Leofoto LS-284C Athena Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head
- Load capacity: 10 kg
- Maximum height: 129 cm
- Minimum height: 16 cm
- Folded length: 54 cm
- Leg sections: 4
- Weight: 1.55 kg
- Carbon fiber legs
- Waterproof twist-lock connections
- Low profile arca type ball head
- 1/4"-20 accessory mounts
Description
The LS-284C Athena Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head from Leofoto is designed and precision crafted for use in harsh, wet environments. It is corrosion resistant, made with 10-layer carbon fiber legs and titanium components. The Poseidon Series twist-lock joints repel water, sand, and debris, minimizing the need for repairs and maintenance. This distinctive red tripod has a hollowed-out top plate for reduced weight, and it offers dual 1/4"-20 accessory mounts. This robust tripod and head system has a load capacity of 10 kg, yet weighs only 1.55 kg, and it folds to a compact 54 cm length for convenient storage and transport.
The included LH-30 low-profile ball head is Arca-type compatible and features tension adjustment, independent pan lock, and precision-numbered scales for easy and repeatable results.
- Waterproof and sand-proof design
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Compact, center column-free design
- Lightweight hollowed-out top plate
- Interchangeable titanium spiked feet
- Independent leg spread
Specifications
| Head Type |
Ball Head |
| Camera Mounting Screw |
1/4"-20 Male |
| Quick Release Plate Type |
Arca-Type |
| Load Capacity |
22 lb / 10 kg |
| Maximum Working Height |
50.8" / 129 cm |
| Minimum Working Height |
6.3" / 16 cm |
| Closed Length |
21.3" / 54 cm |
| Materials |
Carbon Fiber |
| Weight |
3.42 lb / 1.55 kg |
| Leg Lock Type |
Twist Lock |
| Leg Sections |
4 |
| Feet Features |
Rubber, Removable, Spiked |
| Head Type |
Ball Head |
| Base Mount |
3/8"-16 Female |
| Camera Mounting Screw |
1/4"-20 Male |
| Quick Release Plate Type |
Arca-Type |
| Bubble Level |
1 |
| Ball Sphere Diameter |
1.2" / 30 mm |
| Vertical Tilt |
90° |
| Panning Range |
360° |
| Independent Pan Lock |
Yes |
| Load Capacity |
22 lb / 10 kg |
| Maximum Working Height |
50.8" / 129 cm |
| Minimum Working Height |
6.3" / 16 cm |
| Closed Length |
21.3" / 54 cm |
| Diameter |
1.9" / 47.00 mm |
| Materials |
Carbon Fiber |
| Weight |
3.42 lb / 1.55 kg |
| Leg Lock Type |
Twist Lock |
| Independent Leg Spread |
Yes |
| Leg Sections |
4 |
| Leg Diameter |
1.1" / 28 mm (Maximum) 0.7" / 19 mm (Minimum) |
| Bubble Level |
No |
| Feet Features |
Rubber, Removable, Spiked |
| Center Column Features |
Ballast Hook, 1/4"-20 Female Accessory Mount |
In the Box
- 1x Leofoto LS-284C Athena Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head
Tripod Components
Cameras and tripods have a long-standing partnership, maintaining relevance and unmatched functionality in a world dominated by image stabilization and Photoshop tricks. Although the form and function of a tripod are much simpler to understand than today’s DSLRs, with their extensive features, selecting the right setup from a variety of manufacturers and seemingly comparable models can be a daunting task. This article outlines the basic types of tripod kits every photographer should consider, and discusses the various categories of tripod heads and legs for those looking to build a custom setup.
Tabletop Tripods
For some, the simplest and smallest solution is often the best, and for this audience, a tabletop tripod offers a particularly compact solution for the everyday photographer. These tripods come in a range of types and sizes and are usually sold as kits with a pre-mounted head and legs. They are typically inseparable and reach a maximum height of no more than 30cm. These tripods are ideal for travelers, hikers, or those photographing in areas where carrying full-sized camera equipment might be restricted. Those needing a table support may also consider a flexible variant, such as the Joby Gorillapod line. These compact and lightweight supports can be used on a traditional flat surface or wrapped around various objects (such as branches, pipes, and handlebars) to stabilize your camera on uneven terrain or create a unique new photographic perspective.
The Tripod System
For the passionate, ambitious, and professional photographer, investing in a modular tripod system—or, for the layperson, a tripod with a removable head and a set of durable, versatile legs—is the preferred choice. Whether purchased together as part of an extended set or separately, investing in a system ensures the user obtains customizable, high-quality equipment that can be adapted to specific photography needs either now or in the future. Below, we outline some of the different options for purchasing a pre-made tripod kit or assembling your own tripod kit using components selected to meet your individual requirements.
The 3-Way Pan-Tilt Head
When most people think about tripod functionality, they envision the movement and brand-licensed style of the classic three-way head. This design remains popular with beginners for its ease of use and relatively precise movement. The head consists of three separate arms controlling vertical tilt, horizontal tilt, and 360-degree panning. To adjust the position of each angle, simply turn the handle for the desired angle, position the camera, and then tighten the handle again to lock the camera in place—it's that simple. Three-way heads are commonly used for landscape, portrait, still-life, macro, or product photography, but they can be used for almost any photographic application.
The Ball Head
The ball head is currently the most modern and generally preferred head style, partly due to its compact size (compared to three-way heads), lightweight build, and ease of adjustment. Unlike the three-way head, ball heads save size and weight by allowing you to use the camera itself as the "handle," positioning the camera in any direction with just one rather than three knobs. Ball heads typically feature dual or triple control, allowing photographers to control the ball’s movement and friction with separate knobs. Tri-control designs often implement a third knob that controls the 360-degree panning separately from the main ball lock. Due to its size and speed, this head style is popular among sports, action, nature, travel, and studio photographers. Like the three-way head, it can also be used for almost any photographic application.
The Gimbal Head
Gimbal heads are practically essential in the world of advanced sports and wildlife photography, as they support the large telephoto lenses that are an undeniable hallmark of the craft. The gimbal head is designed to support and balance large lenses and camera bodies, allowing the user to follow a moving subject vertically and horizontally, and, if properly balanced, retain its last position even when the photographer’s hand leaves the camera. They are generally the largest and heaviest head style, but for photographers who need them, their utility is unrivaled. It is also worth noting that most gimbal heads are not sold with a mounting plate; one must be selected specifically for the lens in use. When investing in a gimbal system, you should always purchase a suitable lens mounting plate that provides enough length to adequately balance your equipment.
The Fluid Head
Since almost every camera now includes advanced video functions, many photographers have begun incorporating video components into their tripod kits, with the fluid head being the most significant of these additions. The fluid head is designed to reduce resistance when recording video, allowing for smooth pans and tilts along two axes, and the integrated "fluid" cartridge reduces unwanted shakes, vibrations, and jitters. While each tripod head has a maximum load capacity, the stated maximum of a fluid head should be seen as a guideline that should never be exceeded. Balanced weight is essential for good fluid head performance, and resistance to an unbalanced load can impair the video-smoothing properties of the head, especially in the hands of beginner videographers.
Material Choice
Tripod legs—whether for beginners or professionals—are a relatively straightforward matter, limited to three simple factors: weight, load capacity, and price. The often heavier, cheaper, and somewhat more durable material for tripod legs is an oldie but goodie: aluminum. Although its weight may not be ideal for travel, aluminum tripods benefit from this weight with increased stability and the ability to withstand daily use and minor impacts. However, aluminum legs are subject to the environment in which they are used, which simply means they heat up in the sun, cool down in the cold, and can rust if not properly cleaned after exposure to freshwater
and saltwater. The second, newer, and more expensive material option is carbon fiber, which has become a darling in the world of outdoor and landscape photography due to its lighter weight and excellent rigidity. Although the price difference between aluminum and carbon fiber has decreased significantly in recent years, it is still substantial for higher-quality tripod brands.
