This review is for the LS-324C legs, bundled with the LH-40 ball head and centre column. For context: I use a full sized pro DSLR (Canon 1D series) with a variety of heavy lenses.
The Pros and Cons of full sized tripods:
- a tripod needs to hold your camera still, and it does
- a tripod is most useful if it can hold your camera at a height at least approaching your eye level and preferably above that (to cope with sloping ground) and they usually are
- a tripod that will do those things will be large when folded down, will be more or less heavy and will not be something you want to carry unless you know you are going to need it. As a result, it is often left it in the car, or at home.
The solution? A “travel tripod.”
The problem with travel tripods:
- if they are sturdy enough to hold a full sized DSLR for long exposures, they are not that lightweight
- they usually use a long centre column – which is inherently not stable. If you don’t extend the center column, they are very short
- they are usually bulky because they fold back on the centre column
- they typically don’t fit inside your camera bag, are still a nuisance to carry and often get left in the car, or at home.
- if they are significantly lighter and actually do fold up small enough to go inside your bag, they are short, don’t provide enough stability. Thus, they are of limited use and,,,,, you’ve guessed it – they get left at home.
The Leofoto LS-324C A good compromise (and beautifully made).
- It isn’t super light; it doesn’t fold up super small, but it is a proper tripod that is genuinely comfortable to carry.
- it’s leg sections are thick enough to provide enough stability for long exposures with a full sized DSLR
- At 130cm without the center column, it puts the camera at my eye level, on level ground
- it’s slim, fits in the included carry bag with a ball head attached and is comfortable worn over the shoulder or across the body.
There is no magical solution to the tripod dilemma, but this one is tall enough and sturdy enough to be a proper tripod and portable enough that I don’t mind carrying it. For outings where photography is only part of the trip, or where I will need to hike a long way with heavy gear – this is a good solution. By the way – the finish and build quality of this tripod and the head which came bundled with it, is very impressive.
Note on the screw-on center column: it’s very well made, lightweight and works well, but all center columns are inherently unstable, so I prefer to use it only when I absolutely have to.
Compared to the LS-284C:
- it’s 130cm vs 120cm (without using the centre column in both cases) – that extra height is very welcome
- it’s legs are thicker in all sections – you are going to notice the extra stability, especially in flowing water, or in wind.
- it’s not much more weight to carry (approx 0.5 lb), given that you will have either have it in the included bag, or strapped on to a rucksack.