Leofoto LS-284c or LS-324c (or something else?)

Mark Sloe · Dec 31, 2020

i am looking to buy a tripod, something suitable for travel but reasonably sturdy for flowing rivers and waterfalls. my heaviest combo at the moment is a7riii with fe 24-105mm f4, but i want the tripod to be futureproof and i am contemplating adding the sigma 14-24mm f2.8 to my collection.

i ended up looking at leofoto ls range as they are designed without an integrated centre column, which allows them to fold neatly to a very small volume and at the same time keep the leg diameter substantial. i am deciding between ls-284c with lh-30 head and ls-324c with lh-40 head. the price difference between them is £44, which is not a factor at this point.

does anyone have experience with either and can share their thoughts? is there a good carbon fibre alternative among travel tripods at ~£300?

many thanks!

DanRN · Dec 31, 2020

Mark Sloe said:
does anyone have experience with either and can share their thoughts? is there a good carbon fibre alternative among travel tripods at ~£300?

I have the LS-324c and LH-40 as my second (lighter) tripod. I tested it with a Nikon D810 and Sigma 60-600 Sport (though I usually have these on a Gitzo with a gimbal head) and it handled it well. It’s a light carry, a nice build.
Mine came with an accessory column that mounts on top of the apex, rather than through it, so the column hasn’t seen much use. It has a nice case, weight hook, and spikes for the legs. It has a positive review at:

https://thecentercolumn.com/

Right now, Amazon US has it inside your budget (under £250).
I’m very satisfied with mine.

Dan

Mark Sloe · Jan 1, 2021

DanRN said:
Mark Sloe said:

does anyone have experience with either and can share their thoughts? is there a good carbon fibre alternative among travel tripods at ~£300?

Click to expand...

I have the LS-324c and LH-40 as my second (lighter) tripod. I tested it with a Nikon D810 and Sigma 60-600 Sport (though I usually have these on a Gitzo with a gimbal head) and it handled it well. It’s a light carry, a nice build.
Mine came with an accessory column that mounts on top of the apex, rather than through it, so the column hasn’t seen much use. It has a nice case, weight hook, and spikes for the legs. It has a positive review at:

https://thecentercolumn.com/

Right now, Amazon US has it inside your budget (under £250).
I’m very satisfied with mine.

Dan

thank you, dan, this is a very useful information.

Hanno van Tartu · Jan 3, 2021

I bought the LS-284C because it fits into my existing set of tripods. If I did not have the Gitzo GT-2540 LLVL (I removed the centre column), I would have bought the sturdier LS-324C.

I am very satisfied with my decision. I keep a list of my gear and this is what I have: LS-284C Professional tripod w-o center col. 4 CF leg sect. PlateD ≈ 50mm, LegD = 28/25/22/19mm, FoldL = 0.45m, ExtH=1.21m (3-sect ExtH=0.91m), 1.1kg. (1.53kg w Andoer X-44S)

It was important to me to be able to put it in a carry-on bag. It fits alone without any problem, but it does not fit with head I use -- Andoer X-44S. The LS-324C is advertised as 48cm long when folded, but I have not measured it and expect it to be about 49cm. This probably fits, but it is borderline for carry-on bags. You need to check yours or accept that you may have to lay it in the bag slightly diagonally.

I tried various heads on it. The larger ball heads in the range of 52 to 55 mm diameter look out of place because of the rather small top plate of the tripod. They are also unnecessarily solid for the stability of the legs. I find that a ball head in the range of 40 to 44 mm diameter is a good match. Their bottom diameters tend to be in the range of 53 to 58 mm. The Andoer X-44S is/was very cheap for the quality. An Acratech head would be right too, but they are much more expensive.

One unusual feature of the newest versions of LS-284C and LS-324C is the presence of 3 little bolts in the top plate of the tripod. One can tighten them (delicately) so that the ball head never gets loose. My tripod did not come with the necessary small Allen key for these bolts, but I had a few of them in my toolbox.

NikonMike · Jan 3, 2021

Mark, I recently bought the 284cex model and couldn’t be more pleased. The build quality is top notch. This particular model has a built in leveler which is great for doing panos. It goes to 58” high. which is above eye level for me with ball head. I wanted the smaller 284cex instead of the 324cex to reduce the size and weight for travel and hiking. I already have a Gitzo 2531 that sort of fits into the medium duty category and didn’t want to duplicate that. However if the Leofoto were going to be my one and only tripod I would have opted for the 324. I use my Markins q10 head on it and I feel its a good match even with the slightly smaller platform base of the 284.

Steve Balcombe · Jan 4, 2021

Mark Sloe said:
i ended up looking at leofoto ls range as they are designed without an integrated centre column, which allows them to fold neatly to a very small volume and at the same time keep the leg diameter substantial. i am deciding between ls-284c with lh-30 head and ls-324c with lh-40 head. the price difference between them is £44, which is not a factor at this point.

I don't have either of these models but I have been impressed with Leofoto generally - I have two of their LS-223 table-top tripods, one C and one CEX.

Mark Sloe · Jan 6, 2021

Hanno van Tartu said:
I bought the LS-284C because it fits into my existing set of tripods. If I did not have the Gitzo GT-2540 LLVL (I removed the centre column), I would have bought the sturdier LS-324C.

I am very satisfied with my decision. I keep a list of my gear and this is what I have: LS-284C Professional tripod w-o center col. 4 CF leg sect. PlateD ≈ 50mm, LegD = 28/25/22/19mm, FoldL = 0.45m, ExtH=1.21m (3-sect ExtH=0.91m), 1.1kg. (1.53kg w Andoer X-44S)

It was important to me to be able to put it in a carry-on bag. It fits alone without any problem, but it does not fit with head I use -- Andoer X-44S. The LS-324C is advertised as 48cm long when folded, but I have not measured it and expect it to be about 49cm. This probably fits, but it is borderline for carry-on bags. You need to check yours or accept that you may have to lay it in the bag slightly diagonally.

I tried various heads on it. The larger ball heads in the range of 52 to 55 mm diameter look out of place because of the rather small top plate of the tripod. They are also unnecessarily solid for the stability of the legs. I find that a ball head in the range of 40 to 44 mm diameter is a good match. Their bottom diameters tend to be in the range of 53 to 58 mm. The Andoer X-44S is/was very cheap for the quality. An Acratech head would be right too, but they are much more expensive.

One unusual feature of the newest versions of LS-284C and LS-324C is the presence of 3 little bolts in the top plate of the tripod. One can tighten them (delicately) so that the ball head never gets loose. My tripod did not come with the necessary small Allen key for these bolts, but I had a few of them in my toolbox.

thank you, hanno, i measured my carry on suitcase and 48cm is an absolutely max length which would fit in. i could probably shave off a centimetre by unscrewing the rubber tips...

did you measure your ls-284c whether it is exactly 45cm as advertised?

in the uk both tripods sell as a kit - the ls-324c is for sale with lh-40 head, the ls-284c with lh-30. lh-40 comes with friction adjustment and should offer more stability as well.

as this will be my only tripod, i am leaning toward the 324c...

Mark Sloe · Jan 6, 2021

NikonMike said:
Mark, I recently bought the 284cex model and couldn’t be more pleased. The build quality is top notch. This particular model has a built in leveler which is great for doing panos. It goes to 58” high. which is above eye level for me with ball head. I wanted the smaller 284cex instead of the 324cex to reduce the size and weight for travel and hiking. I already have a Gitzo 2531 that sort of fits into the medium duty category and didn’t want to duplicate that. However if the Leofoto were going to be my one and only tripod I would have opted for the 324. I use my Markins q10 head on it and I feel its a good match even with the slightly smaller platform base of the 284.

thanks mike, the size (length) of 324c is borderline of what i can fit into my carry-on bag. i'll probably just cut off a 48cm piece of plastic pipe and see. i would prefer the 324c as it will be my only tripod but it seems i cannot go wrong with 284c either.

Mark Sloe · Jan 6, 2021

Steve Balcombe said:
Mark Sloe said:

i ended up looking at leofoto ls range as they are designed without an integrated centre column, which allows them to fold neatly to a very small volume and at the same time keep the leg diameter substantial. i am deciding between ls-284c with lh-30 head and ls-324c with lh-40 head. the price difference between them is £44, which is not a factor at this point.

Click to expand...

I don't have either of these models but I have been impressed with Leofoto generally - I have two of their LS-223 table-top tripods, one C and one CEX.

thanks, steve, except for a narrow leg angle (21.5 deg) i have not read or heard anything negative about the ls range.

DanRN · Jan 6, 2021

Sorry, Mark, haven’t been following for a while.

I just measured, my 324c is, indeed, 48.2 cm without the head.

Mark Sloe · Jan 6, 2021

DanRN said:
Sorry, Mark, haven’t been following for a while.

I just measured, my 324c is, indeed, 48.2 cm without the head.

thanks, dan, this helps

Hanno van Tartu · Jan 6, 2021

Mark Sloe said:
Hanno van Tartu said:

I bought the LS-284C because it fits into my existing set of tripods. If I did not have the Gitzo GT-2540 LLVL (I removed the centre column), I would have bought the sturdier LS-324C.

I am very satisfied with my decision. I keep a list of my gear and this is what I have: LS-284C Professional tripod w-o center col. 4 CF leg sect. PlateD ≈ 50mm, LegD = 28/25/22/19mm, FoldL = 0.45m, ExtH=1.21m (3-sect ExtH=0.91m), 1.1kg. (1.53kg w Andoer X-44S)

It was important to me to be able to put it in a carry-on bag. It fits alone without any problem, but it does not fit with head I use -- Andoer X-44S. The LS-324C is advertised as 48cm long when folded, but I have not measured it and expect it to be about 49cm. This probably fits, but it is borderline for carry-on bags. You need to check yours or accept that you may have to lay it in the bag slightly diagonally.

I tried various heads on it. The larger ball heads in the range of 52 to 55 mm diameter look out of place because of the rather small top plate of the tripod. They are also unnecessarily solid for the stability of the legs. I find that a ball head in the range of 40 to 44 mm diameter is a good match. Their bottom diameters tend to be in the range of 53 to 58 mm. The Andoer X-44S is/was very cheap for the quality. An Acratech head would be right too, but they are much more expensive.

One unusual feature of the newest versions of LS-284C and LS-324C is the presence of 3 little bolts in the top plate of the tripod. One can tighten them (delicately) so that the ball head never gets loose. My tripod did not come with the necessary small Allen key for these bolts, but I had a few of them in my toolbox.

Click to expand...

thank you, hanno, i measured my carry on suitcase and 48cm is an absolutely max length which would fit in. i could probably shave off a centimetre by unscrewing the rubber tips...

The rubber feet of my copy of the LS-284C add 23 mm.

Mark Sloe said:
did you measure your ls-284c whether it is exactly 45cm as advertised?

I think it was advertised as 44 cm. My measurement gives me from the top plate to the tip of the rubber feet 445 mm. To that, one needs to add usually about 6 mm for the ball head bolt that sticks out of the top plate and cannot be removed. All in all 45 cm.

I like your idea of unscrewing the rubber feet. Without them, the tripod reduces to a little less than 43 cm.

Mark Sloe said:
in the uk both tripods sell as a kit - the ls-324c is for sale with lh-40 head, the ls-284c with lh-30. lh-40 comes with friction adjustment and should offer more stability as well.

The LH-40 does look good. I have a very similar Fittest X4 ball head. It seems this type of head is generally very smooth and solid. The only slightly negative point is that one needs to have a strong grip to tighten the main tension knob fully. (Leaving the panning knob loose and tightening the tension control knob help. I have not yet tried lubricating the main tension assembly.) This is my personal experience with this particular head, but I have read similar comments in respect of other heads of this design. Perhaps I am spoilt by Kirk BH-1 and other good traditional designs.

Mark Sloe said:
as this will be my only tripod, i am leaning toward the 324c...

I would lean too. More than the Tower of Pisa ;-)

Mark Sloe · Jan 6, 2021

Hanno van Tartu said:
Mark Sloe said:

Hanno van Tartu said:

I bought the LS-284C because it fits into my existing set of tripods. If I did not have the Gitzo GT-2540 LLVL (I removed the centre column), I would have bought the sturdier LS-324C.

I am very satisfied with my decision. I keep a list of my gear and this is what I have: LS-284C Professional tripod w-o center col. 4 CF leg sect. PlateD ≈ 50mm, LegD = 28/25/22/19mm, FoldL = 0.45m, ExtH=1.21m (3-sect ExtH=0.91m), 1.1kg. (1.53kg w Andoer X-44S)

It was important to me to be able to put it in a carry-on bag. It fits alone without any problem, but it does not fit with head I use -- Andoer X-44S. The LS-324C is advertised as 48cm long when folded, but I have not measured it and expect it to be about 49cm. This probably fits, but it is borderline for carry-on bags. You need to check yours or accept that you may have to lay it in the bag slightly diagonally.

I tried various heads on it. The larger ball heads in the range of 52 to 55 mm diameter look out of place because of the rather small top plate of the tripod. They are also unnecessarily solid for the stability of the legs. I find that a ball head in the range of 40 to 44 mm diameter is a good match. Their bottom diameters tend to be in the range of 53 to 58 mm. The Andoer X-44S is/was very cheap for the quality. An Acratech head would be right too, but they are much more expensive.

One unusual feature of the newest versions of LS-284C and LS-324C is the presence of 3 little bolts in the top plate of the tripod. One can tighten them (delicately) so that the ball head never gets loose. My tripod did not come with the necessary small Allen key for these bolts, but I had a few of them in my toolbox.

Click to expand...

thank you, hanno, i measured my carry on suitcase and 48cm is an absolutely max length which would fit in. i could probably shave off a centimetre by unscrewing the rubber tips...

Click to expand...

The rubber feet of my copy of the LS-284C add 23 mm.

23mm is a decent buffer.

Hanno van Tartu said:
Hanno van Tartu said:

did you measure your ls-284c whether it is exactly 45cm as advertised?

Click to expand...

I think it was advertised as 44 cm. My measurement gives me from the top plate to the tip of the rubber feet 445 mm. To that, one needs to add usually about 6 mm for the ball head bolt that sticks out of the top plate and cannot be removed. All in all 45 cm.

I like your idea of unscrewing the rubber feet. Without them, the tripod reduces to a little less than 43 cm.

Hanno van Tartu said:

in the uk both tripods sell as a kit - the ls-324c is for sale with lh-40 head, the ls-284c with lh-30. lh-40 comes with friction adjustment and should offer more stability as well.

Click to expand...

The LH-40 does look good. I have a very similar Fittest X4 ball head. It seems this type of head is generally very smooth and solid. The only slightly negative point is that one needs to have a strong grip to tighten the main tension knob fully. (Leaving the panning knob loose and tightening the tension control knob help. I have not yet tried lubricating the main tension assembly.) This is my personal experience with this particular head, but I have read similar comments in respect of other heads of this design. Perhaps I am spoilt by Kirk BH-1 and other good traditional designs.

Hanno van Tartu said:

as this will be my only tripod, i am leaning toward the 324c...

Click to expand...

I would lean too. More than the Tower of Pisa ;-)

i guess my mind is made up. many thanks!

Snap Happy · Jan 9, 2021

Hi Mark,

You might want to look at www.novo-photo.com

They are based in the UK, and I think the products are re-branded Leofoto items but pricing is good. I have their CB-34/40/46 heads which are good.

I have tried their T20 and thought it pretty good for the price, I did return it without any difficulty in favour of a Gitzo which was same height and weight but more solid, but also cost three times as much!

I also rate the Benro Mach3 range.

You may also find a good used Benro or Gitzo at www.mpb.com .

Mark Sloe · Jan 9, 2021

Snap Happy said:
Hi Mark,

You might want to look at www.novo-photo.com

They are based in the UK, and I think the products are re-branded Leofoto items but pricing is good. I have their CB-34/40/46 heads which are good.

I have tried their T20 and thought it pretty good for the price, I did return it without any difficulty in favour of a Gitzo which was same height and weight but more solid, but also cost three times as much!

I also rate the Benro Mach3 range.

You may also find a good used Benro or Gitzo at www.mpb.com .

Mark Sloe · Jan 12, 2021

just received the leofoto ls-324c and i am happy i did not go with the ls-284c. the tripod is robust and yet compact, fits my carry-on suitcase without the need to remove the rubber feet (but those are big as well and would save additional 2.5cm). volume-wise it is smaller than my old tripod but somewhat heavier, mostly due to the head. overall, i am impressed.

the narrower than standard angle of the legs gave me a pause, but let's see how it will handle itself in use, especially in wind or water.

--
https://500px.com/mark_sloe

DanRN · Jan 12, 2021

Mark Sloe said:
the narrower than standard angle of the legs gave me a pause, but let's see how it will handle itself in use, especially in wind or water.

I thought it was pretty compact when I first held mine, compared to the photos I’d seen. Mine has done well in a running stream halfway up the second section, but that was only with a moderate telephoto (105mm) mounted. I haven’t used it a strong breeze yet.

Hanno van Tartu · Jan 12, 2021

Mark Sloe said:
just received the leofoto ls-324c ... the narrower than standard angle of the legs gave me a pause, but let's see how it will handle itself in use, especially in wind or water.

Thank you for letting us know. Any news about even a small success is a pleasure in these times.

In respect of the leg angle, I look at it differently. The LS-324C primary leg angle is 21.5 degrees with the ball head base height of 130 cm when fully extended and the feet at a distance of about 54 cm (= [130*tan(21.5 deg) +3] cm) from the vertical axis of symmetry.

Thecentercolumn states that 25 degrees would be ideal. The same size ball head platform would have to be at the height of 110 cm to have the feet in the same places with the 25 degree leg angle -- 54 cm from the axis. One has to extend the centre column by 20 cm to come to the same height of 130 cm. Yes, the physical leg angle is 25 degrees, but the "structural support angle" (I may have invented a term here?) is still 21.5 degrees!

That is more or less what the much more expensive Gitzo travel tripods do. They have primary leg angles between 24 and 26 degrees, but then add the centre column extension.

Mark Sloe · Jan 12, 2021

Hanno van Tartu said:
Mark Sloe said:

just received the leofoto ls-324c ... the narrower than standard angle of the legs gave me a pause, but let's see how it will handle itself in use, especially in wind or water.

Click to expand...

Thank you for letting us know. Any news about even a small success is a pleasure in these times.

In respect of the leg angle, I look at it differently. The LS-324C primary leg angle is 21.5 degrees with the ball head base height of 130 cm when fully extended and the feet at a distance of about 54 cm (= [130*tan(21.5 deg) +3] cm) from the vertical axis of symmetry.

Thecentercolumn states that 25 degrees would be ideal. The same size ball head platform would have to be at the height of 110 cm to have the feet in the same places with the 25 degree leg angle -- 54 cm from the axis. One has to extend the centre column by 20 cm to come to the same height of 130 cm. Yes, the physical leg angle is 25 degrees, but the "structural support angle" (I may have invented a term here?) is still 21.5 degrees!

That is more or less what the much more expensive Gitzo travel tripods do. They have primary leg angles between 24 and 26 degrees, but then add the centre column extension.

that is a good way of looking at it. centre of gravity and base are the same while eliminating a joint/moving element and distributing the load from single column into the legs should result in higher rigidity.

afoton · Jan 12, 2021

Mark Sloe said:
the narrower than standard angle of the legs gave me a pause, but let's see how it will handle itself in use, especially in wind or water.

It will handle much better with the legs more spread. I have adjusted mine to about 25°, it became a better, but lower tripod.

Before the angle adjusting, mine failed in the wind with 70-200mm. I got better result without the tripod. 200mm is at the limit for this tripod.

Leofoto LS-284c or LS-324c (or something else?)

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