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Field test: Leofoto Summit LM-365C, the ideal photo tripod for wildlife photography
When photographing wildlife in sometimes extreme conditions, a tripod becomes more than just an accessory: it’s an indispensable ally for guaranteeing sharp images, successful framing with long telephoto lenses and relieving your back in the field.
As a wildlife photographer for over 15 years, I’ve tested many models. Today, I’d like to share my feedback on the Leofoto Summit LM-365C carbon tripod, a top-of-the-range model that I use extensively in the field.
Maxime Aliaga
What to expect from a tripod for wildlife photography
The tripod, often underestimated, is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the wildlife photographer. It stabilizes the image with long focal lengths, relieves the weight of the camera body and lens, and, above all, ensures sharp shots in difficult lighting conditions.
But you still need to choose the right model. And after more than 15 years exploring the jungle, savannah and rainforest, I can tell you that not all tripods are created equal.
In my opinion, these are the essential criteria for choosing the right tripod for wildlife photography:
- Weight: it needs to be portable for long walks.
- Stability: That's what tripods are for!
- Sturdiness: moisture, shocks, dust - it has to stand up.
- Easy to set up: ready in 5 seconds if an animal appears.
Leofoto Summit LM-365C field test: reliable, rugged, ready for adventure
Early in my career, I invested in a BENRO carbon tripod. Light, but fragile. Although the price was high for me at the time, it didn’t keep up with my travels.
It was at a photo festival that everything changed: I discovered Leofoto thanks to Marc Jardel (from jama.fr). He let me try out a LEOFOTO tripod, and it was love at first sight: impeccable carbon finish, remarkable stability, and a 10-year warranty.
The promise was strong, all I had to do was put it to the test in the field.
I’ve been criss-crossing the tropical jungles with this tripod on my shoulder for several years now. From the Peruvian Amazon to the forests of Southeast Asia, it has accompanied me in often extreme conditions, always with reliability. As a photographer specializing in birds and the discreet fauna of the undergrowth, I work almost exclusively with very heavy lenses: Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 or RF 600mm f/4, mounted on a Canon R5, all directly attached to the tripod, ready to be drawn.
Every day in the field, I sometimes cover more than 10 kilometers, often in damp, muddy, steep trails. The tripod rests on my shoulder, camera body and telephoto lens mounted on it. It’s a demanding way of carrying: the equipment has to be sturdy, and above all it has to enable me to put the whole thing down on the ground and be up and running in a matter of seconds when a bird pops up.
And this is where the Leofoto LM-365C really shines. Its thumbwheel locking system allows ultra-fast deployment. In just a few gestures, it’s ready to go. The sections fit perfectly: no play, even after years of intensive use. It has often saved my ass in situations where every second counted for a successful image.
Yes, at the end of the day, the shoulder is sometimes painful: between the tripod, the PG-1 head, the body and the 600mm f/4, the weight is considerable. But I’d much rather have this ultra-stable, responsive setup than miss a single scene due to unreliability. And that’s where this tripod makes the difference: it holds its weight, stands up to anything, and has never let me down.
Leofoto LM-365C technical specifications
| Specifications | Values |
|---|---|
|
Weight |
|
|
1.97 kg |
|
|
Maximum height |
|
|
154 cm |
|
|
Size folded |
|
|
49 cm |
|
|
Maximum load |
|
|
25 kg |
|
|
Number of sections |
|
|
5 |
Leofoto's PG-1 head: the essential complement to the Leofoto Summit LM-365C
It’s impossible to talk about the Leofoto LM-365C tripod without mentioning the head that accompanies it on a daily basis: the PG-1 pendulum head. In wildlife photography, especially with heavy telephoto lenses such as 600mm f/4 or 400mm f/2.8, a conventional head quickly reaches its limits. The pendulum head, on the other hand, quickly becomes indispensable.
Since I’ve been using professional long lenses as a Canon Europe ambassador, I’ve been looking for a fluid, lightweight and reliable solution. The PG-1 turned out to be perfect: only 1 kg on the scale, remarkable fluidity of movement, and a design conceived for action. It allows me to move my lens in any direction without any effort, and above all, to immediately find the balance point as soon as I let go of the camera.
Combined with the LM-365C tripod, it forms an ultra-efficient duo. This complete set – tripod + head + body + telephoto lens – rests on my shoulder during hours of jungle walking. And yet, as soon as I need to release the shutter, I can place the whole thing on the ground, deploy it in a matter of seconds, frame it and take my picture. I owe this fluidity of action largely to the reliability of this combo.
In short: tripods and heads go hand in hand. The LM-365C provides stability and robustness, while the PG-1 offers maneuverability and responsiveness. Together, they enable me to capture sharp images, even in the worst conditions. For me, this is now a must-have kit for any serious wildlife photographer.
What I like about this tripod is that it combines lightness, solidity, stability and practicality. It’s a real field tool, made for pros but also for demanding enthusiasts.
Fact sheet: Leofoto Summit LM-365C
Recommended use | Wildlife, nature and sports photography |
What objectives | From 300mm F2.8 |
Photographer’s level | Passionate demanding → professional |
Recommended ball joint | Leofoto PG-1 ball joint |
Estimated price | Between €600 and €700 |
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