My new tripod - the Leofoto Ranger LS 365CEX plus PG-1 Gimbal head

I have started using a new tripod kit. I have really grown to love a leveling base and having one built in on the tripod is fantastic. Combine that with great sturdy 5 leg sections and a very sturdy gimbal head and it becomes a fantastic kit. In this video I take a look at the overall features of the tripod and gimbal head, and a detailed look at some of the reasons I really like it so much. It collapses to just over 20 inches and extends to 61 inches, with the gimbal weighs in at 6.5 pounds. Let me know what you think!

[andyvan]

one tip, the raising platform is to align the lens center to the gimbal axis, to allow parallax free movements, like the collimation adjustments on a telescope, or a theodolite.

[andymok]

Very good video. For bird photography, I rarely use a tripod. Most of the time they get in the way. The only time I use them for bird photography is for when I am in a perch setup or doing video. When I have been with others that have tripods, they lag behind, not stealth when moving and they miss out on many photos or scare of the subject(s). I am considering the LS-365C tripod with the PG-1 gimbal head. I use for landscape and long exposure photography. Several years back, I had the Whimberley V2 gimbal and the nice gitzo tripod. I still have the acratech panoramic head, such a solid and well made unit.

[shaycostigan]

Great video, vary informative. Thank you for your time invested in the making of this video

[wallbreakerx]

The best Combi is 365 cex Puls G4 Pro great Video thanks.

[taklebury]

I personally prefer the rock claws by leofoto. I find them more versatile and still grip adequately. Hope you enjoy your setup as much as I do. I have the older legs with the removable leveling head which at the time was an extra purchase, but we'll worth the investment.

[brandt_bennett]

Nice, good for you! Leveling bases are fantastic!

[bentleydawg]

Thanks for the very informative video. I am looking at getting the PG-1 and LB-65 leveling base. Everything that I have read and watched indicates that the PG-1 is a very good value. I have an LS-284C tripod. I know it may be a bit on the light side. I also have a Bogen 3021. Its a beast. Okay if I am not moving around a lot. I believe that the PG-1 should work on either one.

Early in the video you mentioned that you liked to have the pan and tilt control knobs on the right side. I don't recall seeing the reason for that. Can you enlighten us? Thanks!

[ForrestWest]

the platform is designed to lift or lower the center of the lens until it's even with the swivel point for best movement.

[daror]

I have a Leofoto LS 324 CEX tripod and was thinking of buying a PG-1Gimbal head, but I see that Leofoto also offers a new PG 2 folding head at a similar price and probably better than the PG 1. Have you perhaps had any contact with this head?

[georgedavall]

You remind me so much of a good friend and fellow Photographer I knew years ago. I always looked up to Him. He was so knowledgeable. I think I will just go ahead and ‘HIT’ that SUBscribe Button! Let’s get this party started! Ha Ha. 😆 

Great pointers for some newbies out there. I would add that one should be careful not to over tighten the twist locks, as it can wreak havoc with the ‘anti-twist’ shims. I had this happen on an older Sirui. I had a doozy of a time taking apart and fixing the shims. Just FYI

Yeah, Gravity is a b%^&*! Ask my tired worn out knees! Happy Shooting! 👍✌📷🤘😊

[Zordoss]

Very informative video. I am looking to buy the Leofoto PG-1 for birds and owls photography. Does the gimbal head shift the frame or composition when you tighten down the control knobs? Thanks

[stebobrown]

Very informative video! I am looking to a get durable, well constructed "last tripod" and was wondering if this may be the one? Are the leg locks metal or plastic? I have a Gitzo monopod and the leg locks are the best I've ever experienced. I was looking replacing my broke tripod with a Gitzo Systematic tripod and got a bit of sticker shock. Do you know which Leofoto model is comparable to the Gitzo Systematic series 4? I'd appreciate if you could answer any of my questions. Keep the informative videos coming, I really enjoy them!

[hankhalsey]

I know all tripod manufacturers recommends against carrying the tripod with camera/lens (F4 600) mounted over your shoulder, but I've been doing it with gitzo tripods for years and have had zero problems. My question for you is do you think the tripod is well enough made to carry it like that? One more question, is the gimble head as smooth while panning and tilting as a Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Head?

[papabear]

How easy to remove the one sleeve for cleaning?