FLM Canada is introducing the Berlin Series of tripods for pro video and photo usage. FLM’s recent success with their 200 percent Indieogogo-funded CP26-Travel tripod paves the way for a much larger relative: the Berlin 38.4. They’ll be introducing at least two tripods in the course of the next 8-12 months as part of their new “Berlin” series.
The first tripod in this series is the Berlin 38.4, or simply, the 38.4: “38” refers to the largest carbon tube diameter (38mm), and “4” is the number of sections per leg. FLM claims it is the “steadiest, most rock-solid tripod in its class”. FLM does has a history of high quality with their ball heads and tripods, backed up by an excellent 10-year warranty.
The Berlin tripods all share these specs and features:
- 10-layer carbon fiber tubes
- One-piece milled aluminum apex
- Removable center plate or bowl adapter
- Allow the use of both 75mm and 100mm bowl systems
- An extremely high weight-to-load-capacity ratio
- One-piece leg shims
The unit I received came with a cork-topped (not finalized yet, more info here) flat plate, toolkit and carrying bag. The first thing I noticed about this tripod is the incredible attention to detail obvious in it’s construction. All of the craftsmanship is well done. That, combined with it’s extraordinarily strong, lightweight construction and the usage of materials that won’t rust or degrade in the elements puts off a very aggressively professional outdoor vibe. It feels like it would be at home in a studio, a busy sidewalk, rainstorm or blizzard. It’s light enough to carry around but is still almost eye-level when fully extended. I haven’t tried yet, but I feel like I could stand on top of this tripod without fear of damaging it (but won’t). Even the heaviest professional rigs are at home on top of this thing. Here’s a photograph of it dwarfing my Sony Nex7 compact DSLR:
While I’m not a professional photographer or videographer, the tripod exudes aircraft-grade manufacturing prowess. I don’t have much to say as far as downsides, other than the price. At a retail price of $800 USD (~$550 on IGG), I’ve paid less for used cars. I wasn’t sent a head or bowl to test it out in any other way than screwing my camera directly to the flat plate, so your mileage may vary once you get the accoutrement needed to add pan and tilt functionality. Overall I’m quite pleased.
Here are some specifications on FLM’s Berlin 38.4 Tripod from the IGG page:
- Tripod Name: Berlin 38.4
- Materials: interwoven 10x carbon fibre, aluminum alloy CNC-milled apex bowl
- Leg Sections: 4
- Leg section diameter: 38mm, 34mm, 30mm, 26mm
- Weight: 2,25 kg (4.96 lbs.) – without centre post/plate
- Load capacity: 40kg (88.18 lbs)
- Weight-to-Load-Capacity Ratio: 1 : 17.7
- Max height: 143cm (56.29″)
- Min height: 8cm (3.14″)
- Folded length: 52cm (20.47″)
- Folded diameter (at apex): 16.4cm (6.45″)
- Apex bowl mount: 75mm & 100mm
- Ball head mount: 3/8″ & 1/4″
- Foot assembly: integrated steel spikes, rubber screw-on feet
- Leg locks: aluminum alloy
- Other materials: cork/rubber surface on flat plate
- Bubble level: integrated
The tripod is currently available in North America, has a 10 year warranty, and available for backing/order on Indiegogo.
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