Great review, thank you! We stick with aluminum grips because in the long run, they're more reliable. Rubber grips can separate from the metal underneath as the glue dries over time, which is why we don't offer this feature on any of our tripods. I like the pop-off rubber feet and will have a good look at them.
That makes complete sense about the grips. I will still quietly curse them every winter :) in all seriousness I love my FLM tripods and now have several different sizes. They’ve been completely bulletproof.
The metal twist grips FLM uses are very cool ( No Pun ) and They feel and work very well. I can see where some might have issues in really cold weather, but really? You should be wearing gloves if it is that cold. My issue with FLM, and Ari ( a great Guy btw ) has discussed this with me, is the condition the tripods arrive to the Customer. I realize this comes down to the retailer, but I have received not one, but two CP30 S4 II tripods in lousy condition. Boxes that looked like they have been used like ‘Hockey pucks,’ and missing or suspect contents! I would respectively request that you have a look into this, Ari. First one was received with crumpled up box, and a tripod in plastic bag, with spikes, and nothing else. Second one B&H sent out had a ‘QC checked green dot’ on it, and was in a paper/cloth bag, with one of the two stiffeners Ari told me should be in there. Spikes, and nothing else. And the one leg refused to ‘drop’ easily, when the grip was unlocked. Sold as new, but I have a feeling it was a demo, Or used, in fairness to FLM. I’m not sure what is going on, but it has left me with a distaste on the brand. And it is a shame, because the first one worked OK, and is one of the best tripods I have tried! Keeping with a Teutonic nature, the operation and functionality of FLM tripods are sublime. My honest feelings, and I wanted to leave on a positive note. Thanks Ari for being a Man with Character and Compassion! 🤝
@@georgedavall9449 haha! That’s fair. I tend to take off my gloves once I start shooting because they get in the way. But you’re right the tripod would be easy to set up with gloves. Mounting the camera and everything else… not so much. But thank you for the laugh and the comment.
Excellent review. I have been using the CP30 for just over a year. It’s my first CF tripod and I love it. That being said my wife and I are going on a cruise this fall so I wanted to get a tripod that would be better for travel. I decided to take a look at what my local camera shop had because I’d like to support them as much as possible. The only travel tripods they had were MeFoto and Sirui. The Sirui was a nice looking unit but cost $339 and I wasn’t impressed with how difficult the twist locks were to turn compared to my FLM. To make a long story short I came home and was looking on line where I found an open box CP26 for $299. Bought it last night and will also pair it with an Acratech head (GP) when it arrives. I think I’ll be good on tripods for the foreseeable future.
I have owned an FLM tripod for over a year but it's the taller and larger CP30 l4. It's not overly heavy, but I do not hike long distances with it. The CP26 just didn't have the height that I have been know to use quite often while out in the wilderness and the cost was a stickler. I also have a Acartech pano head on that tripod with an off brand base that works for me. I also have a Lefoto tripod that's a bit shorter with a combined leveling base and a Lefoto pano head and that head was less than half the cost of the Acratech and it's .9 ounces lighter with just as good of build and features. Time will tell how well it holds up, but I have no doubts. Thanks for sharing
Nice setup! Thanks for the info. Ive been using an FLM cp30 m5 hybrid tripod with cb-38 ball head since around 2020 I believe. I love it. I have shot up to 8x10 film and heavy cameras with no issues. I may take a look at this even smaller setup you have and that small ball head. The cp-30 m5 is still pretty light but I find that I wish it was somewhat smaller. The main issue ive had with this setup is the black plastic pieces inside of the aluminum twist locks have broken on me numerous times in the field. When this happens I have to leave the leg extended out until I replace it. It's always the bottom smaller leg. I know it happens because I untwist the lock too much and then close the leg. When I do that it will break that plastic piece. So I always try and remember to do a half turn. But sometimes I get in a rush and just undo it too much. It really is not a big deal and super easy to swap out and replace those pieces. I always try and keep extras on hand.
That’s good to know. I’ve never broken one, but I tend to be pretty good about only doing a half turn. Now I know that’s a risk if I go too far though! I haven’t tried 8x10 on this setup but might need to give it a try. I bet you could get away with it on shorter bellows draw but would worry a bit more if I had a big heavy lens racked out haha. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Helpful video! I am looking at the Long Lens Head for landscape and wildlife. My wildlife lens is a 150-600, weighs about 4.5 pounds. Do think the FLM tripod is enough to handle that lens on a Nikon D850?
I have to say lately I’ve gotten close to throwing my acratech head in the trash. It’s not holding up well at all and creeps even with light kit. I wouldn’t recommend it anymore. For the tripod, it can definitely handle the weight but you have to consider stability and ability to absorb shake. A lightweight tripod will have trade offs and getting sharp shots will be harder for sure. I’m not a wildlife shooter by any means but I would think a heavier set of legs would be better
What’s up man. Any more details on the wood adapter you made and what inserts you put in there and how they’re secured? I have a BC-18 already and just got a FLM CP22-S4. Trying to combine two for super ultra light backpacking setup. CP22 has removable stud for 1/4 or 3/8 male but tripod is threaded for weird M11 thread. So need a lightweight adapter like you made.
Manfrotto makes these adapters but they’re pricey. Just gotta make sure you get the right size. www.adorama.com/bg3154.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4N6R1bSE-wIVBAV9Ch3aDwurEAQYJiABEgIhHvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds& I used these threaded adapters with some CA glue which was much lighter and cheaper. I also had a few laying around that came with other tripod items so it was a free option. www.adorama.com/bg148kn.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4N6R1bSE-wIVBAV9Ch3aDwurEAQYBCABEgJSfvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds& Let me know if you have any questions or need help getting it set up.
@@MrNegative thanks for the quick reply man! Understood I’ve found some other adapters as well that would add quite a bit of weight or add a bit of height and skinny. I’m familiar with those 3/8-1/4 bushings. So you just screwed one of those in both sides of a custom wooden puck and glued them in place? Holding fine?
@@captainbeardvisuals4696 yes, that’s exactly what I did. It’s holding great so far but I mostly use it with my video kit now which is really lightweight. I just drilled a pilot hole, put some glue in the hole and then screwed in the adapter.
Only thing I have against FLM tripods are the narrow leg angles. A lot of their models utilize 21 degree primary angles that are... bad. The CLP26 is one of the better models, but its primary leg angles are still 22 degrees. The RRS TFC-14 you decided to compare the CLP26 to is a much, much better product despite having very similar "base stats" to the CLP26. The RRS is a MUCH more rigid/stable tripod; the devil is in the details you don't mention, like the fact the TFC-14 utilizes much wider (and thus stable, at the cost of potential height) primary leg angles (25 degrees vs. 22 for the FLM), and thicker carbon fiber legs (28.5mm top tube, 16.4mm bottom tube, vs 26mm top, 12 mm bottom for the FLM), not to mention thicker carbon fiber construction. The FLM is a fine product. If it gets the job done, it's the right tool, and anything extra is superfluous. It is not however, nearly as stable as a RRS TFC-14, and for many uses you'll get much more out of the RRS. The Acratech is a stellar head, and I use it on some leofoto legs with a built in leveling base as a travel set up that's much lighter and compact than my RRS/BH-55 primary set up. Solid advice.
Your comments make sense about the leg angle and thickness. With that said, I've shot in all types of conditions and have yet to feel any lack of stability or a need for more from the FLM. Given the price difference... I still feel very strongly the FLM was the right choice for me. Now, as I mentioned, those with a larger budget may very well feel the points you mention justify the price for them and I have no doubt the RRS is an amazing product. I use several RRS products and they're all fantastic. I just didn't feel the FLM came up short in any meaningful way for me which would justify the extra cost. With that said, I appreciate you watching the video and giving feedback, you make some great points I hadn't thought of!
Great review, thank you! We stick with aluminum grips because in the long run, they're more reliable. Rubber grips can separate from the metal underneath as the glue dries over time, which is why we don't offer this feature on any of our tripods.
I like the pop-off rubber feet and will have a good look at them.
That makes complete sense about the grips. I will still quietly curse them every winter :) in all seriousness I love my FLM tripods and now have several different sizes. They’ve been completely bulletproof.
Good to hear, thank you Jim. We'll keep watching and listening!
The metal twist grips FLM uses are very cool ( No Pun ) and They feel and work very well. I can see where some might have issues in really cold weather, but really? You should be wearing gloves if it is that cold.
My issue with FLM, and Ari ( a great Guy btw ) has discussed this with me, is the condition the tripods arrive to the Customer. I realize this comes down to the retailer, but I have received not one, but two CP30 S4 II tripods in lousy condition. Boxes that looked like they have been used like ‘Hockey pucks,’ and missing or suspect contents! I would respectively request that you have a look into this, Ari. First one was received with crumpled up box, and a tripod in plastic bag, with spikes, and nothing else. Second one B&H sent out had a ‘QC checked green dot’ on it, and was in a paper/cloth bag, with one of the two stiffeners Ari told me should be in there. Spikes, and nothing else. And the one leg refused to ‘drop’ easily, when the grip was unlocked.
Sold as new, but I have a feeling it was a demo, Or used, in fairness to FLM. I’m not sure what is going on, but it has left me with a distaste on the brand. And it is a shame, because the first one worked OK, and is one of the best tripods I have tried! Keeping with a Teutonic nature, the operation and functionality of FLM tripods are sublime. My honest feelings, and I wanted to leave on a positive note. Thanks Ari for being a Man with Character and Compassion! 🤝
@@MrNegative You want I buy you a nice pair of gloves? 🙄😆
@@georgedavall9449 haha! That’s fair. I tend to take off my gloves once I start shooting because they get in the way. But you’re right the tripod would be easy to set up with gloves. Mounting the camera and everything else… not so much. But thank you for the laugh and the comment.
Excellent review. I have been using the CP30 for just over a year. It’s my first CF tripod and I love it. That being said my wife and I are going on a cruise this fall so I wanted to get a tripod that would be better for travel. I decided to take a look at what my local camera shop had because I’d like to support them as much as possible. The only travel tripods they had were MeFoto and Sirui. The Sirui was a nice looking unit but cost $339 and I wasn’t impressed with how difficult the twist locks were to turn compared to my FLM. To make a long story short I came home and was looking on line where I found an open box CP26 for $299. Bought it last night and will also pair it with an Acratech head (GP) when it arrives. I think I’ll be good on tripods for the foreseeable future.
So glad it was helpful. You got a great deal! I’m sure you’ll love it.
100% agree on the FLM tripod and Acratech head. Rock solid.
Wish I had found it sooner!
I have owned an FLM tripod for over a year but it's the taller and larger CP30 l4. It's not overly heavy, but I do not hike long distances with it. The CP26 just didn't have the height that I have been know to use quite often while out in the wilderness and the cost was a stickler. I also have a Acartech pano head on that tripod with an off brand base that works for me. I also have a Lefoto tripod that's a bit shorter with a combined leveling base and a Lefoto pano head and that head was less than half the cost of the Acratech and it's .9 ounces lighter with just as good of build and features. Time will tell how well it holds up, but I have no doubts. Thanks for sharing
I wish I had known about the leofoto! That's a great find if it's lighter and just as sturdy. Thanks for watching!
Nice setup! Thanks for the info. Ive been using an FLM cp30 m5 hybrid tripod with cb-38 ball head since around 2020 I believe. I love it. I have shot up to 8x10 film and heavy cameras with no issues. I may take a look at this even smaller setup you have and that small ball head. The cp-30 m5 is still pretty light but I find that I wish it was somewhat smaller. The main issue ive had with this setup is the black plastic pieces inside of the aluminum twist locks have broken on me numerous times in the field. When this happens I have to leave the leg extended out until I replace it. It's always the bottom smaller leg. I know it happens because I untwist the lock too much and then close the leg. When I do that it will break that plastic piece. So I always try and remember to do a half turn. But sometimes I get in a rush and just undo it too much. It really is not a big deal and super easy to swap out and replace those pieces. I always try and keep extras on hand.
That’s good to know. I’ve never broken one, but I tend to be pretty good about only doing a half turn. Now I know that’s a risk if I go too far though! I haven’t tried 8x10 on this setup but might need to give it a try. I bet you could get away with it on shorter bellows draw but would worry a bit more if I had a big heavy lens racked out haha. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Helpful video! I am looking at the Long Lens Head for landscape and wildlife. My wildlife lens is a 150-600, weighs about 4.5 pounds. Do think the FLM tripod is enough to handle that lens on a Nikon D850?
I have to say lately I’ve gotten close to throwing my acratech head in the trash. It’s not holding up well at all and creeps even with light kit. I wouldn’t recommend it anymore. For the tripod, it can definitely handle the weight but you have to consider stability and ability to absorb shake. A lightweight tripod will have trade offs and getting sharp shots will be harder for sure. I’m not a wildlife shooter by any means but I would think a heavier set of legs would be better
brother, hiya!!rpo ! all the best.=)
What’s up man. Any more details on the wood adapter you made and what inserts you put in there and how they’re secured? I have a BC-18 already and just got a FLM CP22-S4. Trying to combine two for super ultra light backpacking setup. CP22 has removable stud for 1/4 or 3/8 male but tripod is threaded for weird M11 thread. So need a lightweight adapter like you made.
Manfrotto makes these adapters but they’re pricey. Just gotta make sure you get the right size. www.adorama.com/bg3154.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4N6R1bSE-wIVBAV9Ch3aDwurEAQYJiABEgIhHvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&
I used these threaded adapters with some CA glue which was much lighter and cheaper. I also had a few laying around that came with other tripod items so it was a free option. www.adorama.com/bg148kn.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4N6R1bSE-wIVBAV9Ch3aDwurEAQYBCABEgJSfvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&
Let me know if you have any questions or need help getting it set up.
@@MrNegative thanks for the quick reply man! Understood I’ve found some other adapters as well that would add quite a bit of weight or add a bit of height and skinny. I’m familiar with those 3/8-1/4 bushings. So you just screwed one of those in both sides of a custom wooden puck and glued them in place? Holding fine?
@@captainbeardvisuals4696 yes, that’s exactly what I did. It’s holding great so far but I mostly use it with my video kit now which is really lightweight. I just drilled a pilot hole, put some glue in the hole and then screwed in the adapter.
Only thing I have against FLM tripods are the narrow leg angles. A lot of their models utilize 21 degree primary angles that are... bad. The CLP26 is one of the better models, but its primary leg angles are still 22 degrees. The RRS TFC-14 you decided to compare the CLP26 to is a much, much better product despite having very similar "base stats" to the CLP26. The RRS is a MUCH more rigid/stable tripod; the devil is in the details you don't mention, like the fact the TFC-14 utilizes much wider (and thus stable, at the cost of potential height) primary leg angles (25 degrees vs. 22 for the FLM), and thicker carbon fiber legs (28.5mm top tube, 16.4mm bottom tube, vs 26mm top, 12 mm bottom for the FLM), not to mention thicker carbon fiber construction.
The FLM is a fine product. If it gets the job done, it's the right tool, and anything extra is superfluous. It is not however, nearly as stable as a RRS TFC-14, and for many uses you'll get much more out of the RRS.
The Acratech is a stellar head, and I use it on some leofoto legs with a built in leveling base as a travel set up that's much lighter and compact than my RRS/BH-55 primary set up. Solid advice.
Your comments make sense about the leg angle and thickness. With that said, I've shot in all types of conditions and have yet to feel any lack of stability or a need for more from the FLM. Given the price difference... I still feel very strongly the FLM was the right choice for me. Now, as I mentioned, those with a larger budget may very well feel the points you mention justify the price for them and I have no doubt the RRS is an amazing product. I use several RRS products and they're all fantastic. I just didn't feel the FLM came up short in any meaningful way for me which would justify the extra cost.
With that said, I appreciate you watching the video and giving feedback, you make some great points I hadn't thought of!