Introduction
This tripod was purchased through retail channels. I was no paid by any party to write this review, and the opinions are entirely my own.
| Name | Leofoto LS-254C |
| Class | Travel |
| Yaw Stiffness | 322 +/- 1 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.158 +/- 0.016 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 1622 +/- 9 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.545 +/- 0.055 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $216 |
| Weight | 2.06 lbs (0.936 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 17.6 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 47.1 in (119.6 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 2.8 in (7.1 cm) |
| Center Column | No |
| Base Diameter | 1.6 in (4.1 cm) |
| Folded Length | 17.4 in (44.2 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 8.1 in (20.6 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 91.0 cu. in. (1.5 liters) |
| Leg Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Leg Sections | 4 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 21.3 deg |
| Leg Locks | Twist |
| Top Tube Diameter | 25.0 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 19.0 mm |
| Fourth Tube Diameter | 16.0 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | Yes |
| Foot Type | Rubber |
| Bottom Hook | No |
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 first thing that we notice is the relatively low size, height, and weight of the tripod. As said above, this makes the LS-254C solidly a travel tripod. In fact, it is compact and lightweight even by the standards of travel tripods. With the maximum height of 47.1 in., most people won’t be able to get the camera to eye level. If you shoot using a tilting screen, this isn’t an issue. Otherwise, using this tripod will require some hunching over to look through the viewfinder. The design of the tripod precludes the use of a normal center column, so that can’t save the day here either.
The leg angle of the LS-324C is 21.3 degrees. I consider 25 degrees to be ideal, and 22.5 to be the low end of the acceptable range. 21.3 degrees begins to make the tripod both less stiff and more prone to tipping over. The difference is so small though that it is unlikely you will notice a difference. The LS-284C tests well in stiffness despite the too narrow leg angle, which only begs us to ask “How good could this tripod have been?” Based on the stiffness vs leg angle research, I estimate that the answer is about 15% stiffer if it had been built with a 25 degree leg angle. Of course it would have been an inch or so shorter as well. Narrowing the leg angle is a way that manufacturers try to increase the height of the tripod without increasing the weight or bill of materials cost. Clearly I wish they didn’t.
What’s in the Box?
The LS-324C comes with a carrying case, a tool kit, a carabiner for hanging weight, and two sets of feet. The case is of perfectly acceptable quality. You certainly won’t feet the need to get a different one. It includes enough space to use with an appropriately sized head. As it doesn’t usually make sense to use a carrying case for the tripod, this will provide a nice case for the tripod and accessories while they are in storage. One of the two included carabiners is a combination tool and bottle opener. Never seen that one before.
A screw on center column is available separately. Some Leofoto Ranger models include this center column as part of the package, but I have yet to see a seller including one with the LS-254C.