Leofoto LS-254C Review

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.

NameLeofoto LS-254C
ClassTravel
Yaw Stiffness322 +/- 1 Nm/rad
Yaw Damping0.158 +/- 0.016 Js/rad
Pitch Stiffness1622 +/- 9 Nm/rad
Pitch Damping0.545 +/- 0.055 Js/rad
Retail Price$216
Weight2.06 lbs (0.936 kgs)
Manufacturer weight rating17.6 lbs
Maximum Height47.1 in (119.6 cm)
Minimum Height2.8 in (7.1 cm)
Center ColumnNo
Base Diameter1.6 in (4.1 cm)
Folded Length17.4 in (44.2 cm)
Folded Circumference8.1 in (20.6 cm)
Folded Volume91.0 cu. in. (1.5 liters)
Leg MaterialCarbon Fiber
Leg Sections4
Primary Leg Angle21.3 deg
Leg LocksTwist
Top Tube Diameter25.0 mm
Second Tube Diameter22.0 mm
Third Tube Diameter19.0 mm
Fourth Tube Diameter16.0 mm
Exchangeable FeetYes
Foot TypeRubber
Bottom HookNo

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.