The Slik Lite Travel Series are the first tripods to incorporate an integrated, removable LED flashlight in the center column to illuminate your camera bag while shooting at night. Built from the highest quality European 8-layer carbon fiber. The new Rapid Flip Mechanism locks (patent pending) allow the legs to invert 180 degrees for more compact storage and transportation. When its 5 leg sections are fully retracted the CF-522 is less than 14 inches (356mm) long, making it easy to stow in a carry-on suitcase or backpack. Despite its compact retracted size, it's a full-size tripod reaching over 57 inches (1448mm) when fully extended. Lightweight European 8-layer carbon fiber keeps this travel tripod to less than 2.3 lbs (1.04kg) while maintaining a superior weight to load ratio. The tripod also has a gearless, detachable and invertible center column that separates to convert to a short column for low angle photography.