FLM CP30-L4 II 4-Section Compact/Tall 10X Carbon Fiber Tripod, 48.5 lbs Payload

2022-01-29T18:06:13

I don't post reviews very often - but had to with this incredible tripod! I spent hours researching, watching YouTube videos. I kept coming back to FLM Tripods. I could not be happier! Hands down this is the best value for a high end tripod. It's super easy to use - and super sturdy. There's no center column so I can get close to the ground for landscape shots. This is an incredible tripod! I would Highly recommend it to everyone!

ANDREW S.

2022-01-19T11:38:37

I?m very happy with my CP30. I chose this because it lacks a center column allowing low angle shots yet it is a rather tall tripod at the same time. It?s actually about the same height as my old tripod without extending the lower sections. It?s also very light weight. Upon receipt I was really impressed by the high quality components and how smoothly everything worked. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a high quality tripod that doesn?t break the bank.

SCOT H.

2021-12-08T09:26:02

Very well made tripod. Decent price. Easy to use. Buy it!

Ella G.

2021-11-20T05:08:35

For the past eight years, I've been using an Induro 8m Aluminum tripod and it has served me well. Finally, on my recent photo trip up to Banff, I realized that it was time for an upgrade. So I did some research and, by the advice of Landscape photographer Nick Page (who reccomends this even over his RRS), I landed on this one. The biggest draw for me was how he said the tripod locks were slightly easier to access than the RRS. I'm blown away by the difference these legs leg. Combined with a RRS BH-40 ball head, my setup is now: - Almost 2 pounds lighter than before - Reaches a additional max height of over 8 inches - Holds twice as much load capacity as my old legs - Gets MUCH lower to the ground thanks to the lack of a center coloum - It folds up over 4 inches shorter than my old set up I'm so excited to take my tripod out now and enjoy a much more versitile and lighter experience. There are only a couple nit picks that aren't even negatives - I kind of wish it fully extended to my eye level when it's 3/4 extended. With 3 of 4 legs extended it extends about 3-4 inches below my eye level. Not a big deal at all because I simply extend a fistful of the fourth leg before I extend the rest of my legs and it's perfect, plus I have the extra length if I really need it. I considered returning this for the SP model to get fully extended at my eye level at less folded length and weight but I decided to just use this as my main tripod and spring for a FLM 26 travel later on. - Some people don't like that it only includes a center loop with no hook. I actually prefer this because I took a piece of parachute cord, tied a loop with a fishermans knot, secured the loose ends with electric tape and slid on of the taped ends into the loop hole. Now I have a silent loop that I can easily attach a carabiniere when I need to attach weight.

Joseph L.

2021-04-07T19:52:11

Can?t speak highly enough about the build quality of this tripod. For the price, you won?t find a better option. The standout feature in its class is probably the leg locks. They lock and unlock with only a minor turn, as should be expected. The quality of the locks is the best I?ve seen. Often a rubberized lock will have durability problems or a tendency to slip or expand with age. You won?t have that issue with these more durable, hard composite locks. Another area this tripod really stands out is it?s height. Other tripods of equal height are out there, but not without utilizing a center column or without paying over $1000.

ANDREW C.

2021-01-13T12:07:42

Combined with a RRS ball head, this tripod allows me to mount my camera from over head-height (I'm 5' 11") to just a few inches above ground for macros. It collapses to a manageable size and at just over 3 lbs. it's as light as most travel tripods, yet very sturdy. I saw certain Canada-based photography vloggers using FLM tripods, including this model, and I figured if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me. I was not disappointed. Best tripod I own.

John D.

2020-12-15T07:54:31

Great tripod for landscape photography. Legs are solid yet lightweight and have a great range of minimum/maximum height. I am not sure I would take it overnight backpacking (Due to weight/size), but great for any day trip hiking. Very happy with this product and plan on using it for 99% of my photography.

CHRISTOPHER R.

2020-12-04T18:50:59

When I first received the tripod, my first impressions were very good. The quality seems to be premium and overall it's an excellent tripod. This is a pretty light tripod that can get abnormally tall, which is why I bought it. I have paired this with a Leofoto LH-40 ballhead and it works great. I do have a few things I'll be critical about the tripod. 1. No tripod bag. Maybe I'm used to the mid-tier tripods that include a decent padded bag but this tripod did not come with one. 2. Bottom length diameter. According to thecentercolumn . com, the bottom leg diameter is 18.6 mm. This is pretty small but hopefully, I won't have any issues with it. 3. The leg angle locks. I think they will be difficult to pull out with gloves. 4. Sharp leg twist locks. Using bare skin, the metal groves are a little on the sharp side. It's definitely not 100% pleasant twisting them. 5. The carbon fiber wrap on the leg angle locks looks kind of cheap. I'd rather have bare metal. Overall, I think this is a great tripod for a mirrorless setup. Anything bigger and I'd go with the CP34-L4 or CP38-L4 mostly because of the bottom leg diameter.

HAROLD C.

2020-07-29T08:16:12

I’ve only taken it out a few times now, but so far I’m incredibly pleased. After probably over 100 hours spent researching every tripod on the market, this one was the Goldilocks for my purposes and height (I’m 6’4”). I primarily use it for landscapes while backpacking in the mountains, so size, weight, and height were all very important.

JARON H.

2020-06-26T12:20:38

This is a truly wonderful tripod. Light enough for hiking. Tall enough for eye-level shots on any type of uneven terrain. I paired this tripod with a Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball head. This combination is rock stable even with two legs in a flowing river. The BH-40 ball head fits perfectly on the top plate. I prefer the bare aluminum leg locks since they don't slip or don't cling on to dirt like the rubber covered ones. The only improvement I could ask for would be a leveling base.

TYLER B.

2020-06-11T15:35:51

Sturdy and tall, no center column means added stability in adverse conditions

ANDREW B.