Leofoto Ranger LS-223CEX Tripod: Using a Leveling base & L-Plate to capture seamless panoramas.

In this unboxing video Mark takes a look at the Leofoto L-Plate for his A1 camera and the Leofoto LS-223CEX Ranger tripod with integrated levelling base. With the addition of a nodal slider Mark will be set up for creating panoramic images with no parallax error.
Products reviewed include:
Leofoto LS-223CEX: bhpho.to/3saFHCh
Peak Design Wrist or 'Cuff' Strap: bhpho.to/3nYPgkU
Leofoto Titanium QD TC4 Plate: bhpho.to/3yJnNZr
Leofoto LS-223CEX: bhpho.to/3saFHCh
Leofoto L-Plate: Visit Leofoto Website
Leofoto LH-25 Mini Ball Head: bhpho.to/3seHVjV
Leofoto LH-30 Low Profile Ball Head: bhpho.to/3zPIFj1
Leofoto QD Strap: bhpho.to/2WPja36
Leofoto 60mm Leveling Base: bhpho.to/37WJvhK
Leofoto 65mm Leveling base: bhpho.to/2WbaR14
Leofoto 75mm Leveling base: bhpho.to/37WlqYk
Leofoto Lens foot for Sony FE 70-200 & 100-400 GM: bhpho.to/3yIfPQ6
Leofoto Lens foot for Sony FE 200-600 G: bhpho.to/3kNQobc
Leofoto Lens foot for Sony FE 400 & 600 GM Primes: bhpho.to/2WUnbTM
Mark Galer is a Sony Alpha Ambassador for Australia.
Join Mark Galer on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars, 'over 15 downloadable' eBooks + cameras settings files (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). / markgaler
Mark's supporting website: www.markgaler.com
If you find Mark's work for the Alpha community helpful please consider making a donation to support the creation of new learning resources for Alpha users. Go the Donations link: www.paypal.com/paypalme/alpha...
#SonyAustralia #SonyAlpha #SonyAmbassador #SonyAlphaANZ

[@somebodypeculiar]

What I appreciated most from this video is your total admiration for the quality of the brand. I've read so many negatives claiming all they have done is rip off other company's designs, and portray them as cheap knockoffs, that your unquestioning calling it solid gear was like a breath of fresh air. Thanks!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Cheaper doesn't always mean the quality is substandard. If someone, however, has paid more than double the price for an expensive alternative this will lead to negative comments so they can justify their purchase in their own minds.

[@gonzogorgonzola9153]

Excellent review (as always)!

[@joeshiloh6381]

As a beginner, I appreciate your videos, after watching this video I bought the LS-223CEX and LH25 ball head. As you said they are quality products. Keep the videos coming as I continue to learn from you. I need a lot more practice to continue to improve, and your guidance along the way, has been invaluable. My wife also shoots, and is beginner, bought her the Leofoto LQ 324 and LH 40 ball head. Great quality. We both need as I said just more and more practice. Gotta make mistakes to improve.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for the positive feedback Joe. I only review non-Sony products that have been added to my personal collection of gear and that I use every week.

[@opezdol]

Wow, I've been waiting Leofoto's a1 L-bracket for quite a time, even asked them directly, thanks Mark! As for the Leofoto products, I'm using ln-404c tripod (its insanely good for the price), cb-34 ballhead, L-bracket for a7rIV, Mt-02 mini tripod with lh-25 ballhead and waiting for ls-284cex, spikes, arca foots for 100-400 and 200-600 and bunch of other stuff to be delivered soon. Overall I'm very happy with Leofoto's quality, especially considering their price/performance ratio. Highly recommend.

[@alantay9409]

Excellent open box video. Awesome content. Thank you.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theSergeantGonzalez]

Thank you very much for your information, as always great video, my best regards from Miami Fl.👏👍

[@sionglooi8170]

I've spent close to $1900AUD on a few Leofoto products, I really like the quality it stuff you buy once and you're sorted for life. My Leofoto Tripod LS-284C is rock steady even with all my gear mounted for 3-5mins tracked astrophotography multi-row pano. Only thing i didn't like is how their ball head friction control is very finicky to get right, as it usually too tight or too loose when you want to adjust it. The Leofoto LB-75 75mm Leveling Base was one of my best buys in 2020. I use the Leofoto LEP-02 for multi-row pano and the Leofoto MP-150 Macro Focusing Rail for my single row pano (I have all the nodal points of all my various lenses for the rail noted down on my smartphone). I prefer them to my Syrp dual Mini 2 setup, as manually doing I found to be quicker and much more reliable. I went for the Rogeti L bracket for A7RIII, it give me all access to ports and battery with cables and my Peak design fast attachment clips attached.

[@robertnelson3179]

I like this will need to dwell on this a bit. Thanks

[@rickymcc9072]

Thanks Mark for another excellent look at something different. This looks to be an excellent solution. For this height though I wonder if un-extended carbon legs like this isn't just overkill? I'm a fan of the "Novoflex BasicBall" (German) - an aluminium half ball which takes screw in legs - very rigid, similar height (variable height dependent on holes that legs are screwed into) and about half the weight of the Leofoto, albeit without a self levelling head (but I have a couple of those to choose from anyway). You might like the Novoflex range of kit too (I'm not sponsored, but appreciate good engineering). For it's size, mass it supports well beyond most alternatives albeit unsuitable for a heavier rig using say Sony's 200-600mm G lens. I like this Leofoto LS-223CEX pod too, but on checking it's detailed specs I'm hesitant to buy yet another pod! I already own a range of several carbon pods from the heavier end of the Gitzo carbon range thru more basic offerings to other innovative grip and clamp solutions. I can see the point of working low, but usually I want height too, esp. when travelling, so a medium weight longer pod is usually my first travel choice.

[@docwou]

Thank you very much for the detailed description how to take perfect panorama shots. I would be interested in the exact L-plate model you are showing. Couldn't find it so far on the Leofoto website.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It’s a brand new model so may not be listed for a few days

[@johnpurcellpurcell5207]

Always a fascination to see your knowledge and skill on display,than you. Jp So I bought the LEOFOTO tripod,the screw doesn’t fit our Sony a7iii. What’s next?

[@AndrzejZalewskiYT]

Having already the tri without leveling base, there is another possible way to have ballhead with separate panoramic base, just where the arca swiss is mounted, like for example Benro GX35. But ofc, leveling base is always nice to have.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for your input

[@RawkinDslo]

Thanks!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for your kind support :-)

[@CZOV]

Not a Sony fan but nice and informative videos, not just sales pitch.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I really only review gear that I like and then intend to add to my personal camera kit.

[@iainwhyte1828]

As ever impressed by your product reviews and like your setup for taking 3 vertical shots for later stitching. Can I ask what stitching software you use for creating one combined shot from 3 verticals? Thanks in advance

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I use Lightroom for creating panoramas.

[@bevmichelphotography]

Great video Mark. One question…why don’t you just use the leveling feature on the camera instead of 2 levelers on the slider and tripod?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

If you use the leveling feature on the camera there is no guarantee it will still be level when you turn the tripod head.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I switched from a Benro tripod to a Leofoto Ranger LS-365C for my travel tripod this year (2022). I tried smaller Benro tripods, but they just weren't stable enough or tall enough for my needs. And the larger Benro tripods were too heavy. But, I'm always looking these days for ways to lighten my load.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I much prefer the lower vantage point for 95% of my landscape shoots as it brings the foreground into the image which is all too often excluded when larger tripod legs are extended. My back thanks for me not carrying the extras kilos/pounds.

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I occasionally think I should try shooting from a lower vantage point. But, at my age getting down and back up is harder than carrying a larger tripod. :)

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I put the camera on the ground and use a remote. My age is the main reason I don't carry full sized tripods.

[@PhotoTrekr]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I guess we all have to find solutions to problems as we get older. I've often thought that a channel dedicated to older photographers would be of great use and interest.

[@Pharesm]

This is fabulous - took me a while to find that video again! I just ordered that tripod :) *Do you have a recommendation for a really small fluid head for this tiny tripod* *?*

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The Leofoto ball heads are very smooth. I have little experience with fluid heads for video work/ I have a Leofoto BV-10 on a studio sized tripod but it is a mismatch in size for the small Ranger.

[@Pharesm]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Much thanks for the answer! I might get one of the smaller, lighter Manfrotto fluid heads or the SmallRig. I went to the Leofoto site - not everything they make fits into my budget :)

[@opezdol]

Check leofoto bv-1r.

[@Pharesm]

@@opezdol Thank you! I saw that on their site and checked the price - found it a bit high for my budget, which must accommodate a fairly wide set of needs, for what I'm planning to do...

[@Pharesm]

By chance, I just found a quality, tiny alternative - from SmallRig. I didn't even know they make a fluid head! Its all solid metal aluminum alloy - drag is not adjustable, but the drag is at a perfectly sensible level for smooth pans and tilts. locks are there and work smoothly. You could say its great for the money, but even more so, I'd say its great for the tiny size! Its not heavier than some of the better ball-heads. I just ordered a second unit - one for the tiny LeoFoto Tripod and one for my Sirui monopod.

[@marclabro]

nice tuto. Just ordered the CEX and LH-25 (even if a7iv ebook on patreon showed also the LH-30 without explaining its benefit). Can you please give us the reference of the leophoto L-bracket for a7iv with its flippable lcd (requires a cutout on side part) because their website mentions only a7r4 type. are ports available with it ? What do you think about smallrig L-bracket 3660 for a7IV ? looks great.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don’t get around to answering all comments on KZbin as the hundreds of videos generate thousands of comments - please use the Patreon forums for fast responses.

[@lee_michae1]

What size nodal slide are you using here, as it's not linked? Great video, think I'll pick up the 223CEX, thanks.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I think I have a 140mm Nodal Slider. I have links to all the products I use in my Accessories guide available on Patreon.com/markgaler

[@lee_michae1]

I've since bought this exact tripod and unless I'm missing something, the panning feature is very poor. Because it's the same knob that tightens/loosens the panning and the ballhead itself. It's very fine margins between being able to pan and having your camera move out of position because of the ballhead. It really needs independent knobs for each action.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sounds like you purchased the tripod with the LH-25 head instead of the LH-35 head (or better) - different suppliers bundle different heads with the tripod and the tripod can be purchased without a head. The LH-25 can still work with only a minor loosening of the lock adjustment, but the LH-35 has separate lock adjustments.

[@lee_michae1]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes, I simply didn't realise the differences when I bought it. The LH-30 is the next one up with separate knobs and holds 3x the weight.

[@dereklee8832]

Thank you Mark , estimated maximum load capacity for this tripod? Can I put gimbal with my super tele Lenes ? Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

5KG - more than enough for a full frame camera and large telephoto zoom

[@lolatwentytwo3252]

Thank you for this video. Is this tripod good for product photography

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It's very very short so it would be OK for tabletop use

[@lolatwentytwo3252]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you 🙂

[@suricinematicfilms4249]

Hello Sir Sony A7Miii Photo & Video Setting Tell?

[@xbfotos]

Have you used this tripod for wildlife or bird photography? I was wondering if that’s useful for bird videography when combined with a video fluid head? Thanks

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

So long as you don't mind being down on the ground it would be an excellent choice.

[@billsymonds5914]

How does the LH-25 perform for panoramas? I worry about the lack of seperate locking levers for pan and ball functions, or have I misunderstood? TIA.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You can 'make-do' with the LH-25 by partially releasing the tension off the ball, but if you do a lot of panoramas then you will want to go up a model in the Leofoto range.

[@davidligon6088]

Thanks for another very informative video. Sharing your experience through videos and tips has saved me so much time I decided to sign up sa a Patrreon member a few months ago. That said, I have an on-topic question. I decided to post here so others may benefit from the information. 1) Sony does not display in-camera focal length information for a telephoto lens as far as I can tell (except for maybe the PZ lenses - while both Canon and Nikon do display the focal length in-camera). I can only go by lens numbers on, say, the 16-35 GM, which makes it nearly impossible to get an exact focal length. Do you know if there is a significant difference in no-parallax distance if the focal length is close, like between 23, 24, or 25mm on the 16-35 GM or 69, 70, 71 on the 24-105 G? If so, I would have to adjust the no-parallax distance every shot. 2) I assume you turn the wing bold for the Leofoto LH-25 to loosen the ball. Since there is only one wing bolt, how do you rotate the head without loosening the ball (risking the leveling you did previously)? 3) Does the Leofoto L bracket also fit the A7RIV? I noticed other manufacturers’ L bracket list both the A7RIV and A1 under the same Fixed L bracket product (RRS, for instance). Sadly there is no leveling tripod for the 253 or 283 (the height that I prefer), nor does Leofoto make an L bracket for the A7RIV (that I could find). I live in the Southern California and often find that tall grass or cactus blocks the longer view with a very short tripod. A slightly taller tripod still gives me foreground and background while being easy to carry. Perhaps I’ll give the 223 a try.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Hi David - Unfortunately I can only answer a small amount of the questions asked on KZbin and I am also likely to miss many comments as I have notifications turned off for KZbin. My phone pings every few seconds when notifications are turned to On. Patreon and the KZbin community members are the only notifications I currently have turned on. The Parralax point could change when using some zoom lenses and this will vary widely depending on the design of the lens and the internal movement of the lens groups at different focal lengths. I have recorded the No Parralax point for just my 20mm G and 35mm GM lenses which just so happens to be the same. The wing bolt on the LH-25 loosens rotation first and then only loosening the wing nut more, the actual ball head. It's not ideal but if you are out to save weight and the additional cost of one of the larger heads then it is something I am prepared to work with. The L-brackets are designed to fit just one camera design - sometimes this is shared, e.g., the A7III and A7RIII but mostly it is not, so you have to carefully check with the manufacturer to see what cameras are supported by their product. If Leofoto does not make an L-bracket I would check out other companies such as SmallRig. I won't see any response to this comment so if you have further questions can I ask you to p[lease use the Q&A forum on Patreon.com/markgaler Thanks

[@RockyMountainHunter2]

Would you be willing to share your no parallex points for the following Sony GM lens? physcial location on lens and/or nodal slide mm setting for the different focal lengths - 16-35 GM f2.8, 24-70 GM f2.8, 70-200 GM f2.8 I am new at this and had the same for the 16-35 GM f 2.8 - approx 130mm for 16mm,20mm,24mm,28mm and 35mm settings. For the 70-200 GM f 2.8 I had 70 - 50 mm, 100 - 50mm, 135 - -6.5mm and 200 - -6.5mm. Not saying these are correct....I wanted to compare these to others and re check mine. It would be nice if Sony would mark the lens barrel where the no parallex point is and then it would get you in the ball park to fine tune.

[@JohnJones-xy9pg]

Hi Mark, have you got a model number for the L Bracket yet and how much it costs ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I purchased a SmallRig L-Bracket from Amazon and it was inexpensive.

[@praveenbhatia8607]

Do you have a part number for the L plate? I don’t see it on Leofoto website.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I use a SmallRig L-Plate for my A7C and a LeoFoto L-Plate for my A1

[@AAS768]

Thank you for this video. I intend to buy the Leofoto LS-223CEX tripod. Could you kindly tell me what plate do I need to attach this tripod with Sony A7RIV camera?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The LeoFoto tripod heads have Arca Swiss compatible attachment points. One will come with the tripod head.

[@AAS768]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Many thanks for your quick reply!

[@gautambhatia4195]

Wonderful analysis of the product , like it. I would like to buy this but have a question . My camera with lens will weight around 5 kg . Can I use this LS-223CEX tripod and take LS-25 small ball head . Is the combination good for my camera .

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

5Kg is a big combo - most cameras weigh less than 1Kg including the lens. If you are using a large telephoto lens then you will be mounting the combo via the lens foot. Check the weight capacity of the head as you may need to upgrade to a larger head. The tripod itself will be fine as it is just as sturdy as a full-sized tripod.

[@thomastuorto9929]

What the heck, no link for the Nodal slide? Haha. Glad I came across this vid. I was thinking of purchasing a much more $$$ (another brand) of this short style tripod. Thank you.

[@bingebinge3722]

I was wondering the same. If you look carefully, I suspect the one he's using was either unbranded or a prototype 12:41

[@bingebinge3722]

Hopefully I don't get banned for posting links, but I found two that are similar enough: chinese.alibaba.com/product-detail/200mm-Nodal-Slide-Rail-Quick-Release-60724084022.html and www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Release-Camera-Compatible/dp/B00J7LT4ZK

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Tell me why don't you just use the ball head and the level in the viewfinder to set the camera level? Why do you need the plate?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

If you level the camera on a crooked tripod (without a levelling base) that is fine for one shot, but as you rotate the camera to capture the other images they would no longer be level. You can leave each individual image and then hope to panoramic stitching does not hit a problem or you can use a levelling base.

[@TerekkiTerekki]

Ball head on top of the levelling base is twice the work, no? A pan tilt head would be better?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

A simple pan tilt head won’t provide the level base that is needed for pano work

[@everythingkarting9176]

Can you attach a fluidhead ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It’s a standard head attachment point

[@everythingkarting9176]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills so no?

[@matthewcheung5136]

I thought this was going to be cheaper than the peak design option but the ball head alone is $450+ USD?!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The LH-25 I have listed and the one I used in the video is $69.00

[@RockyMountainHunter2]

Would you be willing to share your no parallax points for the following Sony GM lens? physical location on lens and/or nodal slide mm setting for the different focal lengths - 16-35 GM f2.8, 24-70 GM f2.8, 70-200 GM f2.8. Not sure how accurate these are, however, in the spirit of sharing info with others ....please feel free to share your Sony lens no parallax point settings and setup. Sony A7R3/RRS L Bracket/RRS MPR CL II Nodal Slide (in Landscape mode (to get wider view and better chance to hone in on no parallax point) - with the RRS L Bracket (portrait & landscape)in the same plane, the portrait and landscape no parallax point should be the same. Sony 16-35 GM f2.8 set @ f11 16mm - 136mm on nodal slide 20mm - 126mm 24mm - 125mm 28mm - 124mm 35mm - 123mm Sony 24-70 GM f2.8 set @ f11 24mm - 125mm on nodal slide 35mm - 123mm 50mm - 110mm 70mm - 106mm Sony 70-200 GM f2.8 set @ f11(foot removed on lens and square ARCA plate screwed to lens foot then mounted to Nodal Slide) 70mm - 50mm 100mm - 20mm 135mm - (-7.0) as far back as the Nodal slide will go 200mm - (-7.0)

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don't own these three lenses. It's not difficult to locate the point using the technique described in this video

[@RockyMountainHunter2]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for the reply! I am surprised as a Sony Ambassador you don’t have these GM lens. Seems like I have heard you refer to them in other videos. Is the parallex point typically near the manual focus ring on the Sony lens? It sure would be nice if Sony put a marking on the barrel of the lens to get new folks to the panaromic in the ballpark for finding the no parallex point.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It is close to the rear element of the lens but the exact point will change on a zoom lens as the lens is zoomed.

[@killer120070507]

Getting above tall grass? Grass is like a meter tall

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have a one meter extending column if needed (fits between the tripod bas and the tripod head) but rarely ever use it to get above all grass, as the best camera angle is usually the lowest one. I shoot 300 days a year so would know by now if a tripod of this size caused me any issues.

[@stattmorgen]

All you needed was actually a leveling base for your older tripod you allready have

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

That is true, if it was not for the fact that I am obsessed about shaving off every surplus ounce of gear ;-)

[@tombreen7927]

Hope you dont run into any issue with the tripod ... i bought a model off leofoto rang into nothing but a brick wall with them 9 months of emails back and foward me quoting there warrenty countless times they Eventually admitted it was a fault with there tripod and replaced the part . Which was a shame as teh whoel experince was a negative experince for me would never buy one again

[@weisslin]

if you look into Leofoto's product line and their design, they are actually copying from RRS's products.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

So what is the equivalent to the LS-223CEX Ranger?

[@terencemorrissey4413]

Leofoto is basically a Chinese knockoff of Really Right Stuff products, nevertheless good value for the money.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I don't see an equivalent for the LS-223CEX in the Really Right Stuff range - did I miss something?

[@terencemorrissey4413]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills All the ballheads are a knockoff of Really Right Stuff.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

But the Leofoto LS-223CEX is unique as far as I am aware.

[@terencemorrissey4413]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills yes I agree

[@theoldhenk7531]

Leofoto clearly built their brand with their knockoff ballheads, but RRS should have patented their distinguishing features in North America and the UK (at a minimum). China couldn't care less about intellectual property (though that's slowly changing), but RRS patents could have kept Leofoto out of at least two very lucrative markets. And FWIW, RRS built their brand knocking off Gitzo Systematics, albeit without a price drop.