quick release plate center marking: Ulanzi U-190 [Yes (both directions)] vs. SmallRig 3457 [Yes (single direction)]
Clamp markings: Ulanzi U-190 [Yes, 19 steps (including center marking)] vs. SmallRig 3457 [Yes, 1 marking (only center marking)]
Allen key wrench: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes)
Allen key wrench magnetic slot: Ulanzi U-190 (Yes, indentation for thumb to pull out wrench) vs. SmallRig 3457 (Yes, wrench can be popped out by pressing on it)
Tilting movement quality:
Ulanzi U-190:
- Strong damping resistance
- Smooth movement
(but slow due to damping strength)
SmallRig 3457:
- Lower damping resistance
- Not uniformly smooth
(friction of plate can be felt/heard)
- Adjustment lever hits against the mount lock lever when tilting which changes the strength of the tilting tension.
- Ulanzi U-190 is better for scenes with slow movement requirements.
- SmallRig 3457 is better for fast moving scenes such as sports.
Panning movement quality:
Ulanzi U-190:
- Strong damping resistance
- Smooth movement
(but slow due to damping strength)
SmallRig 3457:
- Less damping resistance
- Not uniformly smooth
(friction of plates can be felt/heard)
- Adjustment screw can fallout if loosened too much.
