A Tripod for the Tricky Situations: We Review the 'Waterproof and Sand-proof' Leofoto Poseidon Tripod

Tripods are tools that should always give us the assurance that the job can be done and that our cameras are safe. Now let’s see how this differently built tripod can affect how we travel and photograph nature.

To some photographers, a tripod is just a simple tool to hold their camera in position, but to many others, a tripod is crucial to get the images they envision and at the same time protect their equipment from unwanted accidents. This is why there is almost never any point of saturation in the market for tripods because even with the abundance of brands and variants all over the world, photographers have different uses for many different kinds. Just like our camera gear, tripods also require significant care and maintenance, especially if they are constantly exposed to the elements. Depending on the materials used on the tripod and how they are built, being exposed to moisture, salt water, dust, and sand can greatly affect how long they will last and how well they will do their job. Now this tripod from Leofoto is said to be water and dust/sand resistant and is less prone to corrosion.

The Leofoto Poseidon

The Poseidon tripod line comes in two size variants each with two ball-head (color) variants. For this review, we take a look at the bigger version that has more height and thicker leg carbon fiber rods, the LP-324C.

Both variants are 4-section carbon fiber tripods with a flat central joint base and no center column. When folded, the LP-324C shortens to just 580 mm (23 inches), which is quite significantly longer than typical tripods but can still fit on outer tripod attachments of camera bags. When all 4 sections are extended, it reaches a maximum height of 1,395 mm (55 inches), which is tall enough to reach average eye level, maintain comfortable working posture, and is high enough for most outdoor scenarios.

On the joints of each of the tripod’s legs is a tab that you pull to unlock the angle stopper to be able to switch between the three leg angles that allow you to shoot from lower perspectives. Since there is no center column, the minimum working height becomes a mere 165 mm (6.5 inches) from the ground to the base of the camera. The LP-324C weighs just 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs) but has a maximum payload of 15 kg (33 lbs), even with the capacity of the ball head factored in. In between two of the leg joints is a 1/4” screw thread that can be used for additional accessories. Right below the central joint (opposite the ball head) is another 1/4” thread for accessories like friction arms, phone clamps, and/or accessory hooks.

One of, if not the most remarkable features of this tripod is the waterproof locking system that can be found on each of the twist locks. On the outside, it is a mix of textured metal and rubber (silica gel) pads for good and smooth grip while the inside is lined by a titanium alloy tube plug that prevents the entry of water and dirt into the legs and the locks.

The closed system can be appreciated by the sound of air entering and exiting from the top of the tripod legs as they are collapsed/extended respectively. At the very tip of each leg is a removable rubber foot that screws out and can be replaced by the supplied titanium alloy spikes for better traction that also reinforce the seal when properly installed.

Both size variants of the Poseidon tripod come with the LH-40 ball head that can come in either the standard black color or blue that matches the legs of the tripod. The LH-40 comes with a main ball release knob that is supported by a smaller friction control knob on the other side, which is right above the pan knob that controls the rotation of the entire head. The ball joint is connected to an Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp with a bubble level indicator and a release knob on top. The LH-40 has a maximum payload of 20 kg, which is heavier than the payload of the tripod itself and means that it can be used with other tripods with heavier capacity for more requirements.

Application and User Experience

The Leofoto Poseidon was clearly and obviously made for shooting conditions that involve water, dust, and sand. As the name implies, this is a tripod designed for photographers who shoot seascapes but can still perform very well in other outdoor shooting scenarios. Because of the absence of a center column, it can go very low while securing the camera upright instead of how other tripods achieve low angles, which is by inverting the center column.

This makes it very convenient for shooting seascapes that involve significant foreground elements such as rocks and/or crashing waves. The downside of having no center column would also mean that all the height would be limited to what the legs can offer, but this is compensated for by the longer leg sections resulting in a maximum height similar to other standard-form tripods.

One of the most remarkable bits of experience in using the LP-324C is the overall feel. The twist locks are very easy to grip and secure but also do not require a lot of force to unlock. Next to that is the tactile and auditory experience of expanding the legs. Once the legs are unlocked from the folded configuration, they can just slide down smoothly from gravity to a certain extent, and this was maintained even after exposing the legs to sandy saltwater for three days without rinsing. In addition to the smooth feel, you can very clearly hear the air coming in and out of the legs from the top end. Aside from it being a sensory cue, it is also an indicator that nothing is indeed coming in and out of the other portions of the tripod. That also represents a more long-term implication that it would require less cleaning and maintenance overall. Since the locking system prevents the entry of water and sand into the joints of the sections, it would mean having to disassemble them less (or maybe even not at all) to remove any particles in the locks. And diligent cleaning after submerging in saltwater would only mean rinsing out the exterior.

At this point, the Leofoto Poseidon lives up to its name and is definitely a tripod one should consider if your photography involves a lot of exposure to the elements. While relatively light, it can carry camera gear that’s way heavier than what would typically be used in such shooting scenarios and is also versatile in terms of camera height and low angles. Overall, it offers worry-free use in the most rugged situations, allowing the user to achieve the shot they envision without worrying about either the camera gear or the tripod.

What I Liked

• Light but sturdy carbon fiber build
• Titanium alloy tube plug locking system
• Water- and sand-proof
• Quick switching to low angle configuration

What Can Be Improved

• Accessory ports can be hard to reach for some tools
• No secondary panning on the QR clamp of the ball-head