The Lowdown
What I really love about the FlexTILT Head V3 is the way that it seamlessly integrates with other camera supports and provides extended capabilities. Regardless of the length and weight of the lens, you can easily balance and adjust tension for working with complete confidence.
Overall
Pros
- A beautifully designed product of high-quality materials and solid construction
- The integrated Allen key makes tension adjustments quick and easy
Cons
- There are now several competitors making very similar products for significantly less money
- Similar mounts from competitors can accommodate cameras up to 3 pounds as opposed to 2.5
Have you ever had a hard time positioning your camera in just the way that you need? Have you run into problems trying to precisely replicate a repetitive shot? Are you looking for a quick and easy way to switch between portrait and landscape orientations? Then Edelkrone has the camera mount for you.
The FlexTILT Head V3 is the latest iteration of Edelkrone’s camera head, first introduced in 2015. Employing Edelkrone’s constant friction technology, the head allows for quick and simple one-handed toolless adjustments facilitating a variety of angle and tilt variations. The new version is improved and, at $99, costs $50 less than the predecessor.
The Edelkrone FlexTILT Head V3 features:
- Toolless, one-handed pan, and tilt adjustments
- Works with tripods, sliders, or standalone on a flat surface
- Quick height adjustments
- Extends camera horizontally
- Supports camera rigs up to 5.5 lb.
- Smooth panning with a 340° range
- Panning & lens-center shifting marks
- Aluminum build with bubble level
The Edelkrone FlexTILT Head V3 has a standard 3/8 “-16 threaded mounting hole and an included 3/8 “-16 to 1/4 “-20 adapter bushing to allow mounting the head on virtually any tripod or slider. It can also be used on its own on a flat surface.
Going from landscape to portrait orientation is a snap.
The Edelkrone FlexTILT Head V3 is a nicely detailed, solid product made of 100% CNC machined aluminum and Delrin resin.
Although initially designed for use with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the FlexTILT can be used with any camera rig weighing 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) or less. The FlexTILT also has a bigger brother, the FlexTILT Pro, which can accommodate camera rigs up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg).
Finding the center of balance is easy, as is confirming that the head is level with the built-in bubble level. There is an aid for panoramic still shootings as well as index pan and lens center markings for repeatable shots. The Edelkrone FlexTILT Head V3 now includes a native slot to hold an Allen key for making adjustments to the tension.
What I really love about the FlexTILT Head V3 is the way that it seamlessly integrates with other camera supports and provides extended capabilities. Regardless of the length and weight of the lens, you can easily balance and adjust tension for working with complete confidence.
When used with this short tripod designed for low-angle and ground-level shooting, the FlexTILT demonstrates what it does best, allowing the user to quickly position the camera where they want it and make adjustments without the need for tools.
There are now several competitors making very similar products for significantly less money. Many of these are also on their second or third editions. Although they range in price and quality, similar mounts are available from companies like INNOREL, Neewer, ANNSM, Vikii Store, and ADAI. Many users report being very happy with these other models.
I have no personal experience with any of these, but a quick look at user reviews online indicates that some are seen as flimsy or that their hinges wear out quickly. Some have issues with the base and mounting plates not aligning correctly. Others seem to be missing some of the details of the Edelkrone, such as the built-in Allen key and the bubble level. Whether these are of great importance is up to the user, but the quality of the mechanism and how easily it can be adjusted seem to be primary.
The Edelkrone FlexTILT Head V3 retails for $99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including B&H, Adorama, and Amazon.
Source: Personal Purchase
What I Like: A beautifully designed product of high-quality materials and solid construction; The integrated Allen key makes tension adjustments quick and easy
What Needs Improvement: There are now several competitors making very similar products for significantly less money; Similar mounts from competitors can accommodate cameras up to 3 pounds as opposed to 2.5