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ULANZI PT-3 Triple Cold Shoe Mount Plate Review

The ULANZI PT-3 is a compact accessory bracket for smartphone gimbals, cameras, and compatible rigs that need up to three cold-shoe-mounted accessories. It is strongest for mobile filmmakers adding microphones, LED lights, or receivers without giving up 1/4-20 mounting flexibility. Its key limitation is that accessory orientation can become less useful when a gimbal is tilted for low-angle shots.
Expert reviewed
89
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The ULANZI PT-3 is a universal-mount accessory plate designed to expand a compatible filming rig with three cold-shoe positions. It is aimed primarily at smartphone-gimbal users who want to add a microphone, LED light, wireless receiver, or similar compatible accessory while keeping a compact setup. The bracket also includes 1/4-20 sockets beneath its screws, providing another mounting option for a tripod or accessory. At 91 grams and with dimensions of 3.94 x 3.94 x 3.15 inches, it is a small add-on rather than a full camera cage. Its score profile is especially strong for features, compatibility, setup, and value. Customer feedback commonly praises its secure fit, stable feel, and quick installation, although balancing a loaded gimbal remains important.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
ULANZI
Model Number
PT-3-US2
Manufacturer
ULANZI
UPC
680727127077 797646174515 797153588294 699988511839 659676029077
Manufacturer Part Number
ST-PT3

Measurements

Item Dimensions
3.94 x 3.94 x 3.15 inches
Item Weight
91 Grams
Unit Count
1 Count

Additional details

Mounting Type
Universal Mount

Style

Color
Black

Scores breakdown

91 /100

Performance

92 /100

Features

90 /100

Usability

88 /100

Design

79 /100

App experience

73 /100

Display quality

92 /100

Audio quality

92 /100

Camera quality

Strengths

  • Three cold-shoe positions support microphones, LED lights, and other compatible accessories at the same time.
  • Two 1/4-20 mounting options help retain tripod or accessory-mounting flexibility.
  • High setup score of 93 reflects repeated reports of quick, straightforward attachment.
  • Compatibility score of 91 is supported by reported use with several DJI Osmo models and other gimbal setups.
  • Reviewers consistently describe the bracket as secure, stable, and well made.
  • At the listed price of $11.31, its 92 value score indicates strong accessory-expansion value.

Limitations

  • Adding lights, microphones, or receivers increases rig weight and may affect gimbal balance.
  • During low-angle or heavily tilted gimbal shots, mounted lights and microphones can point in an unhelpful direction.
  • The fixed mounting layout may require separate ball mounts for more flexible accessory positioning.
  • It is an accessory bracket, not a microphone, light, camera, or stabilizer.
  • Compatibility is broad but should be checked against the available 1/4-20 mounting point and clearance on a specific rig.
  • Warranty and manufacturer support details were not supplied.

Ideal user profiles

  • Smartphone gimbal users who need to mount a microphone and LED light together.
  • Mobile filmmakers building a compact, modular accessory rig.
  • Vloggers who use compatible cold-shoe microphones, receivers, or lights.
  • Creators who want to preserve access to a tripod connection through 1/4-20 threading.

Use cases

  • Adding a shotgun microphone to a smartphone gimbal.
  • Mounting an LED video light and wireless-microphone receiver side by side.
  • Creating a compact accessory bar for vlogging or interview recording.
  • Adding cold-shoe mounting capacity to compatible DJI Osmo Mobile setups.
  • Building a small camera-cage or tripod accessory configuration using 1/4-20 threads.
  • Keeping accessories organized for stationary, straight-on mobile video shoots.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

At $11.31, the PT-3 sits as a value-focused mobile-filmmaking accessory rather than a premium integrated rig. Its purpose is narrowly practical: increase the number of available cold-shoe mounts on compatible gimbals and 1/4-20-equipped setups. A 92 feature score and 92 value score make it a compelling option for creators who already own microphones or lights. It is best viewed as a compact modular expansion part, not a universal answer for complex camera builds or highly dynamic gimbal work.

Best for

The PT-3 is best for smartphone videographers, vloggers, and small-run filmmakers who need to mount multiple compatible accessories around a gimbal. Its 93 setup score and 91 compatibility score align with review reports of fast installation on DJI Osmo and other rigs. It makes particular sense for straight-on filming, tripod work, interviews, and controlled handheld clips where a microphone and light need to remain accessible and organized.

Not best for

Creators who frequently shoot low to the ground, rapidly tilt their gimbal, or rely on perfectly directed light and audio throughout complex movement should consider the PT-3 carefully. A reviewer noted that the fixed bracket can leave attached accessories facing downward when the gimbal tilts. It is also not ideal for users unwilling to rebalance a gimbal after adding weight, or for anyone whose equipment lacks compatible cold-shoe and 1/4-20 mounting options.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

The PT-3 performs its core job well: it creates three accessory positions from one mounting point. Its 91 performance score is consistent with reviews describing stable, secure mounting for microphones, lights, and receivers. The practical benefit is a cleaner gimbal setup with more accessory-placement choices than a single shoe provides. Performance depends on load balance, however. As accessories are added, gimbal handling and stabilization can be affected, so users should keep the setup balanced and avoid configurations that obstruct normal operation.

Feature analysis

The defining feature is the three-cold-shoe layout, which supports simultaneous use of compatible accessories such as an LED light, microphone, or receiver. The 1/4-20 sockets beneath the screws add useful mounting flexibility for a tripod or other compatible gear. With a 92 feature score, the PT-3 is well specified for a simple bracket. Its limitation is adjustability: the supplied information does not indicate built-in articulated joints for independently correcting accessory angles during gimbal movement.

Usability analysis

Daily use appears straightforward. The 90 usability score and review feedback point to quick attachment, simple adjustment, and an organized way to keep accessories close to the rig. Three mounting positions can also help users choose a placement that leaves more hand clearance. Usability is less straightforward once several accessories are fitted, since their combined weight and position can change gimbal balance. A short balance check before recording is a sensible part of the workflow.

Design

The design prioritizes compact accessory expansion: a three-shoe bar adds mounting capacity without becoming a full cage. At 91 grams, it remains relatively light, while its square 3.94-inch dimensions may be practical for transport between shoots. Reviews suggest side mounting can preserve hand room on some gimbal setups. Its fixed geometry is the main trade-off. While compact for conventional shooting, it does not inherently keep lights and microphones level when the gimbal is tilted.

How it compares

Within the compact cold-shoe bracket category, the PT-3 stands out through its three accessory positions and additional 1/4-20 mounting sockets. This makes it more flexible than a basic single-shoe adapter for creators who combine a microphone, light, and wireless receiver. Its strong setup, compatibility, and value scores suggest a practical choice for expanding an existing gimbal rather than replacing it with a larger rig. The trade-off against more articulated mounting solutions is positional control: users who need lights or microphones to remain directed independently of gimbal tilt may prefer an adjustable accessory mount.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 89 out of 100, the ULANZI PT-3 ranks as a strong value-oriented accessory bracket for compatible mobile-filming rigs. It scores particularly well for setup (93), customer satisfaction (93), features (92), value (92), compatibility (91), and core performance (91). Those results match the product's focused purpose: adding three cold-shoe positions with useful 1/4-20 mounting flexibility. Build quality, reliability, durability, and portability are also solid at 89 or 90. Its ranking is held back mainly by the inherent compromises of a fixed gimbal accessory bar, including added balance demands and less helpful accessory orientation in low-angle tilted shots.

Buying advice

Consider the ULANZI PT-3 if your gimbal or rig has a compatible 1/4-20 mounting point and you need a compact place for cold-shoe accessories. It is especially sensible for vlogging, interviews, tripod-assisted filming, and straightforward handheld work where a microphone and LED light can stay in a predictable orientation. Before buying, confirm mounting clearance on your exact gimbal and account for the weight of every accessory. Avoid assuming it will solve all rigging needs for low-angle or highly dynamic gimbal shots; those uses may require ball mounts or another articulated solution.
89
Overall score

Final verdict

The ULANZI PT-3 is a strong option in the compact gimbal-accessory bracket category. Its main strength is practical versatility: three cold-shoe mounts and 1/4-20 sockets provide useful expansion at a low listed price, backed by high setup, value, compatibility, and customer-satisfaction scores. Reviews also point to a secure, well-made design. Its main limitation is not build quality but geometry: extra accessories add weight, and their direction can become awkward when a gimbal tilts for low-angle work. For conventional mobile filmmaking, it is a well-judged, value-focused add-on.
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Key topics

ULANZI PT-3 review, ULANZI PT-3 triple cold shoe mount, smartphone gimbal accessory bracket, gimbal microphone light mount, cold shoe extension bracket review, DJI Osmo Mobile accessory mount, mobile filmmaking rig

Frequently asked questions

Is the ULANZI PT-3 worth buying?
At its listed price of $11.31, the ULANZI PT-3 appears to offer strong value for creators who need extra cold-shoe mounting points. Its 92 value score, 93 setup score, and 4.6/5 rating from 2,522 reviews support its appeal as a practical accessory-expansion bracket rather than a full rig solution.
What can the ULANZI PT-3 mount?
The PT-3 provides three cold-shoe mounts intended for compatible accessories such as microphones and LED video lights. It also has 1/4-20 threading on the mounting screws, which can allow attachment to a tripod or another compatible accessory. The attached equipment itself is not included.
Is the ULANZI PT-3 easy to set up?
Setup is one of the stronger areas in the supplied scoring, at 93 out of 100. Reviewers repeatedly describe the bracket as easy to screw on, attach, and adjust. Before filming, users should still rebalance a gimbal after adding accessories, particularly when mounting more than one item.
Is the ULANZI PT-3 compatible with DJI Osmo Mobile gimbals?
The product information lists compatibility with several DJI Osmo Mobile models, including OM 4 and Osmo Mobile 3 and 4, while reviews report use with Osmo Mobile SE and other DJI setups. Fit depends on the available mounting point and physical clearance, so compatibility should be confirmed for a specific gimbal model.
What are the main limitations of the ULANZI PT-3?
The most important practical limitation is gimbal orientation. One reviewer found that when a gimbal is tilted for low-angle or moving shots, the mounted microphone and light can tilt toward the ground as well. Added accessories can also increase weight and affect balance, potentially requiring more careful setup.
Is the ULANZI PT-3 good for mobile filmmaking?
It appears well suited to mobile filmmaking where a creator needs a compact way to add a microphone, light, or receiver to a compatible gimbal. Performance, feature, and compatibility scores are all above 90. It is most suitable for conventional framing and stationary or controlled movement rather than every low-angle shooting style.
Does the ULANZI PT-3 keep tripod mounting available?
The supplied product details state that each screw has a 1/4-20 socket on its underside, allowing another compatible device such as a tripod to be attached. Review feedback also notes this as a useful feature. The exact final configuration depends on the gimbal and accessories being used.
Is the ULANZI PT-3 durable?
Durability is scored at 89 out of 100, and reviews commonly describe the bracket as solid, stable, and secure in use. That is positive evidence for normal accessory mounting, but the supplied data does not provide long-term testing, environmental ratings, or warranty terms. Avoid exceeding the practical balance limits of a gimbal.

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