Leofoto LN-404C Review

  1. Introduction & Specifications
  2. Design & Operation
  3. Test Results
  4. Head Choice
  5. Comparison & Conclusion

The Leofoto LN-404C is the largest tripod that Leofoto makes, and is one of the largest photographic oriented tripods available from any manufacturer.  It is difficult to understate the size of this beast.  It has the height; it has the bulk; it has the weight.  If you are looking for large systematic tripod on a budget, you have come to the right place.  If you are trying to find a tripod to take on long hikes through the woods, make a u-turn.  You have come to the wrong place.

NameLeofoto LN-404C
ClassSystematic
Yaw Stiffness1295 +/- 6 Nm/rad
Yaw Damping0.516 +/- 0.052 Js/rad
Pitch Stiffness3454 +/- 16 Nm/rad
Pitch Damping1.18 +/- 0.12 Js/rad
Retail Price$542
Weight7.78 lbs (3.529 kgs)
Manufacturer weight rating110 lbs
Maximum Height71.2 in (180.8 cm)
Minimum Height4.3 in (10.9 cm)
Center ColumnNo
Base Diameter3.5 in (8.9 cm)
Folded Length27.4 in (69.6 cm)
Folded Circumference20 in (50.8 cm)
Folded Volume872.0 cu. in. (14.3 liters)
Leg MaterialCarbon Fiber
Leg Sections4
Primary Leg Angle24 deg
Leg LocksTwist
Top Tube Diameter40.0 mm
Second Tube Diameter36.0 mm
Third Tube Diameter32.5 mm
Fourth Tube Diameter28.0 mm
Exchangeable FeetYes
Foot TypeRubber
Bottom HookYes

The test results are included here as I consider them to be part of the tripod’s specification.  For full discussion of the stiffness and damping, see the test results page of the review.

The LN-404C is the heaviest tripod I have tested as of this writing.  Weight reduction was clearly not a priority in the design.  Note that the weight I measured is slightly higher than the 3.4 kg reported by leofoto.   Height though, was a priority, and at full extension the LN-404C will easily place the camera above the eye level of all but the tallest NBA players.  This does add to the versatility of the tripod, but again, also the weight.