Last but not least: the price of these tripods was VERY surprising. I am just amazed that these tripods are not the most expensive, as they probably ought to be, but the least expensive! That was an unexpected bonus. Whilst the primary need for most will be to use the tripod with your camera, whether that’s mirrorless camera or a DSLR, you can also use a tripod as a support for any additional lighting, or accessories you may need, such as a flashgun, or reflector. If you’re looking for a tripod for your smartphone, have a look at our guide to camera phone tripods.

The GT5543XLS top casting can be configured with a flat disk, geared or sliding centre column, video half-ball adaptor or levelling base. The extra long size is new in the Series 5 for users requiring overhead height. The sister EX-EXPRO version has a heavier capacity of 44 lb and, if you like the modern looks of this EX-EXP, Explorer Photo & Video’s line features some great looking optional ball heads as well as the impressive Ascent Professional Carbon Fiber Tripod. Explorer Photo & Video EX-EXP Expedition Carbon Fiber Tripod with Monopod and BX-33 Ball Head 3 Legged Thing Leo 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod with AirHed Pro Lever Ball HeadThis tripod was tested and compared with its modular apex peers. Left to right; ProMediaGear TR344, Really Right Stuff TVC-34, Sirui SR-3204, FLM CP34-L4 II, Leofoto LM-364C, Gitzo GT3543LS. Don’t invalidate the warranty and get it insured: While it’s tempting to make a few modifications here and there or add extra pieces of kit onto the tripod. In doing so, you immediately invalidate the warranty. Furthermore, your insurance won’t cover it. Get it insured, don’t invalidate the contract, and maintain it regularly. The bottom line then for now on the FLM CP34 II is that it is definitely a keeper; I will for sure sell the RRS, and I will still most likely sell the Gitzo, but I need to do some more testing to and make a final decision on if I think I might still need the Gitzo for some of my video situations. But probably not, we'll just have to wait and see...I really need to start downsizing anyway!

Here are the specifications. All data presented here with the exception of the weight rating is measured, not provided by the manufacturer. Name The most stunning impression when holding the FLM CP10-A1 and CB-24E is just how light it all is. At only 0.6 lbs (277g) combined weight, it is far and away the lightest mini tripod and head in this review group. The legs themselves weigh a scant 5 ounces (140g), which makes their firm and stable feeling even more surprising. The design of the legs strongly resembles the steel rods underneath the Novoflex BasicBall, but these are made from aluminum instead, and more notably, the FLM legs are permanently attached. 10 year warranty My CP38 was delivered yesterday, and it will be another month or so for my CP30 to arrive. And I returned my Really Right Stuff TFC-34L to B&H Photo. After a few years of using my Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod, a piece of equipment that had served me well and I had taken on numerous trips abroad, I decided it was time to invest in some lightweight and sturdy tripod legs that would be able to stand the test of time and help me improve as a photographer. Gitzo has been the first (and sometimes last) word in high-end and heavy-duty tripods for many decades, and their innovations and influence are clearly seen in every other tripod of this type on the market. The GT3543LS exemplifies Gitzo's continual refinement of this type of tripod in fit, finish, form and function. While it may have the slimmest legs and narrowest stance in this group, both of which anecdotally should make it less stable, it comes in a close second for vibration resistance. Our take: The safe, but pricey, bet. Excellent performance with worldwide supportTripods are essential for landscape, panorama, product, tech, still life, macro, Astro, flora, storm, architecture, food and drink, special effects, and some styles of portraiture photography. In addition to this, tripods are required for videography, editorial and photojournalism work. Tripods are necessary for time-lapse and self-portrait photography too. Then, in December 2022, FLM Germany announced an end to FT ball head production. This left the two other branches of the company, FLM Canada and FLM China, to create a new head that would continue the tradition of precision and stability FLM is known for. With the arrival of the 47GX and 55GX ball heads, we feel the new GX series surpasses the previous generation in every aspect. They are lighter, smaller and more powerful.