Tripods are instruments that ought to all the time give us the peace of mind that the job could be accomplished and that our cameras are secure. Now let’s see how this otherwise constructed tripod can have an effect on how we journey and {photograph} nature.
To some photographers, a tripod is only a easy instrument to carry their digital camera in place, however to many others, a tripod is essential to get the photographs they envision and on the similar time shield their tools from undesirable accidents. This is the reason there may be virtually by no means any level of saturation available in the market for tripods as a result of even with the abundance of manufacturers and variants everywhere in the world, photographers have completely different makes use of for a lot of completely different sorts. Identical to our digital camera gear, tripods additionally require vital care and upkeep, particularly if they’re continuously uncovered to the weather. Relying on the supplies used on the tripod and the way they’re constructed, being uncovered to moisture, salt water, mud, and sand can drastically have an effect on how lengthy they are going to final and the way nicely they are going to do their job. Now this tripod from Leofoto is alleged to be water and mud/sand resistant and is much less vulnerable to corrosion.
The Leofoto Poseidon
The Poseidon tripod line is available in two dimension variants every with two ball-head (coloration) variants. For this overview, we check out the larger model that has extra top and thicker leg carbon fiber rods, the LP-324C.
Each variants are 4-section carbon fiber tripods with a flat central joint base and no middle column. When folded, the LP-324C shortens to simply 580 mm (23 inches), which is sort of considerably longer than typical tripods however can nonetheless match on outer tripod attachments of digital camera baggage. When all 4 sections are prolonged, it reaches a most top of 1,395 mm (55 inches), which is tall sufficient to succeed in common eye stage, keep comfy working posture, and is excessive sufficient for many outside eventualities.
On the joints of every of the tripod’s legs is a tab that you simply pull to unlock the angle stopper to have the ability to change between the three leg angles that mean you can shoot from decrease views. Since there isn’t a middle column, the minimal working top turns into a mere 165 mm (6.5 inches) from the bottom to the bottom of the digital camera. The LP-324C weighs simply 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs) however has a most payload of 15 kg (33 lbs), even with the capability of the ball head factored in. In between two of the leg joints is a 1/4” screw thread that can be utilized for extra equipment. Proper beneath the central joint (reverse the ball head) is one other 1/4” thread for equipment like friction arms, telephone clamps, and/or accent hooks.
One among, if not essentially the most exceptional options of this tripod is the waterproof locking system that may be discovered on every of the twist locks. On the surface, it’s a mixture of textured steel and rubber (silica gel) pads for good and clean grip whereas the within is lined by a titanium alloy tube plug that stops the entry of water and dust into the legs and the locks.
The closed system could be appreciated by the sound of air coming into and exiting from the highest of the tripod legs as they’re collapsed/prolonged respectively. On the very tip of every leg is a detachable rubber foot that screws out and could be changed by the equipped titanium alloy spikes for higher traction that additionally reinforce the seal when correctly put in.
Each dimension variants of the Poseidon tripod include the LH-40 ball head that may are available both the usual black coloration or blue that matches the legs of the tripod. The LH-40 comes with a fundamental ball launch knob that’s supported by a smaller friction management knob on the opposite aspect, which is correct above the pan knob that controls the rotation of your complete head. The ball joint is related to an Arca-Swiss fashion quick-release clamp with a bubble stage indicator and a launch knob on high. The LH-40 has a most payload of 20 kg, which is heavier than the payload of the tripod itself and implies that it may be used with different tripods with heavier capability for extra necessities.
Software and Person Expertise
The Leofoto Poseidon was clearly and clearly made for taking pictures situations that contain water, mud, and sand. Because the identify implies, this can be a tripod designed for photographers who shoot seascapes however can nonetheless carry out very nicely in different outside taking pictures eventualities. Due to the absence of a middle column, it may well go very low whereas securing the digital camera upright as a substitute of how different tripods obtain low angles, which is by inverting the middle column.
This makes it very handy for taking pictures seascapes that contain vital foreground parts similar to rocks and/or crashing waves. The draw back of getting no middle column would additionally imply that each one the peak can be restricted to what the legs can supply, however that is compensated for by the longer leg sections leading to a most top just like different standard-form tripods.
One of the exceptional bits of expertise in utilizing the LP-324C is the general really feel. The twist locks are very straightforward to grip and safe but additionally don’t require plenty of drive to unlock. Subsequent to that’s the tactile and auditory expertise of increasing the legs. As soon as the legs are unlocked from the folded configuration, they will simply slide down easily from gravity to a sure extent, and this was maintained even after exposing the legs to sandy saltwater for 3 days with out rinsing. Along with the sleek really feel, you may very clearly hear the air coming out and in of the legs from the highest finish. Other than it being a sensory cue, additionally it is an indicator that nothing is certainly coming out and in of the opposite parts of the tripod. That additionally represents a extra long-term implication that it could require much less cleansing and upkeep total. For the reason that locking system prevents the entry of water and sand into the joints of the sections, it could imply having to disassemble them much less (or possibly even in no way) to take away any particles within the locks. And diligent cleansing after submerging in saltwater would solely imply rinsing out the outside.
At this level, the Leofoto Poseidon lives as much as its identify and is certainly a tripod one ought to contemplate in case your images entails plenty of publicity to the weather. Whereas comparatively gentle, it may well carry digital camera gear that’s approach heavier than what would usually be utilized in such taking pictures eventualities and can also be versatile when it comes to digital camera top and low angles. General, it provides worry-free use in essentially the most rugged conditions, permitting the consumer to realize the shot they envision with out worrying about both the digital camera gear or the tripod.
What I Appreciated
- Gentle however sturdy carbon fiber construct
- Titanium alloy tube plug locking system
- Water- and sand-proof
- Fast switching to low angle configuration
What Can Be Improved
- Accent ports could be onerous to succeed in for some instruments
- No secondary panning on the QR clamp of the ball-head
