The RRS is the gold standard, especially if it's for use in rough environments.
Leofotos are okay, but don't stand up to abuse well. Lots of people struggled with their Leofotos and other similar tripods in some recent field matches. People literally having to take their tripod legs apart in order to make them operational again. No issues with RRS tripods.
If you can afford it and you are planning on using your tripod in the field, the RRS is the way to go. Cheaper than buying a Leofoto and then buying an RRS when your Leofoto proves to be unreliable - I know a few people doing just that.
Cheap, light, strong - pick 2 of the 3. If you are on a budget, make sure to get a tripod with the heaviest weight rating possible - heavier weight rating will generally be more stable. If it's cheap, it won't be light. If you want it to be light, pony up and get a good quality carbon fiber one so it's also strong. A wobbly tripod is not fun to shoot off of. Center columns are generally not necessary for shooting and will also be less stable than a tripod without a center column, all else equal, as the center of gravity will be higher.
ARCA is a great mounting system, just keep in mind that there is no set standard for ARCA. A direct mounting system, such as ARCA, will be more stable than something like a hog saddle. Most firearm related ARCA mounts are made to the RRS standard. Ballheads will give you more options than a panning head, but are generally a bit less stable. A ballhead would probably be more suitable for shooting in places with big elevation changes, such as mountains, where may have to shoot at some extreme angles. If you are shooting on mostly flat ground, panning heads (like RRS Anvil) are the ticket. Again, get a head with a high weight rating for more stability.
I found a good deal on an RRS, and pulled the trigger on that. Spent a little more than what one would spend on a Leofoto, and got a better quality product. For a head I am using a Uniqball UBH45 gimbal ball head system, though if I was to do it over again I would strongly consider the RRS Anvil head. The gimbal capabilities of the Uniqball head is pretty badass though.
Leofotos are okay, but don't stand up to abuse well. Lots of people struggled with their Leofotos and other similar tripods in some recent field matches. People literally having to take their tripod legs apart in order to make them operational again. No issues with RRS tripods.
If you can afford it and you are planning on using your tripod in the field, the RRS is the way to go. Cheaper than buying a Leofoto and then buying an RRS when your Leofoto proves to be unreliable - I know a few people doing just that.
Cheap, light, strong - pick 2 of the 3. If you are on a budget, make sure to get a tripod with the heaviest weight rating possible - heavier weight rating will generally be more stable. If it's cheap, it won't be light. If you want it to be light, pony up and get a good quality carbon fiber one so it's also strong. A wobbly tripod is not fun to shoot off of. Center columns are generally not necessary for shooting and will also be less stable than a tripod without a center column, all else equal, as the center of gravity will be higher.
ARCA is a great mounting system, just keep in mind that there is no set standard for ARCA. A direct mounting system, such as ARCA, will be more stable than something like a hog saddle. Most firearm related ARCA mounts are made to the RRS standard. Ballheads will give you more options than a panning head, but are generally a bit less stable. A ballhead would probably be more suitable for shooting in places with big elevation changes, such as mountains, where may have to shoot at some extreme angles. If you are shooting on mostly flat ground, panning heads (like RRS Anvil) are the ticket. Again, get a head with a high weight rating for more stability.
I found a good deal on an RRS, and pulled the trigger on that. Spent a little more than what one would spend on a Leofoto, and got a better quality product. For a head I am using a Uniqball UBH45 gimbal ball head system, though if I was to do it over again I would strongly consider the RRS Anvil head. The gimbal capabilities of the Uniqball head is pretty badass though.
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