After spending a few months using the Flashpoint F-1228 Carbon Fiber tripod I felt I had enough time with it to write a qualified gear review on my blog. If you're considering the purchase of a new CF tripod you might want to read this review first.
I have the same tripod and have experienced virtually all of the same problems. It's not terrible, but it certain does have its shortcomings! Excellent review, Bret.
Posted by Doug Koepsel on May 25, 2011 at 11:24 PM
I purchased the F-1328 about 2 years ago due to budget constraints. The adhesive that holds the twist-lock thread to the leg shaft is thin/poor and two have let go when extending the legs such that the pieces become separated. Easy to reapply glue and put back together.
Sand easily gets in the threads of the leg extension twists and galls the threads.
The allen head bolts that control the leg swing tension come loose and thus the legs are floppy. Can be remedied with Loc-tite.
One bolt of a leg foot is loose, but has not fallen out.
Great review Bret. Looks like tripods are like lenses, price = quality.
I also agree with you where you stated that a better tripod to get in the $200 range is a non-carbon Manfrotto. I went CF this year, but for the last 4 years I used the aluminum 055XPROB, about $170 or so. That thing is quite sturdy and held up to my use/abuse easly. So I second the motion on that, until budgets allow for CF. In fact, the aluminum pod is still in service... I put a 501HDV head on it and made it my video tripod.
One day, a Gitzo will be mine (and that Acratech ballhead, nice!). For now, the 055CXPRO3 for $325 will have to hold me over (not a bad CF pod for under $400).
Discussion
5 repliesFlashpoint F-1228 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review
Thanks for this.
Sandy
Sand easily gets in the threads of the leg extension twists and galls the threads.
The allen head bolts that control the leg swing tension come loose and thus the legs are floppy. Can be remedied with Loc-tite.
One bolt of a leg foot is loose, but has not fallen out.
I also agree with you where you stated that a better tripod to get in the $200 range is a non-carbon Manfrotto. I went CF this year, but for the last 4 years I used the aluminum 055XPROB, about $170 or so. That thing is quite sturdy and held up to my use/abuse easly. So I second the motion on that, until budgets allow for CF. In fact, the aluminum pod is still in service... I put a 501HDV head on it and made it my video tripod.
One day, a Gitzo will be mine (and that Acratech ballhead, nice!). For now, the 055CXPRO3 for $325 will have to hold me over (not a bad CF pod for under $400).