Feisol CT-3472 or FLM CP34-L4 II

[Cee_Z]

New photographer in need of a tripod. I plan on getting another just for travel so would like something a bit sturdier.

Both are about the same except the Feisol folds down to about 20" whereas the FLM goes to 23". So atleast the Feisol can be a carry-on for air travel if needed.

Gitzo and RRS are just to expensive for my mirrorless setup.


I was about to pull the trigger on the Feisol when I read some reviews where people where getting quality issues with theirs...

 

[Kuppenbender]

As you’re probably aware, both tripods score well on thecentrecolumn.com table of rankings. The FLM is a few inches taller, but more expensive, heavier, longer folded and a little less stiff.

As far as build quality is concerned, I can only say that I’ve had a Feisol ct3442 for over 10 years now without any issues. At the time of buying, Feisol had an enviable customer service reputation, as they mostly sold directly, and were working hard to establish themselves as viable alternatives to Gitzo and Manfrotto who dominated the market at the time. I don’t know whether this has changed, as I haven’t needed to contact them over the years.

That said, if the only issue stopping you buying FLM is folded length, would it fit in a carry-on suitcase diagonally? That, or remove the head, wrap clothing/towels around it and put it in check-in luggage.

 

[Austinian]

New photographer in need of a tripod. I plan on getting another just for travel so would like something a bit sturdier.

Both are about the same except the Feisol folds down to about 20" whereas the FLM goes to 23". So atleast the Feisol can be a carry-on for air travel if needed.

Gitzo and RRS are just to expensive for my mirrorless setup.

I was about to pull the trigger on the Feisol when I read some reviews where people where getting quality issues with theirs...

I can only say that my Feisol CT-3441T has performed flawlessly for several years, as has my CM-1473 tri-monopod.

 

[Cee_Z]

I reached out to Ari at FLM and he said the Asian market has a short version of the CP34-L4 II... folded down to just over 19". The specs are exactly what I wanted. It extends to only 53" but with ball head it reaches just right for my height. I think I found a winner!

 

[zman500]

I reached out to Ari at FLM and he said the Asian market has a short version of the CP34-L4 II... folded down to just over 19". The specs are exactly what I wanted. It extends to only 53" but with ball head it reaches just right for my height. I think I found a winner!

Sorry that I am late to the party! FLM all the way! Ari provides GREAT support and parts and FLM quality is very hard to beat...I have my old FLM and still working like new!

But sounds like you can't go wrong with either but what counts above everything else is how you like the feeling of how the tripod works for you and FLM can't be beat!!

zman

 

[78Staff]

I reached out to Ari at FLM and he said the Asian market has a short version of the CP34-L4 II... folded down to just over 19". The specs are exactly what I wanted. It extends to only 53" but with ball head it reaches just right for my height. I think I found a winner!

Sorry that I am late to the party! FLM all the way! Ari provides GREAT support and parts and FLM quality is very hard to beat...I have my old FLM and still working like new!

But sounds like you can't go wrong with either but what counts above everything else is how you like the feeling of how the tripod works for you and FLM can't be beat!!

zman

I'm fairly keen on picking up one the the new L4 versions, either the 34 or 38. I suspect the 34 (or maybe even the 30) would suffice since it will mainly be used for landscapes with an D850 and 20mm, but also possibly some wildlife with a D500 and 300 PF + 1.4,, using a BH-40. Maybe larger/heavier lens later along with heavier ballhead as well. Neither combo I currently use is particularly heavy (in fact I might not use tripod at all with the 300PF a lot of the time) but of course thicker legs = more stability.

Common thoughts is the 34 is the nice, middle of the road option, but I suspect I will likely wind up with two tripods eventually, one smaller for hikes to do landscapes typically, and one larger/taller/stiffer for wildlife with larger lenses down the the road. So really I guess I should be looking at the 30 vs 34 for now, with designs on adding the big boy 38L4or similar later.

Center Column likes the 30 for a BH-40, maybe I should follow their lead.

 

[HaroldC3]

I had the FLM 30 and just sold it. One thing that bothered me (and I just couldn’t get over) is the bottom legs are only 18mm. Sure I only have a Fuji c-t3 and 55-200mm lens but when I look at it it doesn’t instill the confidence I hoped.



Also, to me, the metal twist locks are not the smoothest feeling and had play in them when unlocking.



I probably made a mistake by selling it but I’m looking at either the 34 or Leofoto LM-364CL. I do have the Leofoto LH-40 ball head and it fit perfectly on the FLM 30.

 

[78Staff]

I had the FLM 30 and just sold it. One thing that bothered me (and I just couldn’t get over) is the bottom legs are only 18mm. Sure I only have a Fuji c-t3 and 55-200mm lens but when I look at it it doesn’t instill the confidence I hoped.

Also, to me, the metal twist locks are not the smoothest feeling and had play in them when unlocking.

I probably made a mistake by selling it but I’m looking at either the 34 or Leofoto LM-364CL. I do have the Leofoto LH-40 ball head and it fit perfectly on the FLM 30.

Good point on the 4th/lower section, 18mm does seem a bit skimpy. Granted, if you subscribe to the top down extension theory vs bottom > top, the 4th sections likely would not get used very much in normal landscape use. Also was looking at the 30 S4 shorter 53" version which still has the 18mm 4th section but shorter segments by 3-4" which could be more stable, plus the better/normal implementation of spiked feet similar to the 34/38L models.

But in the end, I suspect I will likely stick with the 34L or 38L model replacing my 055 setup. I will check out the LF 364 as well...thanks.