Help Choosing a Tripod

[notacos4u]

I am currently contemplating purchasing one of the following Tripods, but having never utilized one for shooting, not really sure which way to go and what things are most important with them. Don't hate, but these are all Leofoto, although not against other options as well. I'm not sure what the different models stand for or what the difference are between them.

I'm guessing I'll never utilize the max ht on most of these, but I'm 6' tall and whether I utilize it for glassing or shooting I'm thinking anyone should be adequate. I know 4 legs would require more steps to set up, but only 1 of them has 3 legs, and it is also the shortest of all of them. How much does it matter, the difference between say 40/36/32/28mm and 36/32/28/25mm? I'm assuming the ones with 40mm would have more sturdy support.

All come with the MH-60 ball head, so even though all of the tripods have higher load ratings, the ball head itself maxes at 66lb load, so I would think that would be the weakest point, anyways. Does it matter in regards to 100mm vs 75mm? I know I see most people using the 75mm bowl diameters, it just seemed like some of the ones I looked at, just happened to have 100mm bowl diameters.

Or are all of these just overkill and can go with something way cheaper? All listed I should be able to get for under $600 with the MH-60 head


1. LM-404CL+MH-60 88lb load rating/ Max Ht 88.58/ (don't believe I need something this tall)/ 4 sections (40/36/32/28mm)/ and 100mm bowl diameter (not sure what this matters if it's a + or a -)

2. LM-404C+MH-60 88lb load rating/ Max Ht 74.88/ 4 sections (40/36/32/28mm)/ and 100mm bowl diameter (not sure what this matters if it's a + or a -)

3. LM-364CL+MH-60 66lb load rating/ Max Ht 71.73/ 4 sections (36/32/28/25mm)/ and 75mm bowl diameter

4. SA-403CX+MH-60X 110lb load rating/ Max Ht 63.14/ 3 sections (40/36/32)/ and 75mm bowl diameter

4. SA-404CX+MH-60X 88lb load rating/ Max Ht 71.73/ 4 sections (40/36/32/28mm)/ and 75mm bowl diameter

 

[Maurygold]

Two vets.

No Name V2

www.twovetstripods.com

 

[notacos4u]

Two vets.

No Name V2

www.twovetstripods.com

Why this one over any of the ones I listed, other than they are american made? What benefits does this one in particular have? Thanks

 

[MO Fugga]

Why this one over any of the ones I listed, other than they are american made? What benefits does this one in particular have? Thanks

Buying this one fucks the Chinee out of a few hundred.

Have you looked at 2 section inverted? Leo makes one too.

 

[Maurygold]

Why this one over any of the ones I listed, other than they are american made? What benefits does this one in particular have? Thanks

Pickup the phone and call them. Then call whatever the hell those others are. Then you’ll know why

 

[Rerun7]

what’s your use case? You competing, hunting, just the range, etc?

 

[earthquake]

Two Vets used to be Made in China. The owner stated it here on this site. Said they are working towards making them here. That was in 2018. Someone asked again in 2021 but they didn’t reply. Can anyone confirm if they’re made in USA yet?

 

[powdahound76]

They arent at that price…..

Most tripods are made in chyna except rrs

And mostly by 1-2 OEMs, not unlike scopes….. (LOW anyone)
Leofoto makes the vortex ones was stated here on the Hide by a person in the know.

 

[notacos4u]

what’s your use case? You competing, hunting, just the range, etc?

all 3 ultimately. Definitely plan on utilizing it moreso while shooting, whether it be hunting or competing

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Why this one over any of the ones I listed, other than they are american made? What benefits does this one in particular have? Thanks

They aren't American made. 2 vets is same chicom shit as lefoto and the rest. Might as well not pay a premium on it if your gonna buy stollen designs made with slave labor.

 

[notacos4u]

They aren't American made. 2 vets is same chicom shit as lefoto and the rest. Might as well not pay a premium on it if your gonna buy stollen designs made with slave labor.

So, either buy RRS, or don't buy anything at all, ok, got it. Can I buy stuff, that part of the components are made in chicom, or nothing at all?

 

[powdahound76]

@notacos4u

I had a leofoto legs set (324L, old apex) and an anvil on top.
Bought the anvil used.
Just wasnt a way to swing $1500 for a tripod.

I set it down in Oct unloading a deer from packs to the cooler on a mtn hunt (my daughters first animal) and in all the celebration, drove off without it.
Gone when I returned 3 hrs later.

Those legs worked great.
Weight was good (similar to RRS 24l and anvil)

Deciding what will fill in for it now.
Got a new super light one for glassing and occasional hunting shots.
But it wont hold up for anything but a few hunting shots here and there.

So still searching for that one do-all that is 3-3.5 lbs.
in the end, I will likely just save, work OT and get the RRS……

 

[0724/1030]

I picked up the following direct from Leofoto while discounted and able to pair with their 20% off coupon code + free shipping. Shooting impressions have been very positive compared directly with my RRS setup costing significantly more - worth noting weight was not a concern.

Leofoto LN-404C Heavy Duty Tripod with 100mm Bowl+Platform & Bag | Ball Head/Leveling Base Kit - LN-404C+LH-55LR

 

[Taylorbok]

So, either buy RRS, or don't buy anything at all, ok, got it. Can I buy stuff, that part of the components are made in chicom, or nothing at all?

Not what he said. read again.

 

[notacos4u]

Not what he said. read again.

Ok maybe I’m still reading it wrong….

“Might as well not pay a premium on it if your gonna buy stollen designs made with slave labor.” Help me understand, thanks

 

[Bkultra]

Ok maybe I’m still reading it wrong….

“Might as well not pay a premium on it if your gonna buy stollen designs made with slave labor.” Help me understand, thanks

He's saying if you're paying American prices get american-made goods. If you're going to buy a knockoff, go straight to the source. Don't fuck around and pay a middleman. I don't think many like the fact that two vets appears to be American made, but as far as I know is still made in China.

 

[notacos4u]

He's saying if you're paying American prices get american-made goods. If you're going to buy a knockoff, go straight to the source. Don't fuck around and pay a middleman. I don't think many like the fact that two vets appears to be American made, but as far as I know is still made in China.

Thank you for clarifying…. @DeathBeforeDismount my apologies