Leofoto tripods

#51
DP425 said:
I can now confirm, that no, the TA-3 will not work on the LN-324C.

As a matter of fact, it only "sort of" works on the LN-364C. If you're fine using only the clamp to retain the TA-3, then you can use it as is. BUT, it WILL NOT engage the lock mechanism in the tripod. To do that, you must swap the bowl out; removing the RRS bowl and installing the Leofoto bowl that the tripod comes with. This APPEARS to reduce the range of motion, but I have not yet measured it out.

Personally, I'm not willing to roll with just a clamp lever to retain a $300 leveling base; that lever isn't hard to turn.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I agree.
 
#52
I received my 364 the other day. This is my first Large CF tripod after shooting off of aluminum ones for a while.
Which half ball, or leveling base are you guys using. Mine came with the flat base and the bowl.
 
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#53
opeagle said:
I received my 364 the other day. This is my first Large CF tripod after shooting off of aluminum ones for a while.
Which half ball, or leveling base are you guys using. Mine came with the flat base and the bowl.
Click to expand...

I have the RRS TA-3 in mine, but I'm using the bowl that came with the tripod. If you use the bowl that comes installed on the TA-3, it won't latch on the lock mechanism; you'll only have the clamping action to secure it. Good way to lose a $300 item IMO.

Now, RRS advertises the TA-3 as having 15 degrees adjustment in all directions; that would for all intents and purposes, mean, a range of motion of 30 degrees up/down. Using my phone to read cant, I tested the TA-3 in both the RRS bowl and the Leofoto Bowl, both without a rifle clamped in (in other words, phone directly on the clamp), and with my AXMC clamped in (phone on rifle). Readings were essentially the same with both methods. I found that my phone read a total range of motion for the RRS bowl at 27 degrees- three less than advertised. The Leofoto bowl with the TA-3 gave me 23 degrees total ROM.

This ROM reduction is caused by two main differences in the bowl designs; first, the center hole on the leofoto bowl is a smaller diameter than the RRS, so the threaded stud that has to go through it and pivot around, is inhibited by the smaller hole. This issue could be resolved by opening up the leofoto bowl's center hole. HOWEVER, that's not the end of it... The design of the leofoto bowl, with a deeper skirt; along with the contoured mating surface of the screw "clamp" that locks down the leveling base's movement, essentially squashes any hopes of getting equal ROM after swaping bowls. There is no good way to open up the skirting on the leofoto bowl, or you'll simply lose it, and with it, the grove which the retention lock interfaces with. The contoured piece that locks down on the bowl (sort of like a super thick, rounded washer) could be reduced in diameter, since it would otherwise hit the skirt, but I don't know what the cost would be in terms of lock-up... Reducing the surface area for friction to take it's hold could be a problem.

So, with that said, I'd likely suggest looking at the RRS TA-U-LC. This base appears to be nearly identical to the TA-2, except it's designed to mount on a 3/8 stud, which your tripod came with. Up-shot to this leveling base, is the 35lb weight rating vs the 25lb weight rating on the TA-3. You lose the under mount tension knob, but the collared style may be better under some conditions anyway, as it's larger, and right there in the open, directly below the rifle.

The other piece of this puzzle I suggest looking into, is their newly introduced Anvil-30 ball head. I haven't been able to find a lick of info out there on this yet, but they claim it's been designed specifically for shooting, with all the most shooting-useful features of leveling bases and ball heads, with none of the disadvantages for shooting that come with each. That is essentially, the only thing out there info wise. Point being, might be worth looking into when more info becomes available.
 
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#54
so, for guys with both the 364 and the RRS 33 I would like to know if the width of the leg attachment is the same. If so, the new Anvil-30 ball head with apex adaptor might be an option. you could just remove the legs and put them on the RRS Anvil 30 apex. now it would be a little slimmer too.
anyone care to take some measurements and post them?

http://soar.reallyrightstuff.com/Anvil-30-Ballhead?quantity=1&custcol49=4
 
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#63
I finally got a chance to play with my 364c and night stalker tripod in the field with my 18lb SRS. I'm using a b&t picatinny adapter mounted to an arca type plate.
With the 364c I'm using the leofoto leveling base and it's honestly impressive for $30. Locks down solid and pans pretty smoothly. Range of motion is limited but being flat here it's not an issue. The 364 is a tank. I'm 6'3" and with the smallest sections 10-12" out and the rest all the way it's the perfect height and still more stable than the night stalker seated with only the largest leg section extended.

All rigged up I measured the 364 at 7lbs and the night stalker at 4lbs +- a few oz.

If I'd buy something else it would probably be a full blown rrs anvil tripod package. Either a 24L for the weight or 34L. The regular 34 would be too short for me I think. For now though, for how much I use a tripod I'm happy with what I have.
 
#64
Very happy with the 364c and TA-3 combo. I've used it at a few matches now (mostly as rear support) and I have been very happy with the extra height over the Feisol/RRS. For shooting off of the tripod the height is a little overkill, but as a rear support it is much easier to get in there when shooting off of a taller barricade. I'm 6'3", but I've got a few friends with the same combo who are also happy to have the extra height in such situations. I like the leg locking mechanisms better than the Feisol, and the 4 leg sections means it slides nicely into my Eberlestock for stowage with the lower compartment still folded up.
 
#70
Diver160651 said:
First, let me start by saying I am a bit jealous of your height.

The reason I brought up the heavy weight earlier:

A lot of people should consider however what that weight might mean when down stream 6 months or so. Let assume that you honed your bipod skills and want to use it in a match or maybe hunting... In either case, you'll generally be caring enough, be it water, ammo, rain gear, etc along with your tripod that you'll wish, really wish, the tripod was lighter. I love my RRS TVC-33 and mine comes in a bit heaver than my Feisol 3372. By the time I am all stacked up for hunting, I look at everything and often end up defaulting to my 3472 at 2.5lbs (no foam), even though the RSS-TVC-33 shoots so much better. I've seen others leave the tripods home because it all became to much. Remember you can always add weight with your pack hung for extra stability, but you can't make the yoke smaller or the legs lighter.

I had the an old Carbon Getzo that I think was about $2k and it was about the same weight as the 404. It was just way to heavy, the yoke to large. Packing it, or moving it with one hand while kneeling holding the gun (as in using a leg for rear support), is a more awkward task than it sounds, especially when the legs are all spread out.

My point is that while the differences may seem very small today, the weight differences really do, or might in the future, matter to someone and may limit were and how one uses it.
Click to expand...

3472 is really 2.5lbs without foam?
 
#72
Update: I have had my L-364C tripod since December and I am still satisfied with it. Though I have not had a chance to put it to any heavy duty use, I haven't found any weaknesses yet. I did some night time coyote hunting with it over the winter in southern Illinois and the tripod functioned well in the extreme cold. One night we started about 9:00 pm, the temp was 38 with light fog. Our gear quickly became drenched with condensation. By 1 am the temp had dropped to 20 and the condensation became a layer of frost. I tell this because I was concerned about the functionality of the leg locks in the icy conditions but we had no problems. Sliding the legs in and out would shave the ice off and they never failed to unlock when we reached the next setup. I used the tripod this past weekend at a match as a dedicated spotting rig. The winds were a steady 8-10 mph with gusts up to 14. I have a pair of Swaro 15x56 binos on a Outdoorsman bino mount and I only experienced vibration during the most extreme gusts. I think the Outdoorsman mount acts like a tuning fork to amplify the wind effects. So far I like the tripod and I feel like it offers a great value for the price. If the tripod ever fails to perform any tasks that I ask of it or if it breaks, I will report that also.
 
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#74
KakaoTalk_Moim_54vQLM9Uug1UxlZZmqLwsWQiuui9QB.jpg

Is it possible to combine RRS TA-3 on a LN404C tripod?
 
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#77
newguy2k3v2 said:
The leofoto base smooths out some with a little lube and use.
Click to expand...

I'm sure that would help. You can also add a rubber O ring between the part you turn with your hand and the small cup that clamps to the bowl... Also helps with having a little more intermediate control, not just loose and locked down.
 
#78
DP425 said:
I can now confirm, that no, the TA-3 will not work on the LN-324C.

As a matter of fact, it only "sort of" works on the LN-364C. If you're fine using only the clamp to retain the TA-3, then you can use it as is. BUT, it WILL NOT engage the lock mechanism in the tripod. To do that, you must swap the bowl out; removing the RRS bowl and installing the Leofoto bowl that the tripod comes with. This APPEARS to reduce the range of motion, but I have not yet measured it out.

Personally, I'm not willing to roll with just a clamp lever to retain a $300 leveling base; that lever isn't hard to turn.
Click to expand...

So what head do you recommend for the 324C?
 
#79
Not sure what size bowl the 324 uses... But if its a Leofoto 75mm, use a Desmond halfball leveling base. Has a lot more range of motion than the Leofoto. I think it's right at 30 degrees. Hope this helps
 
#80
I think I heard the 324 uses a 60mm bowl.

I would love to see someone set up a 324 with the right size half ball and review that.

I want a light weight bowl mount tripod and the Leofoto setup with the interchangeable pieces looks great, really easy if you want to swap from a bowl to a center column or plain 3/8-16 stud but the 364 seems heavy and the 324 size might be an oddball.

There seems to be a big gap between the Desmond 432 and the Leofoto 324.

In my mind, someone should make a bowl mount and leave out the column to get in to the $200 range for a CF tripod with good stiff legs.
 
#82
Does anyone have any experience with the LS-324C and/or LH-40 ballhead? It says its rated up to 33lbs. Just curious how stable it would be for shooting off of. It looks light and compact but I wonder how much stability you give up.
 
#83
Quiggs said:
Does anyone have any experience with the LS-324C and/or LH-40 ballhead? It says its rated up to 33lbs. Just curious how stable it would be for shooting off of. It looks light and compact but I wonder how much stability you give up.
Click to expand...

I just picked up the LS-324C and it seems like a nice little tripod. I have very little experience shooting off a tripod and this was my first. Primary uses will be glassing at matches and while hunting, rear support during matches, and shooting while seated for hunting. I've never had a need to shoot standing. Really wanted something smaller and lighter for hunting. This is 4.2 lbs with ballhead.

Spent very little time with it.. my biggest concern after use is stability while glassing with the center column installed.. it vibrates easily. Want to get it out in some strong wind to test it further. Stability while seated is pretty good (rear bag used as well).

Took a few shots standing with my last 5 rounds. Went 3 for 3 at 615 on a 12" square and 1 for 2 at 865 on a 16". No other supports used here. I would say I'm more stable with a gamechanger on a decent barricade then with this tripod standing. Rifle is about 18 pounds.

Very preliminary results, but it might actually meet my needs.
 
#84
5x at 100 prone (left 1" target - disregard the 2 low shots) and 5x seated with tripod ( first shot is the one at 5 o'clock) on 2" target. Minute of coyote for sure.

20180816_185017.jpg


Some pics
Seated
20180816_184818.jpg


Standing.. tripod is maxed out. I'm 6'1" and the rifle is chest high.. just about perfect.
20180816_203822.jpg


Binos.. center column installed and just about maxed out for standing straight up.
20180816_204329.jpg
 
#85
Thanks for the info. I have been debating what tripod would be best for me and the price is pretty good for this one. I doubt it will be used much for shooting while standing. Like you, mostly for spotters, rear support in matches, shooting in the kneeling or sitting position. I'm 5'11 and wonder if I can get away using a spotter without the center column without hunching to bad? I know the saying "buy once, cry once" but I wonder if the larger ones are a bit over kill for my interested purpose when I starting adding up the price of a ball head/ leveling base and heavy duty tripod.
 
#87
Quiggs said:
Thanks for the info. I have been debating what tripod would be best for me and the price is pretty good for this one. I doubt it will be used much for shooting while standing. Like you, mostly for spotters, rear support in matches, shooting in the kneeling or sitting position. I'm 5'11 and wonder if I can get away using a spotter without the center column without hunching to bad? I know the saying "buy once, cry once" but I wonder if the larger ones are a bit over kill for my interested purpose when I starting adding up the price of a ball head/ leveling base and heavy duty tripod.
Click to expand...

At 5'11", the LN-324c should be sufficient for spotting. I'm 6'3" and that's what I use mine for; with a ball head and Mk 4 spotter, max height is just about perfect for standing.

IMO, for shooting while full standing, guys of avg to above avg height, the 364c is the better option. The last section of leg extensions just give up a bit too much stability with a heavy rifle mounted up top. Avg to below avg height, or something less than full standing, the 324c would do fine. If you can keep that last section less than 1/2 extended, ideally under 1/4, it's plenty stable. The 324c would also be more than enough for a hunting application.
 
#88
Natestreo said:
Received my LN-404C today. Unfortunately it didnt come with the 75mm bowl adapter that it was stated to have come with. As a result, I cant attach my RRS TA-3-LC to it. I'm wondering if that leveling head will work with this even with a bowl adapter, based on the design. Going to give BH Photo and Video a call and check tomorrow.

Note .... i'm 230lbs and this was EASILY strong enough to let me balance myself on it. Not a bit of flex or give. I could have done a handstand confidently without feeling like it was going to give.
Click to expand...
That doesn’t look gay or anything...
 
#89
I experienced the first glitch with my Leofoto LN-364c this weekend during the GAP Grind. One of the leg glides/stops broke allowing the leg to drop out when lossened for adjustment. This was one area of concern as a weak point that I had when I first got it and took it apart for inspection.
B5651758-3A14-4786-BEA0-34D5F3723D26.jpeg
 
#94
Sorry for the thread bump. I am sort of inexperienced with tripods and these stud bases/half balls/etc.

With a HOG saddle attached directly to the stud on a 364C, can the center piece still traverse/pan? Or is something else required?
 
#97
wake.joe said:
Sorry for the thread bump. I am sort of inexperienced with tripods and these stud bases/half balls/etc.

With a HOG saddle attached directly to the stud on a 364C, can the center piece still traverse/pan? Or is something else required?
Click to expand...

Direct mounted no but you can buy one of the $20 leveling bases to fit the bowl that comes with it. Once broke in they pan ok and lock down solid.
 
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#98
For those interested; a HOG saddle directly attached to the leveling base / half ball (Desmond) is very stable but the tension knob of the hog saddle hits the tripod apex. It’s basically unusable.

Back to the drawing board!
 
#100
kriller134 said:
So what’s the consensus 364 or 404? Also will an anvil 30 work on any of these or is the rrs universal leveling base a better option?
Click to expand...

There’s almost no ready to go with the 404 over the 364. I mainly use my 364 for spotting, but I can attach my AT (18lbs) and it will hold it anyway, including vertically, without an issue.

If I were humping around a lot hunting or used it more for shooting than spotting, I’d invest in an RRS. But this works awesome for what I need it for.
 
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