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FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · FLM CP30 or CP34

I have owned a Gitzo G320 +Arca Swiss B1 for decades. It weighs about 8lb (3.7kg).Time for a change. Primarily a landscape shooter, forests, streams, ocean, beaches etc. largest lens is the sigma 150-600 dg dn, but mostly use primes and slow zooms from 16-300mm.

I’ve narrowed it down to the FLM CP30 4L or CP34 4L for the height, no center column, and good price/availability here in Canada.
I’m considering the CP30 4L with the Acratech GXP which would be a little more than 4 lb. Going with the CP34 4L, I’m not sure what new head to pair it with that would be a significant improvement over the AS B1. That combo would be 6 lb (2.7kg). Not as light, but the smaller, collapsed size, should make it easier to attach to my backpack. The G320 is too big/awkward and I hand carry it.

2 questions.
1) Can you recommend a lighter head for the CP34? I’m not too crazy about the design of the new FLM GX heads with the small locking lever and no tensioning adjustment, but I have to admit, I haven’t seen it in person.
2) considering what I have been using ( old aluminum tripod) is the CP30 as good or better and I should I even consider the CP34? The CP34 seems better when standing in the ocean or streams, which is why I am considering it.

Jun 15, 2024 at 10:38 AM

Todd Warnke
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · FLM CP30 or CP34

I had the CP34 and loved everything about it, except for one thing. The twist locks work great, but are made from aluminum. If I lived in Southern California, that's probably a non-issue, but in Colorado they get very cold in winter. Plus, the grooves are a bit sharp, at least in cooler weather they feel that way. Eventually I ended up with an RRS tripod.

As for a great, light landscape head, the Acratech Long Lens with some sort of leveling base is very light and very precise.

Jun 15, 2024 at 03:04 PM

smw6230
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob wrote:
I have owned a Gitzo G320 +Arca Swiss B1 for decades. It weighs about 8lb (3.7kg).Time for a change. Primarily a landscape shooter, forests, streams, ocean, beaches etc. largest lens is the sigma 150-600 dg dn, but mostly use primes and slow zooms from 16-300mm.

I’ve narrowed it down to the FLM CP30 4L or CP34 4L for the height, no center column, and good price/availability here in Canada.
I’m considering the CP30 4L with the Acratech GXP which would be a little more than 4 lb. Going with the CP34 4L, I’m not sure what new head to pair it with...Show more →

1. I have the old Acratech GP-S that I sometimes use on my CP34-L4 II. I say sometimes b/c with those 34" legs I've found that a larger diameter ball heads fits better. The Acratech heads have a ball diameter of 38" atop the CP-34 the legs kinda overwhelm the head. IMO, you just need a bigger head with those 34mm legs. FLM in their recommendations guide recommends using their CB-43, 48, and 58mm ball heads. FLM made a CB-38mm ball head, which matches the Acratech in size, and they didn't recommend it for use with their CP-34 legs.

They did recommend it (CB-38 FTR) with the CP30-L4 II.

FWIW, my CB-48FTR stays attached to the top of my CP-34-L II 99% of the time. It simply balances better especially with heavy glass.

Make no mistake the Acratech GPS/X will work fine on the CP-34. Its more a question of feel/balance.

2. Honestly, if size and weight aren't top concerns you're almost always better off getting more (bigger) tripod than less (smaller). You never really know your conditions and in those situations the CP-34 is a more robust tripod (series 3 V series 2).

Todd Warnke wrote:
I had the CP34 and loved everything about it, except for one thing. The twist locks work great, but are made from aluminum. If I lived in Southern California, that's probably a non-issue, but in Colorado they get very cold in winter. Plus, the grooves are a bit sharp, at least in cooler weather they feel that way. Eventually I ended up with an RRS tripod.

As for a great, light landscape head, the Acratech Long Lens with some sort of leveling base is very light and very precise.

As mentioned above I have the CP-34-L II, and find it perfect. No problem with the leg locks. Of course I live in Southern California!

On a serious note, I can see how the leg locks may be unpleasent in frigid temps. Still there's gotta be something you can wrap the leg locks with to give it a better feel. I'm almost positive someone here (FM) mentioned putting a certain kinda of tape on leg locks and that alleviated the grip/slip issue.

Jun 15, 2024 at 08:08 PM

Mirob
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Todd Warnke wrote:
I had the CP34 and loved everything about it, except for one thing. The twist locks work great, but are made from aluminum. If I lived in Southern California, that's probably a non-issue, but in Colorado they get very cold in winter. Plus, the grooves are a bit sharp, at least in cooler weather they feel that way. Eventually I ended up with an RRS tripod.

As for a great, light landscape head, the Acratech Long Lens with some sort of leveling base is very light and very precise.

I hadn’t considered the cold being a problem with the metal twist locks. Around here, the rubber ones get a bad rep for coming off when wet, particularly around salt water. Mine have come off several times and it was something I was looking forward to not having to deal with. A trade off. Moving from an all aluminum tripod to carbon fibre is going to make a big difference for me in the cold. I really like RRS L brackets, but buying from Canada is very expensive unfortunately.

I have heard this comment about the Acratech LL or Pano head several times now and looked it up some more. Didn’t realize there was a whole movement of people using it for landscapes. It is an intriguing idea and solves some issues with a standard ball head but potentially creates new ones. I’m liking the idea and might give it a try. Are you using the FLM 75mm levelling bowl? I do have the Acratech levelling base, but the bowl looks more practical.

Jun 16, 2024 at 09:18 AM

Mirob
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · FLM CP30 or CP34

smw6230 wrote:
1. I have the old Acratech GP-S that I sometimes use on my CP34-L4 II. I say sometimes b/c with those 34" legs I've found that a larger diameter ball heads fits better. The Acratech heads have a ball diameter of 38" atop the CP-34 the legs kinda overwhelm the head. IMO, you just need a bigger head with those 34mm legs. FLM in their recommendations guide recommends using their CB-43, 48, and 58mm ball heads. FLM made a CB-38mm ball head, which matches the Acratech in size, and they didn't recommend it for use with their CP-34 legs.

They...Show more →

Agree, putting the GXP on the CP-34 is doable. I get the impression however that the balance is off and the full potential of the bigger tripod isn’t being utilized, not ideal.
There is an open box CB-48FTR on the FLM site and I asked Ari about it. He strongly recommended the new GX over it. His recommendation is the 70GX, but that seems big, the 55GX, looks more comparable to the CB-48. I could try the 55GX and return it if I don’t like it.

I’m leaning more towards the CP34 as a good all-rounder.

Jun 16, 2024 at 09:58 AM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · FLM CP30 or CP34

actually the ball diameter is approx 38mm

. 38" is quite a head there.

Jun 16, 2024 at 10:20 AM

smw6230
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob wrote:
Agree, putting the GXP on the CP-34 is doable. I get the impression however that the balance is off and the full potential of the bigger tripod isn’t being utilized, not ideal.
There is an open box CB-48FTR on the FLM site and I asked Ari about it. He strongly recommended the new GX over it. His recommendation is the 70GX, but that seems big, the 55GX, looks more comparable to the CB-48. I could try the 55GX and return it if I don’t like it.

I’m leaning more towards the CP34 as a good all-rounder.

Exactly. While a lot of people mix and match ball heads & tripods its important that the "classes" being matched are equal. I kinda found that out years ago as I had a Leofoto 284C & LB-40 BH. Wasn't happy with their LB-40 and purchased the FLM CB-48. I immediately realized that my BH and tripod weren't acting as an integrated unit. The BH was just overwhelming the legs. Upgraded to the CP-34 and instant Nirvana. The BH and legs were of the same "class" (series 3) and the result was the kit felt more like a harmonious instrument as opposed to different parts slapped together.

I wouldn't go against Ari. I purchased my tripod from him and he's credible and very knowledgeable. If he advises the GX over the the CB-48 then I would go with that. As you say you can always return it.

I gave thought to buying one of FLMs new BHs but I really rely on the "friction" knobs on my BHs. The new FLM GX line removed the dedicated friction knob from the Centerball series. That gave me pause and I decided to pass on the purchase. FOR NOW.

Jun 16, 2024 at 11:44 AM

Forum GAS
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · FLM CP30 or CP34

I own the CP30-S4 II and the CP34-L4 II. I really like the CP34. It is built well, goes really high, and the tubes slide in-and-out nicely. Hopefully, the CP30-L4 doesn’t have the same issue as the S4 version. With the S4 version, you have to be careful when you extend the tubes. Sometimes they get slightly dislodged and you have to take the leg apart and put it back together again. That is a big pain in the you-know-where. I suspect it’s because the diameter of the tubes is a little too much different.

Jun 16, 2024 at 06:26 PM

Mirob
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · FLM CP30 or CP34

I've ruled out the CP34 + 55GX combo and now understand why the 70GX is recommended. The base on the 55GX is a lot smaller (58mm) than the 70GX (73mm) . Mounted on the CP34, the ergonomics are not the best with the wider (75mm) mounting plate of the CP34 while accessing the lower adjustment knobs on the 55GX. The 55GX is really meant for the 60mm mounting plate on the CP30.

@Forum GAS, that is the first report I have heard about leg issues with the CP30. Have you contacted FLM? Could your unit be defective?

Jun 17, 2024 at 09:52 AM

Forum GAS
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob wrote:
I've ruled out the CP34 + 55GX combo and now understand why the 70GX is recommended. The base on the 55GX is a lot smaller (58mm) than the 70GX (73mm) . Mounted on the CP34, the ergonomics are not the best with the wider (75mm) mounting plate of the CP34 while accessing the lower adjustment knobs on the 55GX. The 55GX is really meant for the 60mm mounting plate on the CP30.

@Forum GAS@, that is the first report I have heard about leg issues with the CP30. Have you contacted FLM? Could your unit be defective?

FLM told me how to fix the issue when it occurs.

I have heard others say they don’t have any problems. So, maybe FLM fixed the issue. It seems your heart is set on it. Let me know if it turns out okay. If I know it no longer occurs, I will shut up about the issue.

Jun 17, 2024 at 11:25 AM

Mirob
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Forum GAS wrote:
FLM told me how to fix the issue when it occurs.

I have heard others say they don’t have any problems. So, maybe FLM fixed the issue. It seems your heart is set on it. Let me know if it turns out okay. If I know it no longer occurs, I will shut up about the issue.

I wasn't doubting your experience, just trying to understand. Looking at the different leg tube sizes:

CP30 4 : 30.2mm, 26.2mm, 22.2mm, 18.6mm
CP34 4 : 34.2mm, 30.2mm, 26.2mm, 22.2mm

The different tubes sizes are spaced 4mm apart except for the smallest leg on the CP30 which is 18.6mm instead of 18.2mm, so it is actually a little tighter than the CP34 for the smallest leg, otherwise it uses 3 of the same leg tubes as in the CP34.

You will notice that the other FLM tripods are CP22, CP26, and CP42. Each tripod scales up 4mm from the next smallest size and reuses most of the leg tube sizes. Makes sense to keep a standard set of tube size and go up in down in tube sets for each tripod. If there was a problem with one tripod size, you would expect to see the same issue come up with tripods sized up and/or down, so it seemed odd to me that you are having problems with the CP30 and not the CP34 since they share 3 of 4 leg tubes.

Jun 17, 2024 at 09:36 PM

Forum GAS
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob wrote:
I wasn't doubting your experience, just trying to understand. Looking at the different leg tube sizes:

CP30 4 : 30.2mm, 26.2mm, 22.2mm, 18.6mm
CP34 4 : 34.2mm, 30.2mm, 26.2mm, 22.2mm

The different tubes sizes are spaced 4mm apart except for the smallest leg on the CP30 which is 18.6mm instead of 18.2mm, so it is actually a little tighter than the CP34 for the smallest leg, otherwise it uses 3 of the same leg tubes as in the CP34.

You will notice that the other FLM tripods are CP22, CP26, and CP42. Each tripod scales up 4mm from the next smallest size and...Show more →
I’m speculating here. I have the CP30 S4 version and the CP34 L4 version. With the Cp34, I rarely extend the smallest diameter tube. With the CP30, I almost always extend all tubes. It could be in the CP30, the smallest diameter tube is what gives me problems. I don’t remember. It’s my travel tripod and I don’t use it that much. The CP34 is my main tripod and gets used 3-4 times a week. Even when I extend the last tube, I haven’t had any issues. But, it could be I’m extending it differently since it’s pretty high at that point. Good luck.

Jun 18, 2024 at 10:26 PM

Forum GAS
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Some of my memory is coming back to me. I like to loosen the tubes and let gravity extend the tubes. With the CP30-S4, it’s all tubes being extended to get a working height for a short guy like me. You can’t do this without having issues with a tube getting slightly dislodged. You have to have the tripod at an angle and manually, slowly let out the tubes. I suspect it is the thinnest tube that is mostly at issue, but this I don’t recall. With the CP34-L4, I rarely let out the thinnest tube. I have no issue just letting gravity extend the tubes. That way is quickest and easiest.

So, unless you’re a really tall guy and need to extend all the tubes all the time, you may not run into any issues.

Jun 19, 2024 at 09:04 AM

Mirob
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · FLM CP30 or CP34

@Forum GAS, thanks for the updated information. I still haven’t made a decision yet, but I’ll keep that information in mind if I go with the CP30. One difference is that I would get the cp30 L, not the S, which may or may not make a difference.

@Tom Warnke, I’m currently trying out the Acratech panorama head+ levelling base. I like it so far. I would love to own an RRS tripod but it’s hard for me to justify 3x the price, before shipping and duties to Canada.

Jun 20, 2024 at 05:15 PM

smw6230
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Mirob wrote:
@Forum GAS@, thanks for the updated information. I still haven’t made a decision yet, but I’ll keep that information in mind if I go with the CP30. One difference is that I would get the cp30 L, not the S, which may or may not make a difference.

@Tom@ Warnke, I’m currently trying out the Acratech panorama head+ levelling base. I like it so far. I would love to own an RRS tripod but it’s hard for me to justify 3x the price, before shipping and duties to Canada.

Not sure if this is an issue for you but the apex's are different on these models. CP30-L4 II comes with a fixed apex. The CP34-L4 II is Versa (75mm bowl) but comes with a drop-in top plate.

Fixed has a narrower base and is lighter. Versa has a wider base weighs more.

Jun 21, 2024 at 02:04 PM

Mirob
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · FLM CP30 or CP34

smw6230 wrote:
Not sure if this is an issue for you but the apex's are different on these models. CP30-L4 II comes with a fixed apex. The CP34-L4 II is Versa (75mm bowl) but comes with a drop-in top plate.

Fixed has a narrower base and is lighter. Versa has a wider base weighs more.

The CP34 + 75mm half bowl would replace my levelling base which would be nice. The increased circumference (13 vs 9.5 in) is a potential concern. Both tripods are the same length, but I don’t have a good feeling how they would compare strapped onto a pack in terms of bulk. The CP30 is about 1 lb lighter than the CP34 which is significant, but then the CP34 is already 2.5 lb lighter than my current setup.
I’m convinced that the CP30L would cover 90% or more of my needs. It’s seascapes and beaches, which we have a lot of around here, that I not so sure about. Anyone using it for that purpose?

Jun 22, 2024 at 04:28 PM

Forum GAS
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · FLM CP30 or CP34

A lot of this is personal preference. Things like your height will determine how often you extend the slimmest tube. The length of your backpack might be a factor in selecting the L vs. S. I personally take my CP30-S if I’m going to do a lot of hiking and want to carry it on a small backpack. But, I’ve also taken the CP34-L on a longer backpack. I’ve never done this, but Leaseville has them for rent.

Jun 23, 2024 at 10:17 AM

Bobarino
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Personally speaking, I would look to a different category of tripod when shooting near sea-shores/beaches,where wind would likely be a factor. The yaw stiffness (for cross-winds) of the CP30 is slightly lower than that of a 1-series Gitzo Traveller (according to TCC.com.) Shooting even in light wind conditions with the Sigma 150-600 would be a no-no in my book. Gitzo for example, recommends a max 135mm lens with this category of tripod.

While the CP34 is stiffer in comparison,,,, it performs basically on par with a 2-series Gitzo Mountaineer,,, and Gitzo recommends a maximum 200mm lens with this category of tripod. If you're shooting with extended shutter times (to smooth water surfaces), stability (vibbration damping) and stiffness will be a major factor. You'd also want to consider the impact of shooting with a gimbal head with the 150-600, especially if you're tracking moving subjects (birds/wild-life)

Jun 23, 2024 at 01:26 PM

Mirob
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · FLM CP30 or CP34

Bobarino wrote:
Personally speaking, I would look to a different category of tripod when shooting near sea-shores/beaches,where wind would likely be a factor. The yaw stiffness (for cross-winds) of the CP30 is slightly lower than that of a 1-series Gitzo Traveller (according to TCC.com.) Shooting even in light wind conditions with the Sigma 150-600 would be a no-no in my book. Gitzo for example, recommends a max 135mm lens with this category of tripod.

While the CP34 is stiffer in comparison,,,, it performs basically on par with a 2-series Gitzo Mountaineer,,, and Gitzo recommends a maximum 200mm lens with this category of tripod....Show more →

I’ve spent some time on the TCC site, and you need to be careful comparing like to like. The measurements are done at max height, without center column extension. The Gitzo 1-series GT1545T has a height of 51.3 in without the center column and has a yaw stiffness of 513. The CP30L which is measured at a height of 68 in has a yaw stiffness of 501, which at first doesn’t sound very good. When TCC measured the yaw stiffness of the CP30 at 51.5 in, the value is 806. I would expect that yaw stiffness of the GT1545T at max height of 60 in, with the center column extended, would be much worse. The CP30 is actually more comparable to the Gitzo GT2542 Mountaineer Series 2 with a yaw stiffness of 834 measured at 53.7in.

The same for the CP34 with a yaw stiffness of 907 at 68 in, a little better than the GT2542 at 53.7in. But at 51.5 in, yaw stiffness of the CP34 is 1356, which is more comparable to the Gitzo 3 series Gt3535 which has a yaw stiffness of 1399 at 59.7 in.

The Gitzo does seem to be a little better overall, but not dramatically so, and considering the extra cost of the Gitzo, I would hope it is a bit better.

Where the FML tripods seem to fall down is dampening compared to Gitzo and others.TCC attributes this to the nylon set screw FML uses to prevent the head from rotating. If these screws are not engaged, damping improves significantly. Others have suggested keeping the screws engaged when max stiffness is required ( wide angle, and standard lenses) and disengage the screws when using large tele lenses where damping is more critical. Clearly this is an area where FML needs to do better.

Jun 23, 2024 at 03:40 PM

hanay78
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · FLM CP30 or CP34

My field experience with Gitzo series 1 with relatively strong wind in seacoast, is that with 135mm is impossible to get a sharp image. And this without the central column extended.

I like a lot the gitzo tripod. Also I am atracted by the cp30. But weight is simmilar, and i woild like to have a lighter tripod and ballhead, even if it does mean to avoid using 135 with wind.

Bobarino wrote:
Personally speaking, I would look to a different category of tripod when shooting near sea-shores/beaches,where wind would likely be a factor. The yaw stiffness (for cross-winds) of the CP30 is slightly lower than that of a 1-series Gitzo Traveller (according to TCC.com.) Shooting even in light wind conditions with the Sigma 150-600 would be a no-no in my book. Gitzo for example, recommends a max 135mm lens with this category of tripod.

While the CP34 is stiffer in comparison,,,, it performs basically on par with a 2-series Gitzo Mountaineer,,, and Gitzo recommends a maximum 200mm lens with this category of tripod....Show more →

Jun 23, 2024 at 04:14 PM

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