FIRST LOOK REVIEW: RANGER LEOFOTO LS-284C TRIPOD
Tripods. Some photographers love them. Some hate them. For many new photographers, the first tripod quickly ends up either being not sturdy enough or being too heavy. Most end up buying several, before eventually settling on the right choice. When looking for the perfect tripod look for 4 things; size, weight, stability and price.
While things like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on our lenses and especially In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), can partially replace a tripod for some shoots, for most the need for a good tripod is still present!
In the last 10 years I've mainly used two tripods; my trusty Gitzo G1257 Mountaineer whenever I'm working close to a car; and a lightweight MeFoto Backpacker Classic when there is a lot of hiking involved. While being small and light weight, the MeFoto isn't the most sturdy in more demanding environmental conditions. On the other hand, since my switch to mirrorless in 2013, the Gitzo has become a bit of overkill in size and weight.
So, I've been on the look-out for that perfect travel tripod for a while now. Something that has the Gitzo stability and that could carry the Fujifilm X-T3 with the XF100-400 lens as a maximum load.
Like a lot of things in life, things sometimes present themselves without looking for it. Such was the case in late August when I was contacted by a photography acquaintance in Dubai who started selling "LeoFoto" tripods. To be honest, I had never heard about the LeoFoto brand and was a bit skeptical at first.
Eventually, I borrowed a LeoFoto LS-284C Tripod for 6 weeks of real life testing. Full disclaimer, the tripod was on loan, I did not get the gear for free nor was I paid in any shape or form to say certain things about it. What is below is my own a first look review. As I'm writing this post, the person who lend me the gear doesn't even know about this upcoming review! Below are just a few of the images I shot during that period.
WHO IS LEOFOTO?
LeoFoto is a relatively new brand owned by Zhongshan Laitu Photographic equipment Ltd based in Guangdong, China. They have been manufacturing L-brackets, panoramic heads, quick release plates and tripods for more than 5 years now. For design and development, it is no secret that they have been looking at high end brands like Gitzo and Really Right Stuff (RRS). Rumor even has it that some of the design team used to work for these companies. I've been told that the founder of LeoFoto is a photographer himself which explains the attention to details.
Lastly for those worried that this is a Chinese company; don't forget that a lot of high quality equipment now is designed and manufactured in this part of the world. DJI having pretty much a monopoly on the drone market is a prime example!
RANGER SERIES
Like other brands, their tripods are grouped into several categories; Ranger, Urban, Summit, Mountain and the brand new Mr Q. The Ranger series provides a good compromise between size, weight and prize and is ideally suited for the Travel photographer. Especially mirrorless shooters will probably have the best bang for the buck in this category as they can afford a slightly lighter and cheaper version while keeping the stability required. If you are looking to mount the more heavy cameras (heavier DSLR's and Medium format) look into the Summit and Mountain categories. Below is an overview of all of the "Ranger"models available.
A quick explanation on the LeoFoto naming conventions;
- LS stands for the "Ranger" category. Yes, not sure where this comes from?
- First two digits (of the 3 digit number) is the diameter of the top section leg in mm;
- Third digit is the number of leg sections
- Letter(s) at the end; Style of tripod; C is Classic, CVL is Tilting Center Column, CEX is Leveller
SIZE - WEIGHT - DESIGN
Unlike some other tripods, the Ranger series tripods are designed without a center column which allows for tighter packing and lighter weight which is a good starting point. The LS-284C, weighs 1.42kg (including ball-head) and has a 50cm minimal folded length with the ballhead flipped to the portrait orientation which makes it perfect to fit in 20inch (51cm) carry-on airline luggage. With the ballhead removed it becomes even smaller at 45cm.
The legs are made of Toray 10-layer Carbon Fiber and are rated for a maximum load of 10kg. For info a Fujifilm X-T3/4 with the XF100-400 lens (heaviest XF lens) weighs less than 2kg!
Both the legs and the included LeoFoto LH-30 Ballhead, all have this high quality feel to them. To me it feels 100% on par with the much more expensive Gitzo tripods; often looked at as the gold standard. The legs have the standard twist knobs which I prefer to the flip locks. I don't buy into the argument that twist knob tripods takes longer to extend. It appears that there is no full weather sealing in the locks itself but that is not such a big deal for me, as they are easy to be disassembled and cleaned.
The LeoFoto tripods all have a single piece shim that stops the legs from falling out and rotating. My older Gitzo still had the two piece design that eventually will fall out when cleaning the legs. The aluminium locks at the top of legs, click easily into one of the three positions.
The tripod comes with both the rubber feet installed, as well as a set of three spikes for more slippery surfaces. One can also buy additional claws for even more challenging surfaces. All have a nice rubber ring at the bottom of the thread for weather sealing.
As stated there is no fixed center column installed on the tripod. But if one wants a higher ballhead height than 127cm (50") there is the optional center column that can be installed, bringing the maximum height to 158,5cm. One simply screws the provided extension to where the ballhead normally fits; a clever system which is easy and fast to install when needed.
I regularly hear photographers state that they want their tripods to be minimum at eye-height. Since all of my cameras now have tilt screens this requirement is completely gone for me. A chest height of 127cm is perfect for me and I will therefore only install the center column when there is a need to shoot over an obstacle such as a fence.
On the low side, the LS-284C allows one to shoot really close to the ground; 15cm from the top of the ballhead to be exact. Macro shooters will love this!
LH-30 BALLHEAD
For the last 7 years or so, I've happily used the Really Right Stuff (RRS) BH-30 Ballhead for all of my mirrorless shooting and I can't help to compare the LH-30 to it! Looking at the design of the LH-30, I don't think the similarity of the name (LH-30 vs BH-30) is a coincidence". By the way "30" stands for a 30mm ball being used on both. With its specifications being very close, the LH-30 is clearly aimed at the same market segment. Weighing 275gr (9,7oz) without camera plate, the LeoFoto ballhead is however 14% lighter. If bought separately the BH-30 from RRS is more than twice as expensive.
The ballhead, which has a lower profile height than the BH-30, is silky smooth and has good friction, even when tested with the heavier lenses like the Fujifilm XF50-140 f2.8 lens. The panning base comes with engraved degree markings.
I personally prefer the single lever release system versus the screw-knob clamp used on the LeoFoto LH-30. The main reason being the possible involuntary release of the camera by using the wrong knob. RRS gives the option between both mounting systems while this does not seem to be the case with the LeoFoto version.
The LH-30 is rated for a maximum load of 15kg (33lbs).
CAMERA PLATES
Unlike some of the other brands, LeoFoto includes an Arca-Swiss compatible BPL-50 camera plate (left on image above). When used on an X-T1/2/3/4 the plate does not block the battery compartment door and can be installed by hand (small built in handle), by using a coin or a screw driver.
The two metal screws, that protrude slightly, avoid that the camera slides of the head whenever it is not properly locked in place.
I've briefly tried the even smaller PeakDesign plates (right on image above), which work fine, but which do not have the additional safety of coming of the head by accident.
ACCESORIES
LeoFoto also has a large series of optional accessories that can be purchased at reasonable prices; things like Magic Arms and Phone/Tablet holders just to name a few. Check out what is available here.
CONCLUSION
While I was skeptical at first, I have to admit that I'm very much impressed with the LeoFoto LS-284C tripod set-up and that I have a hard time finding any real negative points. Yes, weather sealing of the locks would have been nice.
It seems that LeoFoto just released a new series called Mr Q. I'm interested to have my hands on one in the future and see how it compares to the Ranger series.
LeoFoto provides 10 years of warranty which says enough of the quality one can expect! We obviously have to see if the high quality remains after several years of usage but I have no reason to believe it won't.
Ever since my switch to mirrorless in 2013, I've always been on the lookout to go smaller and lighter with all of my photo gear, including tripods. As the LS-284C does exactly that for me I'll be purchasing one shortly!
At a price point of 1299,-AED for the UAE market, (349,-USD US market), one gets a high quality product that is easily about 30% cheaper than the competition. For me it comes with the "highly recommended" label.
If interested in purchasing LeoFoto gear in the UAE, please check out iBrandConnect here.
If you want more technical details about the product, please refer to LeoFoto which has some great additional info.
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