The 55GX Centerball Tripod Head with QLB-60 QR Clamp from FLM is a light yet strong ball head with a simplified but effective friction lever, a low-profile design, an anodized satin-surface ball, and a load capacity of 88.2 lb. It has a short-travel pan control and the popular FLM-designed 15°-stop function.
Additionally included is an Arca-type QLB-60 quick release clamp with a quick release lever and dual bubble levels.
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Drag Control | |
| Load Capacity | |
| Weight |
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Base Mount | |
| Counter Balance |
| Drag Control | |
| Independent Pan Lock | |
| Independent Tilt Lock | |
| Vertical Tilt | |
| Lateral Tilt |
| Load Capacity | |
| Bubble Level | |
| Weight |
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Have had previous FLM heads which were excellent but bulky. This new GX series is very different compared to the CenterBall series. It is super light given the size of the ball, it is also very small and fairly squat. The ball action is super smooth. The knobs are now all different from each other and easy to sort by feel without looking, a down side on older models with all knobs feeling the same. While it does not have a separate friction control for the main lock, I don't miss it. The main locking lever has an excellent feel and relatively short throw, so it is not an issue. It is very easy to tighten. There is negligible slop with a heavy lens (100-400L mounted on the body (not as rock solid as the CB58 monster) with the camera mounted on the head. When mounted on the lens foot, it is super easy. The panorama with the option of click-stopped movements is also very nice. I am using it as the head for my small travel tripod as it is so compact and light and am very happy.
Pros: 1. It doesn't creep even with a heavy camera like Nikon Z9. 2. An ingenious and welcome design of the 15˚ feature for an outdoor photographer like me who does panorama often. 3. Included a well padded and made pouch for transport for an outdoor photographer like me who travel often. 4. I can pull up the main knob of the ball head to change its direction which is very convenient for packaging and convenient. Con: None I do have a wish though and that is if the pan control knob could have a small extension like the main knob then it would be perfect. Granted that the knob is currently well textured but it would be better to have an extension for even easier to turn and distinguish with the 15˚ knob in the dark.