There is no perfect travel tripod because different photographers use different methods when traveling. However, this versatile option from Leofoto might be the closest option.
Having the right tools for you is one of the most important parts of your photography workflow. These days, the tripod you take with you when traveling doesn’t just need to be light and durable, it also needs to have the right combination of features to fit your workflow. Travel tripods have emerged from a huge number of brands in recent years, as photographers’ needs have changed as camera equipment has gotten lighter. There are many popular features for relatively new travel tripods on the market, but the combination found in this Leofoto LY-265CF, also known as the Leofoto Mr. Y, may be the one that makes shooting the most convenient. .
Leofoto Mr. Y Tripod
LY-265CF is a compact 5-stage carbon tripod with a folded length of 435mm and a maximum extended height of 1,580mm. Height with all sections folded is approximately 15.5 inches. However, with some adjustments, it can go even lower.
By setting the leg angle to the widest option (82 degrees) and removing 3/4 of the length of the center column, the minimum working height is reduced to 4 inches (120 mm) from the ground to the base of the camera. Masu. . This allows you to shoot at very low angles, which comes in handy when you need it. This tripod weighs 1.25 kg but can comfortably carry 7 kg of camera equipment. This is a realistic amount for most mirrorless cameras and some DSLR combinations.
Each leg consists of five sections of carbon fiber rod. The thickest rod in the top section is 26 mm thick, and the smallest and most distal section is 11.55 mm thick. Each section is connected and controlled by a black aluminum locking lever that curves around the contour of the cylindrical rod. The top section has an angle lock where the legs meet the tripod’s center joint. This angle lock allows users to switch from the standard 23-degree leg angle to 42, 62, and 82 degrees as needed.
There is a 1/4-inch thread on one side of the center joint that acts as an accessory port for a friction arm or any other peripheral accessory you may wish to use. On the opposite side there is a vertical lever that controls the locking of the center column. Unlike traditional tripods, the locking mechanism that holds the center column is significantly longer, providing greater stability, especially when shooting with a long center column extended.
unusual ball head
Above the center joint is a large twist lock that spans the diameter of the head and center joint assembly. This lock controls the friction of the inverted ball head that holds the camera. Ballheads typically have a ball joint connected to the upper mounting platform. In this tripod, the ball joint is fixed and connected to the center column. There is a round, inverted bowl that surrounds half of the ball’s surface, allowing for movement. The inverted bowl also has two notches that allow it to be tilted 90 degrees in any direction depending on the orientation of the upper platform.
By tilting the inverted bowl and top Arca-Swiss type quick release platform as far as it will go to one side, a hex screw is revealed that can be loosened to release the distal 3/4 of the center column as described above. Masu. Above the inverted bowl is a quick release platform that connects to an Arca-Swiss type camera plate with two knobs on each side. The large knob controls the attachment of the plate or mounting tools used for the camera (swivel bracket, L-bracket, cage). Meanwhile, a small knob allows this upper platform to pan 360 degrees, allowing you to tilt the head more flexibly. From different angles despite the limited movement of the ball.
This panning action also compensates for the fact that the head itself does not have the usual panning mechanism where the entire head rotates. At the same time, the ball joint remains stationary, making it easier to maintain a horizontal panorama. Another great benefit is that a replacement center column is included in the carrying bag and can be used to attach other standard tripod heads for use with the LY-265CF.
Application and user experience
At first glance, this tripod isn’t as eye-catching as many other travel tripods that have become popular over the past few years. However, if you prefer bright colors, it also comes in pink and green. Nevertheless, this tripod’s combination of features and compatibility is superior to other tripods. Historically, the goal of a travel tripod has been to be easily portable, even if it means sacrificing some functionality. However, with so many options available, finding the best tripod for you means finding one that does everything you want in a small tripod, one that’s big enough without sacrificing stability. It means that. and the required height of the camera.
Overall, it has a portable shape and weighs only 1.25 kg, yet provides sufficient stability for normal outdoor conditions. It can withstand some wind and immersion in running water, but using a larger, heavier tripod is clearly a wiser choice in such situations. I would also like to mention that extending the center column (though ideally not fully extended) will feel more stable as there is more surface area retained by the elongated center column’s locking mechanism. That is important.
Considering the overall length and thickness when folded, the tripod is definitely convenient to carry. It fits perfectly in the side pocket of most travel backpacks, and may even fit inside the main compartment if space allows.
Among these, the ability to significantly shorten the length of the center column and achieve a very low shooting angle is the most convenient feature for portable use. The tool for removing the above section is conveniently housed at the distal end of the center column, but it takes some time to unscrew and release. In my opinion, if there is one thing that could make this tripod perfect, it would be to be able to perform the process of reducing the center column faster and with easier movements.
Overall, the Leofoto Mr.Y LY-265CF offers portability, good build quality, and a very good user experience. As someone who never travels without a tripod, this is a good option whether you’re planning on doing some long exposure photography or just in case. If your trip doesn’t involve shooting in high wind conditions or submerged in rough water (basically anything your travel tripod can handle), this is my top choice (as of this writing) It will be.
What I liked
Portable yet stable and robust Excellent build quality Center column length can be shortened for low angles Compact inverted ball head allows unrestricted range of motion
What can be improved
Reducing center column requires tools and hidden screws More color options
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