Description
So what’s new?
- New higher density carbon fiber weave – the “mountain pattern” carbon offers better rigidity, vibration absorbion and load rating.
- Poseidon Joints – Leofoto combined several new technologies to make the best possible connection between leg sections. The first is the material the joint body is made from – a plastic-metal composite. The first key aspect to this material is a better strength to weight ratio than the highest density plastic while avoiding the extreme cost of finely machined alloys. The second is extremely fine tolerances between interconnecting parts – the new joints lock together much better. Other features include a gland at the bottom and an o-ring at the top to keep out dirt. These joints lock together so well that Leofoto have had to introduce a valve at the top of the leg for the entry and exit of air when collapsing/extending a leg. All of this results in improved rigidity, load support, reduced torsion flex and a longer lifespan.
- The final touch is more black finish on the apex – the hinge tabs and all other controls on the legs are black.
All in all, we’ve made several key improvements without meddling with the recipe of ultra-simple engineering and premium materials. Tripod technology has for the most part reached a plateau where its difficult to make improvements, but we feel that the Black Rhino offers a substantial improvement to leg rigidity and lifespan while also reducing torsion flex.
Physical Specifications
- Extended Height 1 (all 4 sections extended) – 190cm
- Extended Height 2 (3 of 4 sections extended) – 145cm
- Extended Height 3 (2 of 4 sections extended) – 114cm
- Extended Heigh 4 (1 of 4 sections extended) – 71cm
- Folded length – 75cm
- Weight – 3.3kg
Kit variants
We have created 4 different variants of heads and accessories aimed at commercial and studio photographers as well as filmmakers.
- Legs Only – this option gives you the freedom to add any head to the tripod. All Leofoto Summits include a 100mm bowl adapter for video heads. Check out the BA-75L if you wish to adapt the 100mm apex to a 75mm bowl.
- LH-55LR – the quintessential XL ballhead with a lever-release arca style clamp. Handles any load, smoothly and with ease.
- LH-55LR + YB-75LP – Add instant leveling to your setup, a must have for architectural and panoramic work.
- LH-55LR + YB-75LP + GC-404C + 2 x QS-70 – The GC-404C is a large modular geared center column that allows quick and easy adjustment of your shooting height. This can be swapped instantly in the apex for when you have to change between the leveling base and the center column. This option also includes 2x free sets of the QS-70 quicklink system, allowing you to move your head from the leveling base to the center column in seconds.
