Brockvilleal

I am looking for feedback from the forum from anyone who may have purchased this tripod. I have searched Youtube and found a couple positive reviews. I had heard that B&H use to carry these but no longer do. When I contacted B&H, they could not give me an answer as to why they stopped selling this make of tripod. Price point is great and much less than an equivalent RRS or Gitzo.
I have looked at several makes of tripods but at 6'2", my height eliminates many from consideration. I eventually ended up on this one and it appears to meet all of my needs. Now I just need to figure out if there are any issues with it.
Appreciate any feedback.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The importer of the Leofoto brand has chosen to only sell them on Amazon and Ebay. No long term warranty commitment that way. The 404 is actually a pretty nice tripod, large, but heavy, and stable. Service and warranty are the problems.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I have no experience with this tripod.

However, looking at a few sites that describe it in detail - it seems to exceed the stability of a Series 5 Gitzo, RRS or comparable Induro.

The weight is pretty oppressive at 7.5 lbs, without a head.

I really don't like the way the bowl is fitted in the top of the tripod - I returned a Gitzo Series 3 about 11 yrs ago because I did not trust the friction mount of the bowl, and that was secured by a bolt. This tripod uses a lever. All you need is for the lever lock to work itself loose or get snagged on a branch or clothing and you can find your camera and lens in a pile of broken glass, shattered plastic and bent metal on the ground if you are not careful.

If you need that level of rigidity and support, RRS would be my recommendation. You'll only spend that much once, and once you get over the shock, you won't ever regret it.

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I have one, and I like it and use it a lot. It's tall enough for me to walk under it and very strong -- rated (I suspect very conservatively) at 110lbs.

The only issue I've had are getting additional head plates. I picked up a couple Diamond Gitzo-5-compatible plates for about $30 each and they are not deep enough to be able to engage the secondary safety catch (which Gene51 apparently didn't know about). However, even those plates are quite functional and those are the ones I normally use. I reserve the full depth plate for my Nest Gimbal.

This is a good tripod IMHO and it's hard to go wrong with it. I'd also strongly suggest you consider the Nest systematic tripods at MT Shooter's <www.cameracottage.com>.

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Correction:: Desmond "Flat Adapter", which look like they are selling for $37 now:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DS9WJ8K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

I can not speak for the tripod, but I can tell you this. I have the Leofoto pano head and the quality is flat out awesome. Nicely finished, the markings are laser etched and high quality machining.

Bob Boner

You might want to check out Induro tripods. I have a Gitzo and an Induro, and the Induro works just fine. If I had had it before the Gitzo, not sure I would have the Gitzo now.

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I just noticed that Leofoto now has an LN-404C center column:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076TVJYGG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and a flat top plate adapter (with the right depth and groove placement):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076R5R4X4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

available.