Leofoto LM 403C X Tripod Review

[@techguyml]

Ahh yes just what a wildlife shooter always wanted. A tripod that whistles while you’re out in the field bringing attention to you… can’t believe you recommend this.

[@WildlifeInspired]

how often do you change leg lengths while actively shooting a subject, lol. If you are moving the leg length, the motion will far exceed the minor noise. I have been using this for months now and absolutely recommend it.

[@techguyml]

@@WildlifeInspiredyou sound like a shill. The tripod has a clear design flaw and you’re making excuses for your sponsor.

[@thedave7760]

@@techguyml You sound like you would be GREAT fun at a party I'll bet you have loads of friends.

[@noeleb8538]

A Tripod with a built-in bird calling whistler. Sounds like a pro to me. :) Love your very detailed reviews.

[@YugalPhotography]

Thanks Scott for all the great reviews that you do. Your review comparing gimbal heads helped me make the right decision in buying the one from LeoPhoto because it has fine grained control over tension. Was thinking Benro earlier. Can I request you to make a video comparing off camera monitors for both wildlife and landscapes. Any limitations with DSLR will be useful to know. Nikon D850user.

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

I have the bv-20 fluid head, it's so darn heavy. The fh-10 looks good and a little lighter -- sold out on their site though.

[@t.k.1448]

Good review as usual, so thanks for that. Maybe you can use you contact with Leofoto to suggest they consider a tripod custom build feature, given the parts across their range are so standardized. A customer would choose spider (size/bowl diameter, cex or non-cex, etc.), maximum leg diameter, number of sections, section length (standard or long), leg lock type (standard rubber twist, poseiden style aluminium w/rubber inlay, or flip-lock), and finally color (standard carbon finish, color, camo). I am sure most people would be willing to pay a 10 to 15% surcharge and wait 4-6 weeks for delivery, but to me it would be worth it if I can get exactly the combination of features I want. Furthermore, when looking at the Leofoto offerings in the USA, South Africa, and Europe, it is clear they already make market specific models so it would a small jump to create an online configurator.

[@MarcMol]

Great informative review as always Scott, one thing you forgot to mention is the pack down overall length (not inc BV-20)? Being a 3 section, the one negative is the length of these over a 4 section when travelling and packing into a suitcase.

[@WildlifeInspired]

I think it's listed in a graphic. And yes the longer 3 sections could matter of trying to fit into a specific size case. I have never had an issue with the min collapsed length as it usually sits in my trunk and a couple inches doesn't matter.

[@MarcMol]

@@WildlifeInspired Are you saying size doesn't matter? LOL !!

[@techguyml]

I ordered this based on your review. Leofoto customer service sucks! I didn’t receive the 100 to 75mm bowl adapter that Scott mentions. It’s also listed as an included component on their store listing. Tripod received and the adapter was not included. Trying to get anyone on the phone or respond to an email has proven impossible. Going to have to do a CC charge back at this point. Last time I purchase anything from a sponsored review.

[@marklaurendet1861]

Thanks for another review. I have had those rubber grips on the legs slip over time on one of my previous tripods, so I now a a preference for metal adjusters. But I don't live in a cold climate.

[@MikeR_PH0T0]

Thanks for the review and the discount code. I haven’t been disappointed with any of the tripod legs that I own from Leofoto. My LM-362C doesn’t whistle but you can hear the air puff out when closing the leg quickly. Never noticed it on my others but I’ll have to see if I can make it happen now.

[@michaeldesselle7589]

Thanks Scott, I bought the Leofoto monopod based on your recommendation. Love it; your recommendations are always extremely well Supported and spot on 👍

[@mjlambersonz]

Not 40mm top leg, 36.2mm, but Benro Mammoth tmtth-44c offers serious height and stability for 350 bucks!

[@edsassler]

What nobody seems to understand or value about LeoFoto tripods is that they stick to standards. That 403 is a 40mm top leg with 3 sections. The section below it is 36mm, the one below that is 32mm. Those leg sections are interchangeable with 36x and 32x series tripods. I own much of their older line, from the 224 ultra lightweight tripod, to the 284 general purpose tripod to the 364 for use with larger lenses. As an urban landscape photographer, I have never been able to just set up a tripod and shoot. There’s always a fence or a wall in the way. The name of the game is versatility. I can take the lower 3 sections from my 284, and replace the bottom sections of my 364, to create a 366 that’s 8’ tall. As I recall, you have a 36 series monopod. Next time you’re shooting on a hill and need a longer leg, take the top section off the monopod and the last section off one of the legs of your tripod, and replace it with the extra sections…