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Tripod help please

jeffbuzz
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Tripod help please

Califmike33 wrote:
Leofoto has some interesting options, but in those reviews and from other people they don't extend all the way. They look like the best bang for buck tripods for sure. I don't want aluminum, CF for sure. The reviewer said they don't open up enough and it affects the stability of the tripod, have you had an issue?

The Great Leg Angle Debate has simmered for a while. I absolutely agree that increased leg angle contributes to stability. Simple geometry. I also think some manufacturers cheat by using smaller initial angles which lets them use shorter tubes to get the same height as other models using wider angles. Thus saving a few cents or dollars in carbon tubing per leg.

I just measured three different Leofoto leg sets I own. Yes, my floor is level

. According to Leofoto's website, all 3 are supposed to be 23°.

My measurements:

LM-324C = 23°
LS-285C = 23°
LS-254C = 23°

Legs fully extended. Digital level app on my phone held against second leg section. I checked all 3 legs and it was consistent.

The LS-324C was a model specifically said to have 21.5° in the review. I don't have one of those to check. I don't know what my margin of error is but it's probably at least 1 degree +/-.

Could Leofoto have made a design change since that review was written to increase the angle? Maybe. I don't know. But mine all are above the "magic" 22.5 number and match the factory spec.

Some folks have apparently filed down either the apex ratchet steps or the thumb lock face to increase the extension angle. I have not done that. If I need more stability I use the middle 45 or 55° position and/or hang a counterweight from the center hook. To me, that is a far more reasonable way to achieve stability. If the wind's blowing 50mph, a 24 or 25° leg angle alone isn't going to do diddly. You need a lower position and counterweight.

Oct 25, 2023 at 01:58 PM

runamuck
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Tripod help please

i have a Feisol 37 something. I used it at the south end of Lake Michigan When Sandy pounded NY. Sturdy in the face of 45 knot winds. Amazing to see gulls flying in that wind. I had a D800 and a fairly heavy lens and had no problems other than my shoes getting sandblasted

Oct 25, 2023 at 02:26 PM

GroovyGeek
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Tripod help please

sjms wrote:
right now look into Leofoto.

Sound advice. There are many options out there by a host of sellers that look superficially similar at similar price points. Currently hard to beat the Leofoto value proposition in the mid range. Benro is similar but the workmanship of Leofoto is, IMO, superior. Feisol is also good but at a higher price point than Leofoto.

Leofoto runs sales with some regularity. I bought a Leofoto LS-284C for $250 on Black Friday last year.

mike650 wrote:
one way to stretch your budget is to buy a used tripod which tend to run about 60-70% of new.
Look at local Craigslist or FB marketplace.

Also sound advice... with a caveat. Quality tripods come up for sale relatively infrequently.

jeffbuzz wrote:
The Great Leg Angle Debate has simmered for a while. I absolutely agree that increased leg angle contributes to stability. Simple geometry. I also think some manufacturers cheat by using smaller initial angles which lets them use shorter tubes to get the same height as other models using wider angles. Thus saving a few cents or dollars in carbon tubing per leg.

I just measured three different Leofoto leg sets I own. Yes, my floor is level

. According to Leofoto's website, all 3 are supposed to be 23°.

My measurements:

LM-324C = 23°
LS-285C = 23°
LS-254C = 23°

Legs fully extended. Digital level...Show more →

I only have one Leofoto tripod, LS-284C. It is a very compact travel tripod, not suitable for anything but light duty or when you absolutely need a tripod but weight and space are at a premium. The leg angle is spec'd at 23 degrees and is most definitely wimpy and compromises the stability of the tripod. I put an angle grinder to the leg tabs to increase the angle by a few degrees. Have never measured what it is now, but it is approximately matched to my full-size RRS and mid-size Benro tripods.

Oct 25, 2023 at 02:54 PM

Califmike33
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Tripod help please

Leofkto it is guys that's what I'm going to get figure out which model I need I'm going to go on their website and check out all the different models. I did previously own one of their bowl heads with the Locking lever on it I actually liked it a lot but I didn't like the way they designed the knobs to turn to tighten up the top plate to tighten the rotation of the ball head those could have better grip other than that it was solid.

I'm going to go on eBay today and Hunt around and see what I can find forLeofoto.

Again hats off to you guys thanks for all the advice and the tips much appreciated.

Oct 25, 2023 at 03:11 PM

SGinNorcal
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Tripod help please

I get that people want to see their anytime at the top of a rating list. But unless you are shooting super heavy glass in a windstorm, does it really matter if its #1 or #30 on that list? To me usability matters more and that mostly comes down to weight and the head. Since I shoot APSC, a "travel" type tripod works fine for me. Maybe someday I'll get a second, heavy beast to take pictures of hurricanes. But for now, a just over 2 lb. tripod/head combo is what I need as I have to carry it places.

Oct 26, 2023 at 11:41 AM

hiepphotog
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p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Tripod help please

Califmike33 wrote:
Leofkto it is guys that's what I'm going to get figure out which model I need I'm going to go on their website and check out all the different models. I did previously own one of their bowl heads with the Locking lever on it I actually liked it a lot but I didn't like the way they designed the knobs to turn to tighten up the top plate to tighten the rotation of the ball head those could have better grip other than that it was solid.

I'm going to go on eBay today and Hunt around and see what...Show more →

If you are set to buy from the US, just follow Leofoto USA sales (up to 35% off). At least you will have the warranty support.

---------------------------------------------

SGinNorcal wrote:
I get that people want to see their anytime at the top of a rating list. But unless you are shooting super heavy glass in a windstorm, does it really matter if its #1 or #30 on that list? To me usability matters more and that mostly comes down to weight and the head. Since I shoot APSC, a "travel" type tripod works fine for me. Maybe someday I'll get a second, heavy beast to take pictures of hurricanes. But for now, a just over 2 lb. tripod/head combo is what I need as I have to carry it places.

I think a lot of folks here are keen on optimizing the balance between stiffness and weight for their specific needs. I came across a 28mm top tube tripod that's under 1.7 lbs, but it lacks the usual leg locks and flexibility found in others of its kind. However, I speculate that the stability of a 28mm top tube would surpass that of a 26mm or smaller one. The question is how much stiffness difference would be apparent in the real world.

Apart from the essential functions, there are additional aspects that some may value, such as a seamless and consistent operational feel, precision machining, innovative design, and excellent product service.

Oct 27, 2023 at 02:26 AM

sjms
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p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Tripod help please

In the end, how many tripods will you need to invest in to be satisfied?

Nov 04, 2023 at 05:43 AM

tsdevine
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p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Tripod help please

As many as it takes!

I wish there was a 3 (or 4) section inverted tripod. I think that would be a joy to use for most of my shooting.

sjms wrote:
In the end, how many tripods will you need to invest in to be satisfied?

Nov 04, 2023 at 11:12 AM

Daniel Smith
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Tripod help please

Used as suggested by others.
I still find my older Gitzo tripods work well, last a long time and are comfortable in use.

Nov 06, 2023 at 08:45 AM

sjms
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p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Tripod help please

tsdevine wrote:
As many as it takes!

I wish there was a 3 (or 4) section inverted tripod. I think that would be a joy to use for most of my shooting.

That's too many ways to waste time and money. Glad i don't have these issues.

Nov 06, 2023 at 09:11 AM

ronchau
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p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · Tripod help please

I own a Gitzo and a Sirui. They serve different purposes.

I have a Sirui T2205 carbon fiber with their ball head. Carbon fiber, folds small, rated for 26lb.
Been using it regularly for several years. I would buy it again. It has been replaced, not sure what the newer equivalent model is.

Comparing tripods and researching specs can definitely be exhausting. Avoiding a brand because you don't want make sure the specs meet your needs is odd to me.

I live in NYC and shop at B&H which has hundreds of tripods on display from many different manufacturers. I did my research and narrowed down options to 3-4 brands/models before going to the store for an in person evaluation.

Benro and Sirui are comparable and offer good value in my opinion. Gitzo is a different category.

Edited on Nov 06, 2023 at 06:33 PM · View previous versions

Nov 06, 2023 at 02:15 PM

tsdevine
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p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · Tripod help please

Sorry my humor was taken literally.

Unfortunately the realistic answer for many people is not 1. Now whether it's a couple, or few, probably depends on shooting style and other factors that can come into play.

sjms wrote:
That's too many ways to waste time and money. Glad i don't have these issues.

Nov 06, 2023 at 05:49 PM

hiepphotog
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p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · Tripod help please

Just as in any hobby, finding the perfect photography tool is an ongoing adventure. It requires an investment of time and money, but the journey itself can be enjoyable. In recent years, there have been some intriguing innovations in tripod designs that might be a good fit for your needs.

I stumbled upon a guide by a Chinese tripod designer that resonated with my own experiences. You can check it out here: https://forum.xitek.com/thread-535226-1-1.html

To sum it up:

"In the mainstream market, Gitzo is definitely the best tripod brand (some would say RRS, well, both of them are top brands)! ——However, when talking about a tripod, it must be called Gitzo... Simply put, when purchasing a tripod, you should pay attention to five factors: price, stability, height, portability and functionality . After clarifying these 5 factors, the choice of tripod will basically have a direction...Except for the appeal brands, other brands are basically in the second level, mainly including a large number of Chinese brands and several Japanese brands."

Nov 07, 2023 at 12:05 AM

sjms
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p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · Tripod help please

tsdevine wrote:
Sorry my humor was taken literally.

Unfortunately the realistic answer for many people is not 1. Now whether it's a couple, or few, probably depends on shooting style and other factors that can come into play.

in general it's 2, if you get out and actually use them. But then for some it's like golf equipment. Get that right driver😜

As far as

Nov 07, 2023 at 03:15 AM

tsdevine
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p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · Tripod help please

For me it’s 3, but again different strokes for different folks.

sjms wrote:
in general it's 2, if you get out and actually use them. But then for some it's like golf equipment. Get that right driver😜

As far as

Nov 07, 2023 at 09:09 AM

Daniel Smith
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p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · Tripod help please

I usually buy tripods used these days. Much less expensive.

Generally i am looking for one that will do OK with the 8x10 and 5x7 view cameras as well as SLR/DSLR with 600 f/4 glass. The bigger Gitzo stuff has worked well for me.

One nice surprise came from Samy's Camera decades ago. VELBON - generally junk stuff does make a solid pro product or two. Then I bought a PH270 tripod head to go on the Gitzo I had.(car theft got my other head so needed a replacement) The PH 270 was basically the older Husky pro head, updated a bit and up to the task of big heavy gear.

Then I found(more current) some used Velbon Mark 7 tripods on ebay. Solid pro level legs - and got them for $50 shipped. Have worked fine for years now.

If I was going for "the best" for the view cameras it would be RIES wood and their platform head. Not inexpensive but you will have it for decades - and then leave it to your grandkids to use.

Tabletop? I still like and use the Leica pods. Have worked for decades and still tight.

Nov 08, 2023 at 10:22 AM

sjms
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p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · Tripod help please

tsdevine wrote:
For me it’s 3, but again different strokes for different folks.

it used to be 3 for me too. but #1 just was taking too much space in my closet as #2 served as the it overlapped most of the services that both do.

Nov 09, 2023 at 12:56 PM

bobby350z
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p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · Tripod help please

Late to the party. Sunway geared head.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1750329-REG/sunwayfoto_gh_proiis_geared_head.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A6879&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo7KqBhDhARIsAKhZ4ugdU3SL-WEjRGdhXyuBXGsyQUhh7NQZpynFW3g_4BRGweU7R7Qq5_4aAuBMEALw_wcB

Nov 09, 2023 at 10:13 PM

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