I bought the FLM CP26-Travel II a year ago as a second tripod and have been very happy with it so far. It survived a trip through Utah last fall and a 70 mile backpacking trip this spring with zero issues along the way.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been using the CPL4 For about 2 years and I absolutely love it. The metal twist locks are my preference over the rubber ones. My only drawback on this is the fact that I can’t fit it into a carryon bag even without a bed. I needed up getting a Sirius AM-284 and it’s ok by comparison to the FLM. But the FLM is truly the best value tripod in the market hands down.
I agree with the recommendation for FLM. I have the S4 II tripod and it serves as a great compact tripod that is still very stable. I'm unwilling to compromise and use the typical travel types for the reasons you discussed, but still like being able to go small and light as a mirrorless user. I do wish for the height of the L4 on occasion, but appreciate the compactness of the S version the majority of the time for my uses.
I gave up on "travel tripods" years ago. If I am going to carry a tripod, it had better be stable, and at the heights I want to work at. Personally I went for the Sirui W2204. I think I probably compromise a couple of things compared to FLM in terms of build quality, but it's definitely good enough. Its max height before raising center column is above my normal working height - meaning it is super stable. It does have a center console that goes higher than even taller FLM one you have. It is less stable at that height, but stable enough for my biggest rig up there. Good luck with yours :)
Nice - sounds like a good one. I was scared away from Sirui for many years - when they first released I had a problem and their tech support was literally one guy in NJ that tried to convince me it was designed that way... but I think since then they have gone on to become a fairly reliable company.
The Sirui WW2204 is literally the tripod that swayed me into Gitzo and RRS; it is an absolute piece of junk. The leg angles are horrific, and make it unstable, and the locks eventually wear out.
@@MeAMuse Hey, if it works for you it works for you. There are all sorts of horror stories with it available for anyone to look up if they care to. Sirui tripods are a no go for most people who use their gear heavily. If you're going to go Chinese, you're much better off going Leofoto, or Benro. Sirui is notorious for cutting corners; from things like inadequate metal choices on locks, thin carbon fiber walls, narrow primary leg angles that artificially boost height stats, and so on.
@@pgsanta you can find horror stories for anything. Most people only post things when for when things go bad. As I noted in my original comment... I know I am making some compromises, I am definitely not emotionally attached to the tripod... but it's been working for me for over 5 years with no issues and I can recommend it to people. It's certainly better than stability, and have better working heights than a 'travel tripod'... which was my point...
Great video, as always! There's a smal typo on the link to the contest website, there's one too many forward slash symbols. Quite convenient that you would make a video about this subject when I'm also getting greedy about my tripod needs :)
Very useful review. I saw you have a much older review on the Feisol tripod. How does that one compare with this one? Asking because I am hesitating re. the center column. I hate it in general but I sometimes do product shots and for that it might be useful, like you explain.
Feisol is excellent too. If you want a center column that would be my pick. I find that if I just draw the legs in a little I can often easily adjust to the height I need without the center column.
