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Testing the Full Camo Leofoto Ranger LS-365C carbon tripod with the PG-1 Gimbal head

For the nature photographer that doesn't want to be seen

The Leofoto Ranger LS-365C + PG-1 Full Camo Gimbal head kit is a stable and high-quality tripod package specially designed for nature photographers, which due to its light weight is easy to carry on even longer shooting trips.

Text and photos by Juha Tissari

Juha shares on his website information on topics related to nature, hobbies, health and well-being, considering them deeper than the surface.

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Why a nature photographer needs a tripod and gimbal head

For a nature  photographer, a good camera is of course the most important thing to own. In joint second place is a reliable tripod and a gimbal head. These are also important parts of the equipment, because when you are using large and heavy telephoto lenses or when shooting in low light, it is necessary to use a tripod and gimbal. Of course, the tripod and gimbal head can be used in many other situations as well, such as when shooting fast-moving subjects or when using a remote control.

Slower shutter speeds

Especially when using slower shutter speeds, the tripod provides sharper images, such as when shooting wildlife in low light or northern lights in the dark. Even if there is enough light to shoot, longer shutter speeds can capture motion in images of flowing water as well as other moving subjects.

Ranger in the snow

Ranger LS-365C full camo - Designed to not to be seen

The characteristics and quality of tripods on the market vary widely. It is also clear that different tripods are needed for different applications. The Leofoto Ranger LS-365C + PG-1 Full Camo Gimbal head kit is a tripod package designed specifically for the nature photographer on the move.

Looking for a decent tripod for nature and wildlife photography, I found this suitable tripod with head in the selection of Leofoto. At that time, Leofoto was an unknown tripod brand for me. I tested the tripod during several photography trips. All opinions in this article regarding the products are my personal opinions. Please note that this specific full camouflage tripod is only available on request.

Ranger camo kit in bag
The stand and swing head with accessories are delivered in a convenient carrying case.

First impression and features

The Leofoto Ranger LS-365C + PG-1 Full Camo Gimbal head kit comes in a handy bag with the necessary tools and instructions for maintaining the tripod and, if necessary, replacing the rubber paws with spikes. The quality of the products was noteworthy right from the start. All parts of the tripod are very well finished.

Ranger LS-365C full camo

Ranger LS-365C in full camouflage

The Leofoto Ranger LS-365C is a tripod without a center column and is made of high-quality Japanese Toray carbon fiber. The 10-layer cross-linked carbon fiber keeps the tripod lightweight and is highly vibration-damping. In terms of size, the tripod is a convenient size and weighs only 1.77 kilograms. The tripod has a camo-patterned “dipping” coating, which makes it blend into the landscape. A good camo pattern helps to keep the photographer “invisible”. Next to that, the surface is durable so it’s protected from scratching. 


The quality of this product is also reflected in the long guarantee period, as the manufacturer permits a 10-year guarantee on Leofoto products. The guarantee covers defective parts and the functionality of the products.

Outline the features of the tripod

  • Ten layers of Toray carbon fiber 
  • Load capacity 20 kilograms
  • Maximum working height 1520 millimeters
  • Weight: 1.77 kilograms
  • Material carbon fiber and aluminum
  • Feet in five parts
  • The diameter of the upper pipe is 36 millimeters and the lower pipe 22 millimeters
  • Legs lockable at 85, 55 and 23 degree angles.
  • Rubber and spike feet
Changing the feet of the tripod
Twist-Lock system
Platform of the tripod

Remarks on the base parts, joints and locks of the LS-365C

The legs are directly attached to the center platform, and the platform has a 3/8″ thread to attach the PG-1 gimbal. Thanks to this construction, the center of gravity is at the best point, which definitely improves stability.

The tripod is easy to set up, regardless of the terrain. The highest working height of the tripod - with the gimbal mounted - is 175 centimeters and the lowest is about eight centimeters. The five-piece legs were continuously adjustable with Twist-Lock rotary locks using just one hand. In every way, the base parts and locks of the tripod work smoothly.

The transport length of the stand without the gimbal head is 48 cm. The tripod was conveniently transported either in the supplied carrying case or by tightening the tripod to the side of the shooting backpack with straps.

Quick lockable in three different angles

The tilt angle of the tripod legs can be quickly adjusted to three different angles, such as 23, 55 and 85 degrees. At the highest angle of inclination, the feet are firmly close to the height of the ground, which means that the shooting height with the gimbal head is less than 20 centimeters.

The wider tilt angle makes the stand more stable as well. This feature is very useful, especially in windy conditions. By changing the tilt angles quickly, it is easy to get new and interesting angles of view, depending on the situation.

PG-1 gimbal head with camera
PG-1 gimbal head

Features of the PG-1 Full camo Gimbal head

The PG-1 gimbal is made of a high-quality aircraft aluminum and seems very durable. It has a convenient universal Arca-Swiss quick-release coupling, so that any Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plate can be attached to it. The gimbal head is a popular tripod head for nature and sports photographers, which makes it easy to control large and heavy telephoto lenses. With the Leofoto PG-1 gimbal head, my camera combination was kept well balanced.

The gimbal head is equipped with two locking knobs. One knob adjusts the tilt and the other knob adjusts the lateral movement. Adjusting the locks was also successful while wearing gloves. The gimbal head also has a built-in level, which allows the stand to be straightened quickly.

"The gimbal head is a popular tripod head for nature and sports photographers."

When capturing a landscape or northern lights using a large camera body - such as the Nikon D4s - with, for example, a wide-angle lens attached, you must attach the quick-plate under the bottom of the camera. Of course, this problem does not exist with large telephoto lenses because they have lens foot.

Outlines of gimbal properties

  • Arca-Swiss compatible quick release plate
  • Material aluminum
  • Maximum load 25 kilograms
  • Dimensions (height x width x width) 24.5 x 20 x 7.6 cm
  • The diameter of the base is six centimeters
  • Weight: 1 kilogram

When using additional gear

When testing the tripod, my friend used a connection that is used with a Cotton Carrier harness and attached it to the bottom of the camera. The quick release plate was screwed well to that. This connection lifted the Nikon D4s camera body just out of the gimbal, so the body did not catch on the inside corner of the gimbal. This is a good thing to keep in mind when using the gimbal head with large camera bodies.

Ranger-tripod-on-shoulder-leofoto
PG-1 gimbal head with a big cameralens

What about the stability of this Ranger tripod?

The Ranger LS-365C has a load capacity of 20 kilograms and the gimbal head 25 kilograms. This means that the tripod package has a sufficient load capacity for almost all camera telephoto lens combinations.

Weather conditions always have an influence on the stability of the tripod. We tested the stand in -10 degree frost and windy conditions. In strong winds, keep the angle of the stand low or, if necessary, add extra weight on the tripod, such as a sandbag. The rubber plugs at the ends of the feet can be replaced with the supplied spikes if necessary.

Additionally I tested how much the tripod and swing head suppress camera shake. The tripod dampened the vibrations caused by the movement of the shutter and the mirror, and images were sharp even at slow shutter speeds. Although the stand is lightweight, there are no problems with stability and steadiness during testing.

Ranger tripod in the woodlands

What are my thoughts on the LS-365C tripod?

When I chose the Ranger LS-365C tripod for my own needs, I paid attention to load-bearing capacity, lightness, ease of use and durability. Thanks to its high carrying capacity, the Leofoto Ranger is capable of securely carrying heavy telephoto lenses. The tripod remained very stable even in difficult conditions. The five-piece legs can be infinitely locked to a suitable length with the Twist-Lock screw locking mechanism.

"I recommend taking the tripod package with the gimbal head."

The sturdy and lightweight Leofoto Ranger LS-365C carbon fibre tripod folds conveniently into a small size, making it easy to take with you on photography trips.

I recommend taking the tripod package with the gimbal head, especially for the much-moving nature photographer. The Leofoto Ranger LS-365C + PG-1 Full Camo Gimbal head kit is a sturdy, lightweight, easy-to-use and durable tripod kit, which doesn’t leave you in shortage even with a bigger telephoto lens.

Price and availability

The stand is affordable in terms of value for money. The recommended price for the Camo-patterned Leofoto LS-365C stand and PG-1 swing head is 1.587,95 euros. This particular tripod in full camouflage is only available on request, but the same Ranger tripod is available in partial camouflage.

Ranger tripod in the snow