Mastering Sharpness Pre-Order: www.fototripper.com/store/mastering-sharpness/

Leofoto's tripods and supports look to be on par with the FLMs. I've used Leo's for several years now and love them. 1/2 turn on the leg locks and super smooth in and out with the legs.

It’s a Wednesday miracle!

Having sold tripods from cheap ones to ones with huge price tags I can give you some advice if you want your tripod to not give you trouble and last as long as possible. One is 'Don't ram it home' closing the legs. You'll eventually loosen something, or some part will fail at the worst possible time. Two, when you have time, clean the tripod, especially if you've been out in mud, sand, saltwater, rain, etc. Check with the manufacturer if any lubrication is recommended. Also, I always bought tripods that could easily be fixed in the field and had the tools and parts most likely to fail in my truck. I also found that some tripods have available snow/mud attachments for the tripod feet. Basically they are discs that attach to the feet and give better footing in snow or mud and sand. You could also take a couple of scratched up CDs and glue them together, place them on the snow and if your tripod has spikes for the feet, put them though the holes of the discs. I wanted to test Frisbee discs by cutting a hole in the center. They're kind of bulky but don't weigh much. I also wanted to test to see if wrapping a nylon strap around all three legs and snugging it a bit, would add more stability. They do make spreaders that do the same thing but they are heavy and cost too much.

I just ordered an FLM CP-30L3 in the fall. I was surprised when I emailed a question at 9:00 on a Wednesday night, and Ari, (the owner himself) emailed me back about an hour later! Now THAT’s service! Will be looking into the RRS ball heads as well; I really like that one! 👍

Your F4 Roadtrip Companion (Nick) also had high praise for the FLM sticks. I need to take a look. Thanks for the insight. Cheers.

I bought my first tripod for $5 at a local yard sale....I have since upgraded to a comfortable Manfrotto with Leg Locks. Great Vid. 👍

I agree to the quality of FLM tripods..... their after sales suppport is brilliant... I broke a shim whilst cleaning (heavy handed me!!) and they arranged for a full set of shims to be sent which arrived within a few days ... they checked the delivery for me and looked after me well ... fabulous service 👍

I'm 70 and when I was shooting I'd use the heaviest tripod I could manage, usually one of the bigger Gitzo tripods. I was lucky in that I was in camera sales and could borrow just about anything the manufacturers made, same for the 4 years I was writing articles for various online websites. I could email Canon in NY and ask to review their new, fast, 200mm, and it would be delivered the next morning along with one of their pro bodies and a few other things. For the last 15 years I've been like everyone else and can only dream of using some of this gear, or see if I can afford to rent it.

When looking at a tripod it's also worth considering its folded length for airline luggage if you plan to travel with it. Airlines can vary but around 55cm is a safe bet for carry-on.

Depending on the size of the tripod head or top plate, you can use a foam/rubber beer cozy, maybe one from a larger can of lager, and slip it over the head to soften any hits against body parts. They make something similar to go over the front of long lenses but they cost a lot more.

Can’t beat RRS ball heads. I own 3 and love them! Speaking of which, I love the tenacity you & Amanda have to go out and make a video/class regardless of the weather. That wind was howling! Great video Gavin.

Gosh, they really should pay you. I have never seen such a clear, concise, and convincing presentation for tripods. I wanna go buy all three now! Hey, companies, “Get in touch!”

Agree that a sturdy tripod essential - especially in windy conditions - Really Right Stuff - hard to beat!

I use a Manfrotto with twisties and I love them..

Thanks for another informative video Mr. Hardcastle.

I wonder why the national TV did not hire Gavin yet. He would be a great asset - for doing news or weather reports. That would be fun to watch.

Could not agree more on the RRS lever release clamp. But for a ball-head I love the ease of use of the Arca Swiss Po. Light with one control point. It is basically an upside down ball-head and makes panos a snap. I purchased it without their release clamp and put on a Really Right Stuff B2-LLR-II Lever Release Clamp on it. RRS was great for giving guidance on how to connect the clamp to the ball-head with nylon tipped screws and Super Glue removable thread locker. Thanks for another great vid.

Weather forecasters haven’t this level of polished delivery. Great stuff, Gavin.

Gotta agree about the twisties vs clips. Good video made under cold, windy conditions with a little snow blowing in the air. Perfect setting. Tell Amanda that Gomer says hey.

Buy nice or buy twice! I use an FLM also, and can vouch. Solid.

Peter Kay of photography. Excellent.

Just invested in an FLM FLM CP30-L4 II and FLM CB-38 Ball Head and cannot get over how awesome this tripod is.

Like many others here, love my FLM tripod, but I have paired it with the an Acratech GXP ballhead with locking lever clamp. Super stable and easy to use set up, and the open design of the GXP adds to the appeal on hiking and seascapes to stop dust and sand ingress.

Classic beginning!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

"Should we go and start a fire in the church", is the most Metal thing Gavin has said. 🤘

Good Ad for FLM.

I bought that 4-section FLM tripod a few years ago after watching your videos. Best I've ever owned. Gets my camera from over my head height to just above the ground. I paid about $459 USD for it (it's $505 now), which isn't cheap but less than many others. I've got that RRS BH-40 ball head too. Perfect combo! Neither FLM or RRS has paid me to say that, either. Although if they want to .. gerrin touch 😂

best combo of tripod and ball head right here

You can never have too many tripods! Totally agree with the comment about avoiding cheap tripods. I had cheap tripods for years, hated using them, so don’t use them unless absolutely necessary. Eventually bought a decent tripod, and it’s such a pleasure to use in comparison, that I do use it a lot of the time. Transformed the way I view tripods! I then kept a look out for sales, and over a number of years, bought more and more of them, mostly Gitzo carbon fibre models. So I now have really compact travel one, right through to their tallest and most heavy duty model, and a number In between. Heads to put on tripod legs is a total separate topic. I’ve tried many different types, 3-way, 2-way fluid, geared, ball, inverted ball, gimbal….you name it, I’ve probably tried it! There is no ‘perfect’ tripod head, but some get close. My current ‘go to’ is an Arca Swiss P0, an inverted ball head….unless I’m using a long lens / telescope or shooting video, then it’s a RRS fluid gimbal. What I like about the Arca Swiss inverted ball is: A) debris doesn’t tend to fall up into the ball socket B) with the pan adjust above the ball, the ball can act as a levelling base, and you can then pan on a level….great for stitched panos, and for video pans,M where you tend to need to shoot on the level. But you can also use the ball to angle up/down as required like a normal ball head C) it has a ring that clamps the ball, so it doesn’t matter what orientation the head is to the photographer, the ring is always conveniently located. D) it’s not too large/heavy. E) quick & secure to adjust. The things I like about the RRS fluid gimbal: A) it breaks down to its horizontal and vertical components, which makes stowage more convenient. B) it has fluid pan on both axis, great for video smooth pans C) can be nicely balanced with bigger lenses D) you can use the horizontal arm on its own if you just want horizontal smooth pans E) you can use the horizontal arm on its own as a nodal rail (with a suitable clamp) Negative is it’s relatively heavy and bulky, even when broken down for stowage (vs the P0 inverted ball head at least, but maybe better than other gimbals at least for stowage bulk, and other gimbals tend not to have fluid damping)

I've bought my first 'real' tripod and am loving it. I wrapped the top sections with cork cycling tape as per Hudson Henry. Adds very little weight, protects the tripod, and makes it nice to handle on cold days!

Glad to see a video recommending tripods when so many videos claim they no longer need a tripod due to image stabilization. And it's true that if you buy cheap tripods you'll be buying them over and over and you'll still never have a really good tripod. I use a carbon fiber Gitzo tripod that I bought over 25 years ago and it still works great. And I learned my lesson about trying to use a small tripod for travel when I saw my tripod almost fall over in a gusty wind with my expensive camera and lens. Now I travel with the largest and lightest tripod, currently a Leofoto, that I can fit in my checked suitcase. I also agree about RRS stuff. I've used their ballheads and plates for many years. Never fails.

Great video! I use sirui tripods and they are fantastic! Couldn't recommend them enough! Also like to point out that cleaning/servicing your tripod makes a big difference and helps them last longer!

Now I know why you married Amanda. She has a healthy pair of lungs! 🤣 I've seen many photographers on KZfaq but their partners don't care to be in the video. Amanda loves to play along with your silly games. I see her go places with you that I'm a full NOPE on. You two make the channel! Keep up the great work. 🤗

Interesting advice on ball heads, thanks. I have a Benro Mach3. It's a great sturdy tripod, but the ball head has an irritating screw mechanism. Another area that irritates me is camera bags whilst hiking and I know you mentioned it. I use waterproof bags in day or multi-day hiking bags. Food for thought.

You should mention something about tripods that have that center column and why you shouldn't either use it ( unnecessary added weight ) or just buy one that doesn't have it.

I decided on the ARTCISE AS88C tripod with a bowl. The head is the Leofoto VH-30-R 2-Way Monopod Head with Integrated Panning Clamp. The tripod basically is the ball head, but with an even larger ball, so clamping is very firm. The head tilts back and forth and rotates only. But it has a rotating clamp, you can clamp in the L-Bracket or a large telephoto lens with a clamp on or built into the foot. It doesn't unlock as fast as the FLM i.e. a coarser thread pitch, but I am happy with it.

You were very good at 'rammin' it in' there Gav! You must've had lots of practice!? 😁😁In all seriousness though, you made a good point about spending that little bit of extra money on something good, rather than buying something cheap and nasty and then only having to replace it. Another KZfaqr has a saying.."Buy it nice, or buy it twice!" which makes perfect sense.

There's always a trade off. Can't have everything in one tripod. For the past twenty years I've used a Gitzo G1325 as my main tripod, which I still love, with a RRS BH-55. Where I have a problem is with travel tripods and finding one that is just right. I finally broke down and bought a Gitzo 2545, that I'm anxious to try, with a RRS BH-40. Hopefully I'll be happy with it for the next 20 years.

One thing you didn't mention but which was quite extraordinary: No middle column. I don't like middle columns because they prevent low ground clearance unless you like faffing about with the middle column reversed and the camera upside down.

The stable ones are tough to travel with too! Might be of some interest, my favorite middle of the road tripod is Leofoto LS-285CEX. Has a leveling base which I love. I also use a geared head. Not a fan of ball heads. Something me and your English model have in common. Cheers!

I started with a good tripod, a Manfrotto 055, but it was not CF, I still have it, but only use it at home, I replaced it with an ifootage carbon tripod with the bowl, and Buddiedsman VH - 3III head and have never looked back, I don't use mine anywhere near as often as a pro might do, but am confident that it will outlast me. My one regret was not starting with a CF tripod.

Leofoto tripod & ballhead are also good

Bought an old gitzo five years ago carbon fiber think it’s around 10-12 years old have just stripped it down renewed all the bushes bought direct from the company and it operates like new and will out live me and the Scottish weather Benro ball heads renewed when required RRS lever mechs don’t fit all L brackets so stuck with Benro Great vids

I much prefer the twist leg locks (Gitzo ones only require a fraction of a turn too, like you demonstrated on the FLM’s) vs lever locks. On my cheaper tripods in the past I had lever type leg locks. The problem with them is that they are prone to loops on gloves, bags, jackets etc, getting caught on them and potentially causing an accidental topping of the tripod with your expensive camera and lens on top! And/Or levers can be a pain for finger nails or fingers getting trapped. One of my tripods was lethal for this! I also found the Gitzo twist leg locks very fast, you can unlock all of them on one leg with one move, and lock them all with one move after collapsing the legs when packing up.

I totally agree with your assessment of the Really Right Stuff ball heads, amazing piece of camera gear! Great stuff Gavin! Thanks for sharing!

Complete honesty… my best tripod is a medium-priced Gitzo (yes, the super expensive brand), and one of the worst - usability wise - is probably Manfrotto… the gitzo has twist releases, the Manfrotto has latches… the latches are almost impossible to operate with cold hands, because the snap-action is painful in the cold, and it seems to bind more tightly in the cold as well.

I loathe tripods, and mostly don't shoot with them (I find there is enough detail when printing 20x30" handheld shots). BUT, when I do take one with me... I want something that is big enough and stable enough to get the shot. I use a Sirui 2204 W with a flexshooter mini head. Its a good combo at a little over 4.5 lbs, and eye level without a center column raised.

Great video! It reminded me that my Benro had a piece loose. I managed to watch the video and get that squared away at the same time. ❤to Amanda and you!

Your ‘serious’ videos are excellent. I learned it the hard and expensive way like many and had 3 tripods before but now my most stable tripod is my favorite. Unfortunately 5 years ago the FLM series two were not available yet in Europe thus I bought a Gitzo Systematic 4 series but with an FLM 48 ball head and the RRS quick release clamp, very happy with the combination. In Europe the FLM tripods are the cheapest of my top 3 (RRS, Gitzo and FLM) and certainly the best option with no rubber glued on the quick release leg locks but so far my Gitzo works fine.

I always use a tripod and for years I used a variety of ballheads including Manfrotto, Arca Swiss, Markins and Siriu. Then I discovered the magic of a 2 way head with leveller. Initially I had an Acratech Panoramic Head and Kirk mini leveller. Unfortunately I lost that combination (along with a Gitzo Gt1545T) when bushwalking. I now use a Leofoto LS284CEX (a nicer tripod to use than the Gitzo) which has a leveller built in along with a Leofoto VH30R 2 way head. The camera has an L bracket attached. This is an excellent combination and is much better to use than a ball head. Also, be very wary of travelling through difficult country with the ball head attached, it can go AWOL. I always take mine off before attaching the tripod to my pack.

Great advice and you freezing your unmentionables off, what's not to like... great video, thanks

I completely agree on ‘don’t buy cheap or you’ll buy twice’ I did…tripods are a necessary evil for sure! Great vid dude, great tips. 😎📸

Looks like your nice and warm Gavin. Hope Amanda was in the car. Thanks for the fun and informative video!

Gitzo. Expensive but last a lifetime. Bought one 32 years ago - still going strong.

A bucket full of great advice as always !! RRS should “gerintouch” :-) Unreal skills on the snow clearing Amanda has too !!

Used to shoot 4x5 medium format and my tripod of choice was a Bogen Manfrotto with a quick leg release. It was a tank but self leveling. the Aluminum Triaut Tripod, you can release the legs one at a time or all at once. Levels in like 2 seconds.

I bought the CP30-L4 last year. I liked it so much that I picked up a CP26 a week ago to use on a cruise I’m taking this fall. Will be stops in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Really pumped for Peggy’s Cove and maybe Lunenburg.

Thanks for sharing. Yes, the third tripod you but is probably right. The first I bought was light but no good. The 2nd was OK with my light APS-C camera and not too long focal length & light lenses. I finally bought a Benro carbon fiber tripod at 1,8 kg and 4 telescopic legs as an all-round tripod which suits my full-frame DSLR and 100-400mm lens pretty well. There are extra stabilization methods for windy conditions: don't fully extend the legs, use an elastic band between the bottom of the tripod and the camera bag laying on the ground and finally leaning gently onto the lens with your arm. When the lens is fitted onto the tripod, you can also use a cable attached to a quick release plate, attached to the camerabody and hold the cable firmly down with your shoe.

Tripods...James Popsys is going to have a temper tantrum over that. 🤣

Thank you for sharing this. I did purchase your course and really wanted to see this one again. I had a tripod malfunction and spent $2000 to repair my camera and lens. No more cheap tripods for me.

Got me an FLM pod, absolutely exceptional.

I agree. My first tripod was a Manfrotto Element. I paid $150 US at Best Buy. I think it lasted 2 years before the rubber started slipping. It got hard to twist the locks on the legs and the ballhead. UT probably didn't help that I kept it in my truck even in the summer time when it would be real hot. I now have a Benro tripod and a Colorado ballhead. I did look at the FLM tripods and did consider one of them. I can see a difference between that cheaper Manfrotto and my Benro. You can't just go by how much weight the tripod and ballhead can hold. It may not break with a heavy lens but it may not be able to keep it steady. I have no issues with my setup I use now and I'm getting sharper pictures than ever before.

Thank you for the info Gavin, I am buying one of the FLM tripods and I've clicked the link from your description :)

100% agree....save up for a good Tripod. I love my FLM and have owned others that were a pain to use.

I have the CP30 FLM tripod and I love it. The bigger one would be too much for me. Being an old lady I don't have the upper body strength that you have. I did get a Sirui head because I could no longer wait for that company in Colorado. I like it. It's a substantial ball head but at the time I had a Nikon D810. I still have the D810 but the mirrorless Nikon Z7II is much smaller. I managed to get a nice long exposure using that combination, D810, Sirui & FLM. I got a good score on that image in my photo club's competition night. I could probably get a little lighter ball head for the mirrorless. One advantage to this ball head on the tripod is that it makes a great club to defend myself, LOL. Thanks for sharing this video!!!

This is a great video and I’m in need of a tripod. I’m a part time school teacher, so this helps me save my $ toward buying a quality tripod that will last. Thank you!

Gavin. A great video. Tripods are a sod. I've bought and sold several. I now have a light weight plus a heavier one. Neither expensive, though not cheap for sure. Aluminium with latches, not twist thingies which I hate (except for a Neewer desktop for Macro which is built like a brick outhouse and has twists, but I don't need to use them that often). What I do have are extra heads and a level thingy. Ball heads aren't always the way to go.

With me basic equip in my bag it's all about quality AND weight (not getting any younger). I've a carbon fibre tripod do fairly light weight. Good run through here in your vid.

I have 5 tripods .. like you .. tripods from lightweight to heavy duty.. my biggie is an Artcise AS90C carbon fiber bowl/adapter w/ 3 section legs.. yeah it’s big but it’s a baddie

Quite possibly the best intro so far. Very impressive 🍻

Great advice. Thank you Gavin.

Yet again another fabulous video 🙏 Thank you 🫶

The sturdiness of the tripod also about girth of the legs, ask Amanda about the importance of girth! 🤣😂

Impressive,………very impressive! The coarse wasn’t bad either!

I have to tighten the lever mechanisms on my Manfroto tripod at least once a year. The first time I set it up in the field and put my camera on it and one of the lever mechanisms let the legs collapse I about had a kitten.

Hey Gavin, good tripod tips that I will keep in mind for my next purchase, thanks!

have both the amazon basics 16" (like $25) and a K&F bigger one (like $45) and they've been great for the past 4 years. The amazon basics one goes backpacking, traveling, etc and really gets the shite kicked out of it. 10/10 would buy both of them again.

Back when I could still go out and take photos, before I got sick, I liked to shoot in bad weather. I used a raincoat/shield for the camera. They make them for just about any camera/lens combo. I knew a guy back in Orange County, I think his name was Wendel, who could modify a 35mm or medium format film camera, to be waterproof underwater, no bags or housings. The camera stayed nearly stock looking. He couldn't keep up with the orders.

Will Patino shoots handheld and they are tact sharp (outside of night photography) so it can be done but yes for the rest of us the tripod is mostly needed. I shoot more handheld now and love it but the tripod makes it easier at times.

I learnt the hard way, bought a few cheap shite ones from k&f concept that broke quickly after some average use. So I fully agree Gavin, quality over quantity 👍

I also like the RRS line of tripod equipment, but for my Leofoto (LS-324CEX) carbon fiber tripod, I went with the Manfrotto 322RC2 head which offers a pistol-grip type adjustment which I enjoy using.

I love my FLM CP-30 L4ii. It’s been a great set of legs!

Great advice as usual Gav. Great video There may be one Ballhead you might consider… the Manfroto 322RC2 Action Grip. I’ve been using one for years and wouldn’t go back to a normal ballhead now. The pistol grip action means instant movement and locking. It’s superb mate 👍

A very good, informative and interesting video. Thank you.

Great recommendations. Buy a quality tripod and don't go cheap as you will fight it all of the time. I have an FLM and it is rock solid. I thought I would miss the lever locks on my lighter weight Siriu but the FLM twist locks are quick and easy to use. You didn't mention considering a tripod that provides the option of a half ball leveler. It is a quick way to level your mounted camera without the need to adjust the legs to level.

Definitely agree on the carbon twisties tripods and anything RRS being the goto's.. I have a big and little Gitzo that look and operate indistinguishably from those FHMs (though they both came with extenders I rarely use.) Also, If i'm being a "lazy road-side photographer" (usually) I like the Bret-style RRS pano heads too.

Great video and great advice. I am sure FLM tripods are good but it's hard to beat a Gitzo Mountaineer tripod with an Acratech ballhead for stability and durability. That combo has never let me down over many years of abuse in the back country. The good thing these days are there are so many good products out there to choose from. Lots of bad ones too. Like you eluded to, you get what you pay for. Buy quality and buy once!

Really helpful video with some good tips. I recently bought a new 3 Legged Thing tripod which I am loving so far, the limited amount of time I have used it so far. It is definitely one of those bigger tripods though. Very substantial to carry on the side of the bag.

Love you guys🙏❤❤❤ I’ve been waiting patiently for your next vid e o🤪 Great to see you back😅🫶🫶🫶

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍

I'm happy using the Novoflex Classic ball 3 II paired with the Novoflex Q=Base II quick release system and L-bracket on a Benro TMA38cl, super sturdy

I love my RRS tripod with Acratech ballhead!

Great video again Gavs. Can't wait for the full course to be released. Already ordered and paid for mine. I use a Benro Mach 3 Carb 4 section tripod with the Benro GD3WH geared head which I find a great combination, much better for getting precise comps. I always found the ballheads much too fiddly and when tightened, they would have drifted a fraction. But hey, each to their own.

Good point on the centre column tripods. Raising the centre column makes it a wobbly unipod.

I recorded you saying, ram it in. I'm going to use that as my ringtone now.

My 'middle' tripod (mentioned above) broke so now I basically have no tripod. The big one stays in the house. It's big. The little one is just this side of a toy and can't be counted on. The brand "mentioned" that failed had this crazy thin little piece of plastic in the leg that holds it all together. Great information in this vid.

I have been using a Vanguard Alta Pro tripod for several years. So solid - I love it. The downside is it’s metal and the weight is quite tiring, especially as I get older, so I decided to invest in a Three Legged Thing carbon fibre tripod. Much better for carrying around and it’s fine for doing stuff in calm conditions, but it is not as stable as my Vanguard. I still use the Vanguard for astro or landscape in windy conditions but having invested in the carbon fibre one I do feel a bit guilty not using it.

Interesting vid Gavin and bears out some of my experiences albeit I do not abuse my tripods as much as you😁😁. What you didn't cover is the halfbowl design like the ifootage TC7 and Kingjoy C85/C86 tripods use that really help with levelling the camera for panos. I hate centre columns! Like you I prefer lever locks but only aware of ifootage and Manfrotto that use them now. I do like the ifootage TC7 tripod I have except for the design of the feet which are a real pain to clean if you use them in mud/sand. I do really agree that ease of unfolding/folding the legs to allow them to get really low to the ground is of greater importance than many buying their first tripod will realise. Top marks too for braving that weather!

My cheap tripod was a good starter for the first two years until I got a longer lens, which bent a leg under the weight. I got a better and taller tripod with a 3 way head that I like better than the ball heads. The only issue I had was releasing the baseplate and camera from the mount the first time. The release has more resistance and I wasn’t prepared to have to catch the camera and the outcome is as expected.