FLM CP30-S4 II 4-Section Compact/Tall 10X Carbon Fiber Tripod, 44.1 lbs Payload

2022-01-26T15:05:56

I've been using this tripod for one year now. Before purchasing it I emailed the US FLM rep several times and he always got back to me quickly and answered all my questions. This was a plus. Anyway, I've been using it for a year now for landscape photography and still love it. Tall enough (with the ball head), smooth sliding legs, twist knobs are smooth (no rubber on them is a plus), very light, compact size and easy to dissemble to get sand out. The best part? Well, I don't ever think about this tripod when I use it. Thats what I like best about any photo gear, I want it to just work well and not have to think about it.

BRYAN M.

2020-12-30T07:20:25

I love the tripod but am still waiting for the ball head as it is on backorder. It's bigger than my Aluminum tripod but lighter since it is carbon fiber. I'm not very tall so this size is perfect. This tripod was recommended by a few landscape photographers I follow. When I get the ball head I will most definitely try it out in the field.

PATRICIA M.

2020-10-01T08:42:51

I've used this tripod a few times now. In spite of being at least a pound lighter than my older Gitzo 3-series tripod, it feels just as solid. It is also slightly taller. The weight savings makes it feel much nicer to carry on hikes. Build quality is great. As good as Gitzo and RRS, easily. At half the price of those brands, it's a bargain. The adjustments are easy to use. The set screws are soft and won't scratch your head. The set screws work well to prevent the head from coming loose. It has wide rubber feet, and came with long spikes as well. And even though this is the short model, it isn't as short as a travel tripod. The max height is very usable particularly with the screens on the back of digital cameras, unless you are super tall (I'm average). The minimum height is basically at ground level. The only quirk is they used T-30 Torx screws to attach the legs to the apex, but used hex for the set screws. I wish they were all the same.

John W.

2020-03-01T04:02:13

I love this tripod. My only regret is that I didn't but it sooner. I have tried several other tripods (returned 2 others) that were supposedly more sturdy. The FLM is incredible, a real piece of craftsmanship, excellent fit and finish. Very sturdy. It folds up to a very compact size that will easily fit into a suitcase, even a carry-on. The box says made in China but according to the FLM website, some of the parts are made in China but the actual assembly and testing of the tripods is in Germany.

Kenneth R.

2020-01-29T08:26:23

Right out of the box this tripod meets all of my initial expectations. Like so many others, I did extensive research (too much research) before making my decision. I'm 5'6 1/2" and wanted a high-end tripod without a center column that would allow my viewfinder to be 2" below eye level when fully extended. This tripod nailed it. High-end, carbon fiber tripods that have a max 53" height without a center column are a rare beast. I would recommend this to anyone who is my height. Another thing that sold me on this tripod was how well rated it was for stiffness on the website thecentercolumn. This tripod is among 27 tripods rated on the site and of the 27, three FLM tripods are in the top 50%...and all three are on the list in close proximity to both RSS and Gitzo tripods. While I have not field tested it yet, out of the box, the build seems to be outstanding. Operation is smooth. Legs drop straight out with about a 1/2 twist of the aluminum grips (nice touch). The tripod is extremely stiff when fully extended. The legs do not fold up, but that doesn't matter to me me. With a BH-40 ball head, the overall length is easily managed on my pack. By removing the ball-head for travel, I anticipate no problems carrying this on. I will follow-up on my review after testing it in the coming months.

DAVID A.