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In-depth tripod review: Leofoto ‘Summit’ LM-364C

30 Aug
The fully extended Leofoto LM-364C with a compact (non-Leofoto) gimbal, full-frame camera, and 500mm prime lens.

Leofoto LM-364C
Leofoto.com | $ 580

Leofoto is a brand of Laitu Photographic, a manufacturer that has been making tripods, heads and accessories since 2014, both under their own name and for other brands. The early products from the Leofoto brand were clearly ‘inspired’ by the designs and appearances of successful products from other companies. However, they have recently developed some of their own innovative gear, as well as a broad catalog of photographic accessories; from plates and clamps to straps and camera cages. The quality of this new gear is intended to compete at the same level as some of the best in the market, as well, and that is what we’re here to evaluate.



Specs and what’s included

  • Maximum height of 145 cm (57.1″)
  • Minimum height of 9 cm (3.5″)
  • Folds to 53 cm (20.8″) with 14 cm (5.5″) diameter
  • Weighs 1.92 kg (4.23 lbs) with flat platform
  • 30kg (66 lbs) load limit
  • Three leg angles (23° / 56° / 87°)
  • Four leg sections (36mm top leg diameter 32.5 / 28 / 25mm)
  • 70mm platform side-clamped with release button
  • Large weight hook under platform
  • Bubble level included on apex
  • Removable 42mm mushroom feet on standard 3/8″ thread
  • Includes padded bag, tools, instructions, 26mm spikes, 75mm video bowl

The Leofoto LM ‘Summit’ series are all modular apex, systematic tripods, like the older and larger ‘Mountain’ series, and come in 32, 36, and 40mm top tube sizes. Within the Summit series, there are three, four, and five-section leg options, as well as regular and long versions. Recently, Leofoto even added an entirely olive green version of the LM-364CL.

In addition to the LM range, Leofoto also makes the LS ‘Ranger’ series, which share the same leg options, but top them with a compact apex for a slimmer, lighter package. This series includes the CEX models, with a built-in leveling half ball on the slim apex. (Ranger shown on top, Summit below.)

The top platform on the LM-364C can be replaced with the generously included 75mm bowl insert to accept large video heads or appropriately-sized leveling half-balls. Leofoto also offers carbon-fiber quick columns, geared columns, and horizontal columns to fit this 70mm central opening. Whether these accessories are readily available in your part of the world can still be uncertain, though Leofoto is gaining distributors in many regions.

To get really low, and still be level, the Leofoto LB-75S leveler fits into the LM-series apex.

Compared to others

This tripod was tested and compared with its modular apex peers. Left to right; ProMediaGear TR344, Really Right Stuff TVC-34, Sirui SR-3204, FLM CP34-L4 II, Leofoto LM-364C, Gitzo GT3543LS.

The Leofoto LM-364C was tested and compared alongside tripods in the same class of ‘Series 3′ (33-36mm top leg tube diameter) “Systematic’ (modular apex with removable platform) type, in terms of size and utility, including products from Sirui, Really Right Stuff, ProMediaGear, Gitzo and FLM.

All of these tripods were used in four seasons of sand, snow, mud, rain, and salt water; set up in the bog-like Atlantic salt marshes and the wind-swept Appalachian mountains. They have been loaded with gimbal heads, ball heads, geared and pano-heads, and up to 4kg (8.8lb) lenses attached to cameras ranging from APS-C to medium-format, shooting anything from long-exposure landscapes to extreme telephoto birds-in-flight. The only test they did not go through was being rough-handled at the airport, thanks to pandemic travel restrictions.

Height comparison

Below is a relative height comparison between the Leofoto LM-364C and a 6 foot (1.83m) photographer.

High Mid Low

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First impressions

The Leofoto Summit LM-364C standing tall on thick legs with a leveling aid inserted into the 70mm opening of the modular apex.

The 36mm top tubes of the LM-364C are the second largest in this group, and the aluminum parts are impressively finished for the price, with a well machined apex and nice rubber grips on the leg locks. The wide range of Leofoto accessories available for these ‘systematic’ tripods increases their utility and appeal, and the fit and finish of these extras is equally good. In terms of materials and construction, the initial impression of Leofoto gear is quite good.

However, the proof is in the details. When fully extended but not yet locked, the leg tubes wiggle a bit more than expected, as if they aren’t a very tight fit inside each other, or the loosened locks allow too much play. Once the locks are tightened, of course, this flex disappears and the legs are rigid. This is still different from the feel of every other tripod in this group, and points to a less-precise mating of the tubes and locks.

The flat platform that comes initially installed is a thick and well-finished aluminum plug with deep sides, a large weight hook underneath, firm plastic disk on top, and a set screw to prevent a head from unscrewing off of it. This platform can be easily swapped out due to the clamping spider and repositionable locking lever, similar to the Gitzo method. However, unlike Gitzo, Leofoto put a pull-out safety button prominently on one side, so it’s possible that a loose platform could come out with an accidental knock of that button. That said, any responsible user should insure the platform is tightened down before moving or using any of these tripods.

On occasion, the flat Leofoto Summit platform was swapped for the LB-75S platform leveler, or the included 75mm video bowl and a Leofoto YB-75SP leveling half ball. Both of these extras are as well made as the tripod itself, and very smooth and easy to level. Due to their standard sizes of 75mm for the half ball, and 70mm for the insert diameter and interior ridges, these accessories can be used in the apexes of four of the other tripods in this group, and worked equally well on those legs.

The spring-loaded, ratcheting leg angle locks are easy to pull from the front or push from the back, and ratchet back in pretty well. However, when it gets really cold, the grease on the angle locks firms up and they don’t really snap back in like they do in the warmer months, or in the studio. Adjusting the angle of each leg is still easy and quick, but required a nudge sometimes.

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Use in the field

Packed up, the LM-364C is about average in weight, but stays nicely tucked into its padded, ‘horn-type’ bag for longer trips. While the overall packed size is on the larger end of the group, its leg tubes are also the second widest, so there is a lot of tripod being carried around. One minor annoyance is that, like the Gitzo, there is no hard stop under the apex when folding the legs inward, so without a center column, they can be pushed to extreme angles. This made repacking the legs a bit more cumbersome compared to some others.

In use with heavy loads of long lenses and gimbals, medium-format cameras and geared heads, or even complicated panoramic heads, the hefty Leofoto never felt insubstantial or not up to the task. The stabilizing effect of those wider-than-average leg tubes was apparent, and the LM-364C only exhibited a few minor hiccups of sliding leg locks or slow angle locks while supporting whatever was the gear of the day. Considering how large the heads and lenses on top usually were, it was rarely noticed that the Leofoto is the shortest, fully deployed, set of legs in the group (by 1cm).

The Leofoto leg locks are nicely wrapped in firm, grippy rubber, and are easy to grasp all at once and unlock. They require just a quarter turn to unlock, and the legs come out quite easily, but on more than a few occasions, the legs seemed locked after a quick turn, but then started a slow, sliding compression once weight or pressure was put on them.
The included rubber mushroom-style feet worked well on many different surfaces, and while the included spikes were easy enough to install, they seemed short and a little insubstantial. They still did their job on ice and some softer surfaces. Leofoto makes a range of other feet available, including titanium rock claws, which seem both excessive and fun to try out at the seashore.

One thing to note, the apex of the LM-364C only has a single 3/8” threaded hole for accessory attachment, similar to the Gitzo ‘Easy-Link,’ rather than the typical 1/4” seen on most accessories and other tripods (while the ProMediaGear has both sizes). This just means that a reducer bushing will be needed to attach that ‘magic arm’ or clamp to hold a phone, battery pack or other small device. Naturally, Leofoto offers 3/8” threaded accessories specifically designed to use the anti-twist holes next to this attachment point.

Maintenance

Cleaning the legs of the LM-364C requires pulling off the one-piece shim with a lot more force than any other tripod, and it felt like this thin, plastic part was going to break. It did not, but it is still a little unsettling to do this for each leg section. The lack of rubber seals in the locks is also apparent.

Availability of extra shims is unpredictable in different regions, and no mention of spare parts was found anywhere from Leofoto, Laitu, or their distributors.

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Test results

Vibrations can make even the sharpest lens turn out mushy, blurred photos, and can ruin long exposures. In the typical use cases for this class of tripod, reducing the effects of vibration is extremely important, since longer focal lengths and higher resolutions magnify the effects of any movement, and environmental vibrations like wind and water will have an increasing effect on larger legs and gear. Camera vibration can be mechanically minimized with mirror lockup, electronic shutters, and a remote shutter release, while adding weight to the bottom of the tripod (with the weight hook or a tripod stone bag) can help stabilize the whole setup. However, not all sources of vibration can be eliminated, so we tested whether the tripod will dampen them or transmit and reflect them to the camera.

The tripod legs were fully extended, and our vibration analyzer for heavy-duty tripods (an iPad on a 3.2 kg (7 lb) cantilevered weight) was mounted directly to the flat platform’s 3/8″ threaded bolt with a long lens plate. An industrial solenoid valve with a plastic hammer was used as a source of vibration (a knock to the bottom of one leg). The resulting graph of all three accelerometers shows both the resistance of the tripod to the initial shock, as well as the rate of decay for residual vibration within the tripod.

Leofoto LM-364C vibration resistance test results – click for larger graph

*Note that this graph is relative only to this class of tripods. The weight and test equipment was adjusted to provide a conclusive result for this size of tripod.

In the vibration testing, the Leofoto LM-364C showed the full advantage of its 36mm top tubes and solid construction, providing a good amount of resistance to the initial shock, and then a very quick dampening of any residual vibrations. This puts the ‘Summit series’ Leofoto in the upper half of this competitive group for direct vibration resistance, only edged out by the Gitzo and RRS. There is nothing to complain about here.

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Conclusion

With Leofoto gear in general, you get a lot for the price paid, but in some cases, that ‘value’ is coming from the innovations and designs of others. When it comes to their tripods, they are generic enough that it’s the performance that matters, and the LM-364C holds up quite well. This ‘Summit’ tripod provides a nice balance between size, weight and modularity, while remaining solidly in the middle of this demanding pack of competitors when it comes to performance.

The low price for this size and type of tripod is the real attraction, and after a thorough review and long testing period, there were only a few minor issues with the fit of all the parts. If you spend a lot of time using your tripod, this is a still a good choice and will be a satisfying companion in many instances. The wide range of options in the ‘Summit’ and related ‘Ranger’ series, with similar legs and materials, mean there is probably a good personal fit in the Leofoto tripod line for most needs.

One ongoing concern is after-sale support and availability of spare parts for a tripod of this type, which is intended to be maintained and used for a very long time to come. Admittedly, this can also be a concern for some other brands in this comparison if you are outside of North America.

What we like

  • Very affordable price for stout 36mm legs
  • Very good vibration resistance
  • Uses standard apex and foot sizes
  • Comes with video bowl, bag and spikes
  • Lots of related tripod choices and accessories

What we don’t like

  • Leg tubes and locks don’t fit precisely
  • No rubber seals inside leg locks
  • Hard to get replacement parts

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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In-depth tripod review: Gitzo Systematic Series 3 (GT3543LS)

25 Jul
The Gitzo GT3543LS at the beach, with the Gitzo GFHG1 Fluid Gimbal Head on top, holding a 500mm lens and full-frame camera.

Gitzo Systematic Series 3 (GT3543LS)
Gitzo.com | $ 1000

Gitzo was founded in France as a tripod and camera company by Arsène Gitzhoven in 1917 and has been producing advanced tripods with interchangeable platforms, columns and leveling devices for more than 40 years. Their naming convention of designating sizes by numbered ‘series,’ and modular platforms as ‘systematic’ tripods, has been around so long that many other manufacturers use these as a reference point when describing their own wares.

Long ago, Gitzo merged with the Italian tripod maker Manfrotto, and both are now a part of the Vitec Imaging Group of companies. Today, the combined Manfrotto/Gitzo factory in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, produces more tripods than almost every other manufacturer in the world, using a combination of automation and streamlined assembly honed over many decades. The sheer scale of output makes their continued quality all the more impressive.



Key specs and what’s included

  • Max. height 146 cm (57.5″), or 148 cm (58.2″) with 50mm ‘big feet’
  • Minimum height of 9 cm (3.5″)
  • Folds to 55 cm (21.6″) with 14 cm (5.5″) diameter
  • Weighs 1.94 kg (4.27 lbs) with flat platform
  • 25kg (55.1 lbs) load limit
  • Three leg angles (23° / 53° / 86° )
  • Four leg sections (33mm top leg diameter / 29 / 25.3 / 21.8mm)
  • 70mm platform side-clamped with release button
  • Large weight hook under platform
  • Bubble level included on apex
  • Removable 33mm feet on standard 3/8″ thread
  • Includes dust bag, tools, instructions and 50mm big feet

Gitzo updated their ‘Systematic’ tripod line in 2016, with new materials and designs, and still offers many systematic options for their tripods; from video bowls and leveling balls, to sliding carbon-fiber center columns and geared columns. Beyond these, there are a bevy of various feet, ranging from snowshoes to various lengths of spike and mushroom-style rubber feet, all using a common 3/8”-16 threading, so even rock claws or feet from other manufacturers can be used. Given the prevalence and longevity of Gitzo Systematics in the marketplace, original Gitzo accessories are easy to find new at various retailers, as well as on the used market.


Compared to others

This tripod was tested and compared with its modular apex peers. Left to right; ProMediaGear TR344, Really Right Stuff TVC-34, Sirui SR-3204, FLM CP34-L4 II, Leofoto LM-364C, Gitzo GT3543LS.

The Gitzo GT3543LS was tested and compared alongside tripods in the same class of ‘Series 3’ (33-36mm top leg tube diameter) ‘Systematic’ (modular apex with removable platform) type, in terms of size and utility, including products from Sirui, Really Right Stuff, ProMediaGear, Leofoto and FLM. We’ll be publishing full reviews of those models in the coming days and weeks.

All of these tripods were used in four seasons of sand, snow, mud, rain and saltwater; set up in the bog-like Atlantic salt marshes and the wind-swept Appalachian mountains. They have been loaded with gimbal heads, ball heads, geared and pano-heads, and up to 4kg (8.8lb) lenses attached to cameras ranging from APS-C to medium-format, shooting anything from long-exposure landscapes to extreme telephoto birds-in-flight. The only test they did not go through was being rough-handled at the airport, thanks to pandemic travel restrictions.

Height comparison

Below is a relative height comparison between the Gitzo GT3543LS and a 6 foot (1.83m) photographer.

High Mid Low

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First impressions

The wide, but shallow apex with the Gitzo/Manfrotto 3/8″ threaded ‘Easy Link’ accessory port.

At the top of the GT3543LS is the large, cast magnesium systematic apex, finished in the durable ‘noir décor’ speckle finish common to all Gitzos. Each leg clevis is similarly built and finished, with a spring-loaded, ratcheting leg angle stop. The standard Gitzo ‘Safe-Lock’ platform is secured in the side-clamping apex with a re-positionable locking lever and a safety release tucked underneath. A generous weight hook is below the platform.

The four-section legs are labeled as using ‘Carbon eXact,’ which, according to Gitzo, ‘optimizes the fiber composition for each tube size, using HM (High Modulus) carbon fiber in the narrower tubes to make them stiffer.’ This is a good thing, as the GT3543LS has the thinnest relative leg tubes in this class of 3-series tripods. In addition to this, the leg locks are the ‘G-Lock Ultra’ type, which means they get tighter as more pressure is applied, and are well sealed against dirt and moisture. Many other manufacturers use similar leg locks, but may not have catchy names for them.

The 50mm ‘big feet’ that come pre-installed are robust and great for studio work, but require careful positioning for extreme angles and tend to collect debris when used in the field. The included standard 33mm bullet-shaped feet are small compared to the mushroom-head feet on other tripods in this group. Their narrow width means the leg locks can hit the ground before the feet do when the legs are fully splayed out.

The 3/8″ threaded ‘Easy Link’ attachment port for accessories is rather large and atypical, compared to the 1/4” threading seen on most accessories and other tripods. This just requires a reducer bushing (included with most heads these days) to attach that ‘magic arm’ or clamp to hold a phone, battery pack or other small device. Honestly, the number of ‘Easy Link’ accessories even offered by Gitzo or Manfrotto seems very slim, so the choice to use this is somewhat baffling.

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Use in the field

The Gitzo GT3543LS is a large item to pack into the field, both in apex diameter and the various parts that stick out, and we noticed this a bit more than with the other tripods in this class, despite the Gitzo having the smallest leg thickness. In the studio, the top-heavy size is not a problem, and those ‘big feet’ can stay installed for impressive stability, but the carbon fiber and robust build ask to be taken out to the wider world. The very wide apex creates a thick-on-one-end package that is not easy to pack away, so it begs for the (optional) strap or padded bag to carry it. For short walks, extending one leg and using the whole thing as a big hiking pole worked pretty well, but again, it was a noticeable difference to the competition.

The leg angle locks are easy to pull out from the front, but hard to push from behind due to their slim internals. The ratcheting action is positive when pulling the leg down, and it is easy to set the angles of each leg. Unfortunately, the legs can be pushed under the apex and just keep going since there is no center column to stop them, resulting in a strange angle that sometimes makes packing up all three legs of the tripod a bit harder than it needs to be. Many other columnless tripods in this class have a hard stop at the stowed position.

The well-tested Gitzo G-locks, which lock and unlock with a reassuring tactile feel, make extending and securing each leg of the tripod a pleasure. Grasping all three locks at once is easy with the rubber grips, even with gloves on, but they do require more rotation than the other leg locks in this group.

The tubes themselves are very precisely mated and need a bit of a pull to fully extend, which means the Gitzo legs will not ‘cascade out’ on their own when unlocked. However, adjusting each leg length once extended is still fairly easy and controlled, despite this precise fit.

The well-proven Gitzo Safe-Lock platform is the best in its class, with a durable, textured plastic disk over a machined aluminum platform. This provides a better grip and some vibration isolation when compared to an all-metal platform, and the inclusion of a tiny set-screw can insure that any head will stay attached. Removing and replacing it with a video bowl or center column accessory with a 70mm diameter is both easy and secure, thanks to the Safe-Lock recessed safety catch under the apex.

With a gimbal and large lens on top, or a panoramic head and leveling gear, the Gitzo GT3543LS never feels overburdened or unstable. The slightly steeper leg angles, at 23°, provide the required height to be competitive with similar tripods of this size, but theoretically could reduce stability. However, that theory is never validated, and in the field and studio, this tripod handles weight and movement with aplomb. Truly, Gitzo’s refinement across generations of this type and size of tripod seems evident in how it all just quietly gets out of the way and lets the camera and scene be the focus.

Maintenance

Cleaning the GT3543LS is fairly straightforward, and leg disassembly is briefly described in the included instructions booklet. The leg locks have obvious gaskets sealing them from the elements, and the one-piece shim makes the whole process easy. However, as with all Gitzo products, spare parts are easy to find if needed (even long into the future).

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Test results

Vibrations can make even the sharpest lens turn out mushy, blurred photos, and can ruin long exposures. In the typical use cases for this class of tripod, reducing the effects of vibration becomes extremely important, since longer focal lengths and higher resolutions magnify the effects of any movement, and environmental vibrations like wind and water will have an increasing effect on larger legs and gear. Camera vibration can be mechanically minimized with mirror lockup, electronic shutters, and a remote shutter release, while adding weight to the bottom of the tripod (with the weight hook or a tripod stone bag) can help stabilize the whole setup. However, not all sources of vibration can be eliminated, so we tested whether the tripod will dampen them or transmit and reflect them to the camera.

The tripod legs were fully extended, and our vibration analyzer for heavy-duty tripods (an iPad on a 3.2 kg (7 lb) cantilevered weight) was mounted directly to the flat platform’s 3/8″ threaded bolt with a long lens plate. An industrial solenoid valve with a plastic hammer was used as a source of vibration (a knock to the bottom of one leg). The resulting graph of all three accelerometers shows both the resistance of the tripod to the initial shock, as well as the rate of decay for residual vibration within the tripod.

Gitzo GT3543LS vibration resistance test results – click for a larger graph

*Note that this graph is relative only to this class of tripods. The weight and test equipment was adjusted to provide a conclusive result for this size of tripod.

The Gitzo GT3543LS performed extremely well in the vibration test. The initial shock was somewhat transmitted to the camera position, but the carbon fiber legs and magnesium components dampened the vibration quickly and admirably. This performance is among the best of this class of tripods, particularly when factoring in the relatively thinner legs of this Series 3 tripod.

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Conclusion

Gitzo has been the first (and sometimes last) word in high-end and heavy-duty tripods for many decades, and their innovations and influence are clearly seen in every other tripod of this type on the market. The folks in Italy have refined their offerings to such a degree that the whole system this ‘systematic’ tripod falls under has become a standard in terms of big tripod expectations, and even nomenclature.

It may not be the tallest, lightest, or most compact, but it has very few flaws and
performs admirably

The GT3543LS, or ‘Gitzo tripod Systematic, series 3 long, 4 sections’, remains competitive within this type of tripod thanks to its performance over many tests and rugged locations. Among similar tripods from ProMediaGear, RRS, FLM, and others, it may not be the tallest, lightest, or most compact, but it has very few flaws and performs admirably in every situation and test. Plus, any Gitzo is usually the most accessible and widely supported tripod of this type worldwide, which makes it a safe bet as a stalwart companion for many years.

What we like

  • Dependable build quality
  • Exceptional vibration resistance
  • Sets the standard for apex insert and foot sizes
  • Worldwide sales and support network
  • Spare parts and repairs easy to obtain

What we don’t like

  • Not compact or easily packable
  • Systematic accessories are expensive
  • Fiddly leg angle locks
  • Premium list price

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Gitzo creates ever-lasting Légende tripod with unlimited warranty

03 Mar

Italian accessories manufacturer Gitzo has introduced a crowdfunding campaign for a new tripod that it says will last a lifetime, as it comes with an unlimited warranty and a free replacement parts service. The Legende carbon fiber travel tripod is designed to counteract ‘throwaway culture’ according to Gitzo, as most parts can be easily replaced by the user from an endless supply of components should anything go wrong.

The company says the tripod is constructed using 170 parts, all of which can be repaired in the event of a fault or damage occurring, so the tripod can always be mended instead of being thrown away. Seventy percent of those parts can be replaced by the user, and Gitzo will send the parts for free. Made with 100% carbon fiber legs the Legende weighs 1.45kg and can hold up to 8kg. It extends to 165cm and can hold a camera just 43cm from the ground.

The tripod is accompanied by a new Legende backpack that Gitzo says is friendly to the environment, being made with a high proportion of recycled materials. The whole of the bag’s exterior is made from recycled polyester while 65% of the weight of the bag is accounted for by recycled fabrics. The bag also benefits from an unlimited warranty.

Both the bag and the tripod are available for pre-order via an Indiegogo campaign, with a kit of the tripod, the backpack and a Mini Traveler tripod being offered for $ 699. The Legende tripod starts at $ 519 on its own, and the Legende backpack starts at $ 179.
For more information see the Gitzo website or the Gitzo Legende Indiegogo Campaign page.


Note/disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project before backing it. Pledges to crowdfunding campaigns are not pre-orders and it should be seen as an investment in the potential for a product, not a final purchase. DPReview does not have a relationship with this campaign, and we publicize only projects that appear legitimate, and which we consider will be of genuine interest to our readers. You can read more about the safeguards IndieGoGo has in place on its ‘Trust & Safety’ page.

Press release

{pressrelease}

Gitzo Pairs Expert Craftsmanship with Sustainability to Create Légende Tripod and Camera Backpack, Proving Legends Last Forever

Gitzo, world-renowned for over 100 years for setting the industry’s standard for innovative camera accessories, launched today the Légende Tripod and Camera Backpack.

Engineered to last a lifetime with low environmental impact, the Légende combo is inspired by the storytelling power of photography: transferred from one generation to another while creating eternal stories. The Légende products are designed to address “throwaway culture” by creating the smallest environmental footprint possible through sustainable materials built for optimal performance throughout its entire life and backed by an unlimited warranty. The Légende Tripod and Camera Bag is available today for pre-order on www.indiegogo.com and will ship to photographers in June 2021.

“As photographers, we photograph the wonders of the world and capture its beauty through our lens, so we wanted to create a product that would reduce its negative impact on the very planet that inspires us,” said Marco Pezzana, CEO of Gitzo. “We set out to create a product that was forever repairable, could withstand any adventure, and would never be thrown away. After months of design and development, we’re very excited to bring Légende to photographers across the globe.”

Unmatched Manufacturing Quality backed by Expert Craftsmanship

Gitzo continues cementing its legacy for manufacturing excellence, innovation and quality that lasts a lifetime as the Légende Tripod and Camera Bag are built to survive all of life’s adventures. Using high-quality materials in its premium design, the Légende products are made to be everlasting as a lifetime companion for generations. The travel tripod is lightweight and features one hundred percent carbon fiber legs for superior strength and stiffness. In addition, the precision aluminum leg locks provide ergonomic control with both knurling and rubber inserts.

Unlimited Warranty and Maintenance for the Eternal Story

Those who own the Légende tripod and backpack receive the exclusive benefit of an unlimited warranty, designed to usher in a circular economy that brings an end to the “throwaway culture.” The Légende Tripod is crafted of 170 individual parts that can be repaired instead of having to replace the tripod in case of damage. One hundred percent of the tripod parts are replaceable and seventy percent of those can be done by the owner, so the part will be shipped out directly for simple repair at no extra charge.

Sustainable Materials Reinforce Légende’s Earth-First Approach

Légende pushes to create the smallest environmental footprint possible with the use of sustainable materials that complement the unlimited warranty. One hundred percent of the backpack’s main exterior fabric is made up of recycled polyester and sixty-five percent of the entire bag weight is comprised of recycled fabrics. Additionally, the Eco Leather tripod strap and backpack details are made of cruelty-free, environmental-friendly, and non-toxic synthetic leather. It is light and extremely soft with great performance.

Supporting the Next Generation of Photographers

Légende backers will contribute to the development of Gitzo’s Wild Shots Outreach educational program, which seeks to educate the children bordering the Kruger National Park about conservation and photography. Five percent of campaign sales will go towards this program that will help the students by opening up eco employment opportunities and instilling the value of our protected spaces.

Légende Tripod Tech Spec Highlights

  • Weight 1.45kg
  • Payload: 8kg
  • Leg angles: 25°, 70°
  • Minimum Height: 43cm
  • Maximum Height: 165cm
  • Panoramic Rotation: 360 °
  • Front and Lateral Tilt: -90° / +40°

Availability

Available today through Indiegogo.com, the Légende tripod and backpack will be ready to ship in May 2021. Kit pricing will start at $ 699 for super early birds who will get a Légende Tripod, Backpack and Gitzo Mini Traveler.

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Back to Basics: Everything You Need to Know for Choosing the Right Tripod

22 Jun

The post Back to Basics: Everything You Need to Know for Choosing the Right Tripod appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Adam Welch.

tips for choosing the right tripod

Although they seem simple enough at first glance, tripods are tremendously important tools for photographers and videographers. Talking about camera support systems might not be the sexiest topic in photography, but there’s so much to know about tripods. So, allow me to do you a favor. I’m about to clue you in on a few things I wish I’d known about tripods when I first began making photographs nearly twenty years ago. These things will help you when it comes to choosing the right tripod for your needs.

Back to Basics: Everything You Need to Know for Choosing the Right Tripod
Choosing the right tripod may seem overwhelming – but not once you know these things.

Camera tripods come in all shapes and sizes. Materials and mechanisms vary a lot, as do the specific usages of the tripods themselves. This article will show you the basics of tripod anatomy and talk about the things you need to know about them, so choosing the right tripod for your needs will be easy.

Tripod legs: putting the “tri” in tripod

Conceptually, tripods are delightfully simple beasts. Three extendable (usually) legs offer three points of contact to the ground/floor, then terminate at an apex where your camera will hopefully be securely mounted. This is all deceptively simple and leaves a lot of room for many different types of legs made from many different materials with equally varied locking mechanisms.

choosing the right tripod – Legs of tripods.

Let’s break down some of the common tripod leg variants you’re likely to encounter when choosing the right tripod.

Materials

Tripod leg materials range from the oddly archaic to the weirdly space-aged. Fortunately, in most cases, you can make the best choice for which material will be best for your uses based on these three simple maxims:

  1. Your tripod can be lightweight.
  2. Your tripod can be strong.
  3. Your tripod can be inexpensive.

The catch here is that you can only choose two of those when selecting a tripod. This is where tripod leg materials come into play and where you should be honest with yourself about what you need the most from your tripod.

1. Wood and Steel

As difficult as it might be to believe in this day and age, I still own and regularly use a wooden tripod; yes, really.

choosing the right tripod – Tripod with medium format camera.

It’s a beautifully made contraption of steel and ash wood, Berlebach Report 2042 (new version is 242). Primarily, I use it for large format and medium format work and any other time in the studio when I want to use a large setup or happen just to be feeling extra meta. It supports around 27lbs(12.25kg) and is absolutely rock solid. The drawback is my lovely Berlebach weights over 7lbs without a head, and it tips the scales at over 10lbs when fitted with one.

The point here is that yes, there are still tripod legs made using “old world” materials like wood and steel. Many of these are vintage tripods you can pick up for a wide range of prices.

If weight is not a concern for you, a heavier tripod is more ideal than a lighter one. If you do primarily static studio work, don’t overlook these wood or steel tripods.

2. Plastic

Yes, there are some plastic tripod legs out there. Most of these, thankfully, are relegated to smaller, desktop-type tripods for blogging – as they should be.

A plastic tripod.
A tiny little plastic tripod….

As a construction material for longer tripod legs, plastic and plastic derivatives aren’t ideal. Often the strength is far from adequate for the camera support system and flexes under the load.

While some plastic components on a tripod are perfectly fine, it’s advisable to steer clear of a large tripod with legs completely made from plastic.

3. Aluminum

Ahhhh yes, good ol’ aluminum. In the world of tripods, aluminum is the ultimate workhorse. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, is relatively low in price (dropping lower all the time), and makes for a nice, healthy compromise between leg rigidity, compactness, and weight.

choosing the right tripod – Legs of an aluminum tripod.
Aluminum tripod legs.

For the last couple of decades, aluminum has been the tripod leg material of choice when it comes to camera support systems because it checks so many boxes in terms of performance.

However, in the last ten years or so, modern science has thrown a new material into the mix that has all but unseated aluminum as the ideal material for tripod leg construction.

I’m talking about…

4. Carbon Fiber

I’ve made photographs for over half my life now, with about ten of those years professionally. For as long as I’ve been slinging a camera, I only acquired my first carbon fiber tripod about three years ago. Carbon fiber is a lightweight, strong, and extremely corrosion-resistant material, making it perfect for tripod legs.

Carbon fiber legs of a camera support system.
Carbon fiber is strong, lightweight and becoming increasingly affordable.

Not to get all “sciency,” but carbon fiber is, in fact, more stiff than aluminum, being 181Gpa and 69Gpa, respectively. This means that a tripod leg made of carbon fiber flexes less than an aluminum leg of the same diameter. That’s a good thing for a tripod.

Of course, there are multiple carbon fiber species out there, and each has different characteristics.

Going back to our “big three” maxims for tripods, while carbon fiber tripods are strong and lightweight, they are often not cheap. Expect to pay around double for a set of carbon fiber tripod legs compared to aluminum.

However, this price gap is quickly closing as more and more manufacturers begin to bring carbon fiber tripods to the market. In most cases, the benefits of having an easy-to-carry tripod that is both strong and stable are often worth the investment.

5. Titanium

After an exhaustive internet search (okay, maybe about ten minutes), I couldn’t turn up any tripod legs made fully from titanium alloy. However, I did find some tripod sales pages using vague language and simply naming aluminum tripods as “titanium” models.

While titanium is making its way into the world of tripod legs, it is doing so in the form of hardware too. This is expected since titanium offers superb tensile strength and corrosion resistance. Yet, oddly enough, titanium isn’t the ultimate material for tripod legs and parts. It doesn’t wear well against other parts, and the strength-to-weight isn’t as good as some carbon fiber materials.

And the price? Words like “astronomical,” “insane” and “laughable” spring to mind.

Locking Mechanisms

To offer portability, tripod legs generally feature either folding or telescopic sections, with the vast majority being of the latter variety. This means that those leg sections sport some sort of locking mechanism. In general, you’re likely to encounter two main types of leg locks.

1. Flip locks

My very first tripod had flip-type leg locks. Then, my second tripod had flip-type leg locks…so it’s no surprise that I became accustomed to, and prefer, flip-type leg locks on my tripods. This, of course, is wholly subjective.

Flip locks are exactly how they sound: a locking mechanism that flips up to release the tripod leg section and flips down to secure it into place.

Flip locks on camera support system.
A flip-lock.

These locks make deploying the tripod fast and easy. Flip locks can be made of a variety of materials and vary in strength accordingly.

2. Twist locks

It seems as if twist locks are slowly becoming the more prevalent method for locking tripod legs into place. Much like their flip-lock cousins, a twist-type leg lock doesn’t function just as you might expect. Simply twist one direction to unlock and twist the opposite direction to secure.

choosing the right tripod – Twist-locks on a tripod.
A twist-lock style of locking mechanism.

Twist locks are generally less likely to fail due to dirt and sand over flip locks. However, not all twist locks are made equal. Some twist locks require a good deal of “throw” (twisting) to lock or loosen the mechanism resulting in slower deployment retraction.

Tripod Feet

Now that we’ve reached the bottom of our tripod, it’s time to talk about the silent hero of all tripod legs – the seldom applauded feet. No matter what, your tripod ultimately comes to rest on its feet…well…hopefully.

The feet of a tripod come in all shapes and sizes and are another important consideration when choosing the right tripod. In most cases, tripod feet are made from some sort of rubber or rubberized plastic.

choosing the right tripod – rubberized feet
Rubberized tripod feet.

This is where things get interesting.

Now, the shape and characteristics of tripod feet make them more or least apt to remain solid in different environments. The larger the feet of your tripod, the more “flotation” they will offer; meaning the load will be distributed over a wider surface area. The more flotation a tripod foot has, the less likely it is to sink into softer ground materials like sand and mud.

High flotation tripod feet on camera support system.
An example of large, high-flotation tripod feet. These kind are great for sandy environments.

Speaking of the ground, if you know you’ll be using your tripod in widely varying outdoor environments (looking at you landscape shooters), it would be a good idea to make certain your tripod feet feature some type of spike system.

Tripod foot spike.
Retractable foot spike.

Foot spikes are your best friend when you find yourself shooting in icy winter conditions or on exposed rock. However, they are also your worst enemy when shooting indoors and are the menace of wedding venues everywhere. So if you’re a photographer who shoots both outdoor and indoor scenes, make sure your leg spikes are retractable or removable.

It’s also worth mentioning that many major tripod manufacturers offer interchangeable feet for their products, which means you can change your tripod feet depending on the situation.

Center column or nah?

Let’s move a bit north and talk about a topic of contention when it comes to tripods – center columns. A center column allows the photographer to increase the tripod’s height after deploying the legs to their maximum extension.

choosing the right tripod - center columns.
A selection of tripods with center columns.

Center columns add wonderful versatility to a tripod’s capabilities simply because they facilitate the quick and tailored height adjustment. At the same time, center columns also introduce a point of movement into your shooting platform. Thus, causing the debate about whether or not using a center column hinders the overall quality of your photos.

Center columns are very much a double-edged sword in that they can add immense versatility to your shooting possibilities while also causing a few problems if poorly executed. As cliche’ as it might sound, the choice of whether or not you prefer a center column is entirely up to you.

Fortunately, the decision is becoming less and less of an issue, as many tripod makers now offer removable center columns for a large number of tripod models.

There’s so much more!

We’ve covered the main components of your tripod, but we haven’t even begun to talk about the wide world of ball heads, pan heads, and fluid heads! There are even base plates and plate clamps to talk about! So instead of reading about all of these cool little gadgets, why not see them in action?

Have a look at this video I made that covers all of the things we’ve already talked about plus the options that are currently available for mounting your camera to your particular camera support system.

As always, feel free to post your questions and comments about choosing the right tripod below. Have a favorite camera support system or setup you’d like to share with us? We would love to hear about them as well!

The post Back to Basics: Everything You Need to Know for Choosing the Right Tripod appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Adam Welch.


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Tripod Buying Guide – 6 Vital Features to Look For

08 Jun

The post Tripod Buying Guide – 6 Vital Features to Look For appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.

dps-tripod-buying-guide

A tripod is one of the first accessories people like to buy when they get a new camera. But there are hundreds of thousands of tripods out there, all with different features and price points. How do you go about choosing the best tripod for you? This tripod buying guide will highlight 6 features to consider before purchasing a new tripod.

Best tripod for beginners
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400

Why use a tripod?

There are a couple of reasons why you might need a tripod in the first place.

First, you should use a tripod if you plan to shoot slow shutter speeds or high f-stops (apertures). Conditions like this are typically real estate, interior, architectural, and landscape photography, where you need your scene to be as sharp as possible, often in low light conditions.

You should also use a tripod when shooting bracketed photos for compositing or HDR in post-production, or when taking selfies or group photos that you want to be a part of.

There are certainly more reasons to consider using a tripod, but hopefully, these give you good examples to start thinking about.

Waterfall tripod photo
Fujifilm X-T3 with Carl Zeiss Touit 12mm f2.8 WITHOUT Tripod – 1/75 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500
Waterfall tripod photo
Fujifilm X-T3 with Zeiss 12mm WITH Tripod – 0.8 sec, f/9, ISO 400

1. Payload (or load capacity)

The very first feature to consider when researching tripods is its payload or maximum load capacity. In other words, how much weight is it able to support? The payload is typically found in the product description of each tripod. To come up with this number, consider the heaviest and largest camera setup that you plan to use on the tripod. Camera and lens weights can easily be found via a Google search or examining their respective product descriptions.

For example, my Sony A7rIII camera body alone weighs 23.2 oz (657 grams). My heaviest lens, the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 weighs 52.16 oz (1480 grams). So together, my heaviest camera setup would be 75.36 ounces (2137 grams). That means I should find a tripod with a payload of at least that amount.

It is also important to look at the payload of the tripod head or the piece that attaches your camera to the tripod legs. Some tripods come with a head included, or you can replace it with a head that you buy separately. Many tripod heads have their own payloads specified, so be sure to consider that number as well.

Best tripod for beginners
MeFoto Roadtrip travel tripod. Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400

2. Tripod minimum and maximum height

All tripods have a minimum and maximum height expressed in their product descriptions. Some tripods can get ultra-tall, others can get ultra-low to the ground. Think about what kind of subjects you will be photographing, and the optimal height you would want your tripod to be.

If you are tall or plan to shoot tall subjects, aim to get the tallest tripod you can find. However, if you shoot subjects that are lower to the ground, you may want to consider tripods with a low minimum height. There are even new tripods like the upcoming Peak Design Travel Tripod designed to get extremely low, down to 5.5 inches.

Best tripod for beginners
Manfrotto 055 tripod. Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400

3. How stable is the tripod?

The next quality to consider is how stable the tripod is. First, consider the payload or weight capacity mentioned above – this will give you a good idea of whether the tripod can support your camera and lens combination. But there are other features that can enhance tripod stability.

Some tripods come with retractable or removable spikes in the tripod feet. These provide extra stability by sticking into the dirt or soft ground if you happen to be shooting outside.

Tripods can also come with a retractable hook in the center column of the tripod, allowing you to hang weight to stabilize the tripod. Attaching a heavy sandbag to the hook is often the optimal option, but you can also get creative by using other items like a heavy water bottle or even your camera bag.

Best tripod for beginners
MeFoto Roadtrip Travel Tripod.
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400
Best tripod for beginners
Legs of the Manfrotto 055 tripod.
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400

4. How easy is it to carry the tripod?

If you plan to travel a lot with your tripod, or use it on the go, it’s important to consider the overall weight and folded length of the tripod. If you opt for a heavy, large tripod, you might get optimal stability, but you will likely struggle to carry that tripod around.

Consider the material the tripod is made from. Most tripods are made of aluminum (cheaper, but heavier) or carbon fiber (lightweight, but more expensive). Many tripod models are available in either construction material, so think about your budget and how important the weight saving is to you.

Also, look at the overall ease of folding the tripod up. Most tripod legs are three sections meaning they get taller with each section you open, but some can be two sections or even five sections. The more leg sections you have to deploy equates to a longer time to set up and put away. Along the lines of tripod legs, look at the mechanism they use to deploy. Most tripods use a twist-lock mechanism, which can get confusing about which direction locks or unlocks the legs. Meanwhile, other tripods have a simple clip lock that is much easier to unlock and lock.

5. Tripod head quality?

Some tripods come with a tripod head, and others require that you buy it separately. In some cases, you may even want to buy your own tripod head if you have a preference in the best type to use.

A ball head is the most common type of tripod head, allowing for 360-degree rotation to position the camera where you want it. However, many ball heads, especially cheap or low-quality ones, will slip over time and be less stable. Thus, it may be worth buying a high-end ball head or looking at another type of head to use on your tripod.

Examples include the Manfrotto 3-Way (my favorite), or a pistol grip tripod head. Pretty much every large tripod allows you to replace the tripod head with one of your choosing.

Best tripod for beginners
Standard Arca Swiss type tripod ball head.
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400

The final piece of the tripod head to consider is the tripod plate or the piece that mounts directly to your camera. Arca-Swiss type plates are among the most common and universal, but they often come with the need to use an Allen wrench to tighten the plate to your camera.

On the other hand, there are other tripod plates such as those made by Manfrotto or Joby that includes a twist screw that you can easily secure without the need for an extra tool.

6. Extra features?

The last things to consider are any extra features or bells and whistles that come with the tripod. Here are a few examples to look out for:

Tripod to monopod conversion

Some tripods such as those made by MeFoto, allow you to easily convert the tripod into a monopod by simply removing one leg and attaching it to the center column. This is a handy feature if you anticipate needing a monopod.

Tripods with a column that can be positioned at 90 degrees

If you have the need to shoot with a 90-degree column, look for a tripod that offers this feature. My Manfrotto 055 has this feature and it comes in very handy for product or flat lay photography.

Built-in bubble leveler

While many cameras have a built-in leveler, it always helps to have a physical bubble leveler to make sure your camera is straight. Some tripods have bubble levelers built-into the tripod head or the center column of the tripod.

Carrying case

Some tripods come with a carrying case to aid in transportation, and others require the carrying case to be purchased separately.

Best tripod for beginners
Manfrotto 3-Way tripod head.
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100mm f/2.8 – 1/160 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2000

In conclusion

There are a plethora of tripods out there and it is not an easy task to find the right one for you. Ultimately, this tripod buying guide is intended to help you think of all of the situations in which you plan to use a tripod and encourage you to carefully research all six features above. And while there are plenty of cheap tripods out there, consider investing in a high-quality tripod to begin with. Your camera equipment is expensive, and you don’t want to risk dropping or damaging it due to placing it on a cheap tripod.

Video

The post Tripod Buying Guide – 6 Vital Features to Look For appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.


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Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits from Travel Tripod Launch to Charity

26 May

The post Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits from Travel Tripod Launch to Charity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

dps-news-peak-design-donates-profits

Peak Design, the camera carry company based in California, launched their Travel Tripod in early April.

And they donated 100% of the profits to charity.

The Travel Tripod has been making waves ever since it was funded on Kickstarter, where the promise of a stable, compact tripod drew in 12 million USD from nearly 30,000 donors.

Fast-forward a year, and the Travel Tripod was ready to launch as two separate products:

A carbon fiber option and an aluminum alloy option, both offering unprecedented compactness and stability as a pro-level travel tripod solution.

peak design travel tripod in use

Then, in the weeks prior to the launch, Peak Design announced its intentions to donate all profits to two charities:

The CDC Foundation, for COVID-19 relief, and Climate Neutral, an organization that works to combat climate change.

As explained by the Peak Design CEO:

Now more than ever is the time for us to act on our core values and ensure that our employees, contractors and retail partners can find economic shelter in a product we’ve spent years developing…Peak Design is also in a unique position to offer financial support to those that are solving the problem. To be able to donate in a time of need speaks volumes to the company we’ve built over the last ten years.

Now that the launch is complete, Peak Design has released their numbers; the company sold over 2000 tripods, culminating in a whopping $ 218,000 USD donated to the CDC Foundation and Climate Neutral.

the peak design travel tripod is extremely compact

For those who are interested in the Peak Design travel tripod, it offers:

  • A weight of 2.81 lbs (1.27 kg) for the carbon fiber model
  • A weight of 3.44 lbs (1.56 kg) for the aluminum model
  • A weight capacity of 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
  • Minimum height of 15.2 in (38.5 cm)
  • Maximum height of 60.2 in (153 cm) with the center column raised
  • Setup in 9.8 seconds
  • A ball head with a phone mount

You can pick it up for $ 599.95 USD (carbon fiber) or $ 349.95 USD (aluminum).

Now over to you:

Do you own a travel tripod? And how does the Peak Design Travel Tripod compare? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits from Travel Tripod Launch to Charity appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Peak Design gives $200K+ of profits from its Travel Tripod launch to coronavirus, climate charities

14 May

Bag manufacturer Peak Design has donated 100% of the profits it made from the launch of its first tripod to charities dealing with the coronavirus response and with climate change. The four-day launch saw the company sell 2265 units of its new Travel Tripod, which generated $ 218,150.

The funds were then split equally between the non-profits Centers for Disease Control Foundation which is assisting in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Climate Neutral organization that helps companies to reduce their carbon foot print. Peak Design is actually a founder of Climate Neutral, which has so far certified 105 brands as being climate neutral, including Kickstarter, and is helping numerous others to achieve this goal.

The development of the Travel Tripod was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, and over the launch period, the aluminum alloy version generated $ 75,110 in profits while the carbon fiber version made $ 143,040 after selling 110 units more.

You can see more information about the Travel Tripod on our initial news coverage, as well as our hands-on with the carbon fiber version.

Press release:

Peak Design Donates 100% of Profits From its 4-Day Travel Tripod Launch Funds will be Distributed Between COVID-19 Response and Combating Climate Change

Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, has announced it will donate 100% of profits from all Travel Tripods sold during the company’s highly anticipated launch, April 7, through April 10, 2020. Profits will include both sales of tripods through PeakDesign.com and through retailers worldwide. Funds generated by the launch will be donated to the CDC Foundation to support their efforts on the front-lines of COVID-19 response, and to Climate Neutral, an organization that helps businesses from all industries verifiably achieve carbon neutrality.

Peak Design depends on a global network of partners to ensure their products are safely manufactured and delivered. The launch of the Travel Tripod is an opportunity for Peak Design to continue to financially support their colleagues while helping to address two global crises. “Now more than ever is the time for us to act on our core values and ensure that our employees, contractors and retail partners can find economic shelter in a product we’ve spent years developing,” commented Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. “Peak Design is also in a unique position to offer financial support to those that are solving the problem. To be able to donate in a time of need speaks volumes to the company we’ve built over the last ten years. I couldn’t be more proud,” continued Dering.

Peak Design understands that sustainability programs may come under threat as businesses are forced to examine expenditures due to COVID-19. In addition to donating to the CDC Foundation to support Coronavirus relief, Peak Design hopes additional aid to Climate Neutral will help to bolster the response to climate change. “Unfortunately we haven’t swapped one global disaster for the other. Climate change is still a very real threat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and we fear that many businesses will be forced to consider the economic viability of their sustainability commitments,” states Dering. “We can’t afford to relinquish the progress we’ve made in combating climate change.”

The Peak Design Travel Tripod was originally launched on Kickstarter in May 2019, and raised $ 12.1M from 27,168 backers. Praised for its ground up reexamination of traditional tripod design, Peak Design achieved the world’s most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup tripod for professionals and first-time tripod owners alike. Customers can choose between carbon fiber (MSRP: $ 599) and aluminum alloy (MSRP: $ 349.95) starting April 7, at 12am PST.

For more information about the Peak Design Travel Tripod, please visit: http://www.peakdesign.com/pages/travel-tripod. To learn more about the CDC Foundation’s efforts in supporting the people, communities, and healthcare providers on the global frontline of coronavirus response, please visit: http://www.cdcfoundation.org. To learn more about how Climate Neutral assists businesses to achieve carbon neutrality, please visit http://www.climateneutral.org.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design announces Travel Tripod launch date, unveils ‘Weird Times Sale’ with 20-40% off gear

02 Apr

We’ve already seen the Peak Design Travel Tripod and gotten our hands on it for a short period of time, but after successfully sending out units to its Kickstarter backers, Peak Design is ready to open up orders to the public. At 12am PST on April 7, Peak Design will allow the general public to purchase their latest piece of gear; but that’s not all. Peak Design says 100% of profits from every tripod sold will be split 50/50 to COVID-19 disaster relief and climate change relief funds.

The Travel Tripod launch announcement was originally embargoed for the day of the launch, April 7, but Peak Design Founder and CEO Peter Dering took to YouTube in the above video to explain the decision to launch the tripod at the time they’ve chosen, as well as announce a ‘Weird Times Sale’ that is currently live and sees nearly all Peak Design gear (everything except the Travel Tripod) between 20–40% off to help keep inventory moving during a time when sales have all but ceased.

A breakdown of the discounts for Peak Design’s sale.

Travel Tripod Updates

The Peak Design Travel Tripods were first introduced in May 2019. Over the course of its Kickstarter campaign, the company raised over $ 12.1 million from more than 27k backers. Over the course of production, Peak Design altered a few aspects of the design to refine the initial version to improve the overall experience. Specifically, Peak Design’s revisions include a new hex tool key with leg clip holder, an updated padded, weatherproof carry bag and an ultralight conversion kit that turns the tripod into a more compact tabletop tripod.

Peak Design also opted to use an aluminum center column for its carbon fiber tripod, citing testing its own engineering team came up with as well as insight from tripod testing extraordinaire David Berryrieser of the Center Column. Peak Design says Berryrieser’s testing, ‘revealed a significant improvement in the aluminum center column resisting lateral twist, less vertical slip and higher max load for the counterweight hook […] All this for the price of 16g or 10 paper clips worth of additional weight.’

As previously mentioned, 100% of profits from each Travel Tripod sold from April 7–10 through PeakDesign.com and Peak Design’s retail partners around the world will be distributed to the CDC Foundation and Climate Neutral.

You can find the ‘Weird Times Sale’ on Peak Design’s online shop and authorized Peak Design retailers. Travel Tripod sales should go live at 12am on April 7 if you’re interested in securing one.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sirui launches AM-2 Travel carbon fiber tripod series with five models and a ball head

28 Feb

Chinese camera accessory manufacturer SIRUI has announced its new carbon fiber AM-2 Travel Tripod series featuring a total of five tripod models. The company describes its new lineup as lightweight, with the largest and heaviest model weighing in at 1.22kg (2.69lbs). The tripods are suitable for uses that range from macro to travel photography, according to the company.

The SIRUI AM-2 Travel Tripod series features the following models:

  • AM-223 ($ 129.90): 350mm (13.78in) max height, 15kg (33lbs) max load
  • AM-225 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 6kg (13.23lbs) max load
  • AM-254 ($ 199.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 12kg (26.46lbs) max load
  • AM-284 ($ 249.90): 1200mm (47.24in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load
  • SL-200 ($ 29.90): 320mm (12.60in) max height, 15kg (33.07lbs) max load

The tripods are resistant to corrosion and have a high level of stability, according to SIRUI. Features vary based on the model, but include anti-slip leg locks, leg angle adjustment buttons, 1/4″-20 accessory port, interchangeable feet for use with metal spikes, included adjustment tools and tripod bag, as well as, in some cases, an included ball head. The AM-2 series can be used with the optional low gravity A-10R ball head priced at $ 99.90.

The new models are listed on the SIRUI USA website at this time but don’t appear to have yet been added to other online stores like Adorama and B&H Photo.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography

22 Feb

The post 7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

In this video from Julian Elliott Photography, he gives you 7 tips for using a tripod in landscape and travel photography.

?

You may want to know why you need a tripod at all when you do landscape and travel photography? There are times when you will want to use slower shutter speeds. For example, when doing long exposures to get silky smooth waters, shooting in low light situations, or for bracketing exposures.

So watch Julian’s video and find out some invaluable tips on how to get the most out of your tripod, how to keep it in good condition, and how to use it.

You may also like:

  • How to Choose the Right Tripod for Landscape Photography
  • Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test
  • 6 Advantages of Using a Tripod in Your Photography
  • 10 Dos and Don’ts for Mastering Your Tripod
  • Peak Design Travel Tripod Review
  • 7 Reasons Why a Tripod is Must for Outdoor Photographers
  • K&F Concept TC2335 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

 

The post 7 Tips for Using a Tripod in Landscape and Travel Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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