Zeiss Pro Series Tripods just Landed

[Lowlight]

Just opened a box from Zeiss, Pro Series Tripods,

I will get out this well with a full video of my experience, but Sparky was already behind it with a rifle and absolutely loved it. Super stable.

 

[Genin]

I’m a huge fan of Zeiss LRP S3 series of optics. They are putting out great precision shooting gear.

 

[Lowlight]

Ya the Accessories they sent along with it are pretty awesome too

 

[Quarter Horse]

Dollars?????....... MSRP is OK

 

[JeffLebowski]

Really cool how they’re doing this.

 

[Lowlight]

They didn’t load my lip with details on cost, complete tripod looks like $1299 ? The head alone is $375 ?

But it’s an Inverted leg set that appears very stable

 

[Kiba]

Don't want to be the turd in the punch bowl here, but it sure looks like Leofoto is probably the OEM... Seeing a lot of design similarities. Zeiss logos, Zeiss blue accents, and Zeiss specific knobs for sure, but check the country of manufacture on the saddle clamp box and compare the zeiss saddle clamp to the leofoto saddle clamp, the apex looks just like an SO X or LM X but in blue with a different clamp knob, and that head in the first pic sure looks like a cosmetically altered Leofoto MH series head.

If Leofoto is the OEM, I wonder if there are any Zeiss specific design / construction improvements or if it's all cosmetic tweaks of their standard offerings. Leofoto will certainly do custom jobs that significantly deviate from their own branded stuff (see the T3 optics trinity tripod for a good example; different leg diameters, T3 specific locking apex with RRS anvil interface, etc.)

 

[OREGUN]

I saw one of these at the match in Missouri this weekend. Didn’t get a chance to play with it but it looked pretty well thought out. I really liked the way the legs are marked with a scale.

 

[Lowlight]

It is an OEM like many are, so why ask why here…

They added features not found in the standard offering which we offer a discount for

Pointing out the obvious in 2025 is beyond dumb honestly, next you’ll tell me about scopes that are made for others from Light Optical…

It’s very nice even though it’s a Leophoto, they added features like the center column.

 

[Lowlight]

See look I even did a video about them

Same head, no center column, not using inverted legs … no Hide25 discount like with Leophoto

 

[Kiba]

That's why I specifically asked if there are any Zeiss specific design improvements on these over the actual Leofoto stuff, or if it was just cosmetic changes.

If Zeiss is going to charge a premium, I'd want actual functional/design improvements and not just a different logo and color, so I'm interested to see what they have to offer.

I know there are very strong "China bad" opinions in this industry, but IMO/IME the latest Leofoto and Leofoto OEM stuff is pretty solid. I have a couple for applications where I don't use them often enough to justify RRS money... but the Leofoto tripods I have do have RRS heads on them, because I find the RRS heads much better to use than the Leofoto equivalents.

 

[Lowlight]

You can probably create it, if you really look at their site, but also they paired the best options together and like others said there are design features like the leg scales, which will most likely be the first thing copied if not already offered somewhere else.

The premium is about $150 off the baseline, maybe $200… after it’s all ordered.

OEMs are standard today with most stuff.

 

[Lowlight]

FYI
Years ago I gave Marc a RRS Anvil 30. I suggested he use it since his Stroke, this week I traded out the RRS for the Leophoto in the picture. Since you mentioned you’re dislike of the heads.

His response this week using the “grip” on the Leophoto

 

[OREGUN]

A few things I saw….center column, bigger-better leg angle latches (I don’t like the Leophoto knurled thingy), height-markings on the legs, a better shaped center bowl release knob, and I wandered off while the guy was describing the single point leg adjustment so I don’t know how that works. And if you’ve never used one of those handle-ball head deals, you should. They’re cool.

 

[Kiba]

FYI
Years ago I gave Marc a RRS Anvil 30. I suggested he use it since his Stroke, this week I traded out the RRS for the Leophoto in the picture. Since you mentioned you’re dislike of the heads.

His response this week using the “grip” on the Leophoto

View attachment 8745831

I haven't tried their "trailer hitch ball" MH head yet like in your first picture but I can see it being fast and easy to use with a large range of motion... Maybe I need to try one.

My gripes are with their MA30 anvil 30 clone and MAB75X heads, which are the only shooting oriented heads of theirs I've messed with. While they worked ok for the price the MAB75X did not have rapidly adjustable arca clamp tensionfor different rails and the overall panning/tilt/lockup feel of both was ok but left a lot to be desired compared to a genuine anvil 30 in my experience.

Maybe Leofoto added a quick clamp lever tension adjustment nut (like the gen 2 anvil 30) to the MAB75X since I played with one a while back.

A few things I saw….center column, bigger-better leg angle latches (I don’t like the Leophoto knurled thingy), height-markings on the legs, a better shaped center bowl release knob, and I wandered off while the guy was describing the single point leg adjustment so I don’t know how that works. And if you’ve never used one of those handle-ball head deals, you should. They’re cool.

That's the info I want to hear; what Zeiss specific changes were made. Always interested in reading about new stuff and improvements.

 

[ma smith]

Inverted ball-head with a panning feature seems a good combo/upgrade.

 

[Lowlight]

I don’t think they even offer the knockoff Anvil 30, there maybe some on the shelf, but they appear to have moved from it ?

You can, and guys do go too small on their models and 1 size too light you immediately notice it. This is a heavy tripod, but like 0.0 wobble, Sparky was all over it before I knew it, had a rifle on one in the living room, and ya it’s solid, even with the center column.

The inverted legs put the controls at the top and drop the legs free to the ground. Everyone sells a version of them, many are too tall for me closed or just on the edge. Like the Fat Boy are too tall for me to shoot from, these are shorter.

It’s a good tripod, with solid features and options like replacing the center column with a bowl. I’ll go live it so you can see it

 

[ma smith]

Heres the old model...w/ the motorcycle style ball head, looks like no panning feature (similar to anvil 30s in that regard).

 

[Kiba]

Frank, does that V60 trailer hitch ball head have easily adjustable tension on the arca clamp lever? I have 4 different brands of arca rails in use and while they all claim to be made to the RRS spec they all need different tension adjustments on my anvil 30, lol

Just noticed the Zeiss HD inverted tripod is 44mm leg diameter and 3 sections which is a configuration Leofoto doesn't offer in their own lineup yet (I believe Leofoto first did the 44mm inverted 3 section legs for T3, correct me if I'm wrong.) Interested in how the legs extend in the 3 section inverted as it only looks like a single twist lock in the pics.

 

[G1Grandeur]

re-branded, nothing to get hyped over.

 

[Lowlight]

I’m gonna go live in a bit to show it, so if you want to see it - watch for the notification

 

[Lowlight]

The Live Look at the Zeiss from TheHide.TV Live

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

We saw them set up at MKM last week. Looked cool but the same imported shit as everyone else just rebranded. When people think Zeiss they think world class german optics. Not stuff made in China and rebranded to be sold at premium (as much as RRS) prices.

Not getting the traction they thought they would. Would probably have been smart to get some high level PRS shooters to consult on the design like March did. There are some little improvements that could have been made to their optics that would make it a more viable opinion for shooters/competitors. The reticle is pretty bad and they offer no-non tree option. I have shot a bunch of S3 and S5 and cant get over how outdated the reticle design is. The turrets are a horrible design and massive. S5 is getting discontinued according to a rep because of manufacturing costs. That tells me people don't see them as a value and comparable to the other 3-4K retail optics. S3 is a Japan OEM design, so I assume they have a ton more margin built in.

I love their Binos but not spending a dime on their scopes. The Zeiss sponsored shooters are super nice and friendly. Hope it works out for them but it looks like uphill sledding unless they pivot in a major way.

 

[Lowlight]

You guys are funny with the OEM hate, you all use it in one form or another but find the excuse in specific instances to create a phony carve out.

A ton of guys have aligned with Leophoto among others including scopes. The S3s are the best bang for the money.

 

[roostercogburn98]

You guys are funny with the OEM hate, you all use it in one form or another but find the excuse in specific instances to create a phony carve out.

A ton of guys have aligned with Leophoto among others including scopes. The S3s are the best bang for the money.

Lotta brand whores hangin out round these parts. Seems to me there is a lot of quality stuff coming around and some from places people don’t like, so they have to rebel

 

[Kiba]

You guys are funny with the OEM hate, you all use it in one form or another but find the excuse in specific instances to create a phony carve out.

A ton of guys have aligned with Leophoto among others including scopes. The S3s are the best bang for the money.

I wouldn't say it's simply OEM hate... Leofoto can absolutely build a decent tripod although some refuse to admit that because of the country of origin.

As I mentioned earlier the real question is what improvements were made to the Zeiss tripod line to justify the higher prices, and are those improvements enough to justify the premium, especially when you can pick up a 50% off Leofoto cert from a match or out of the PX for about $70 and thus get a very good deal on a tripod or tripod and head combo straight from Leofoto. Can't say I've ever seen Zeiss discounts that deep. Don't forget price is the primary concern for many buyers, so the Zeiss lineup needs to bring actual improvements to the table and not just new logos, blue accents, and a few cosmetic tweaks.

Right now the biggest benefit / improvement I see in the Zeiss lineup is the HD tripod, it's a 44mm 3 section inverted. A 3 section inverted will store and set up lower than Leofotos own current 2 section inverted offerings, and going to larger diameter 44mm legs will help keep some stiffness going from 2 section to 3 section. A 44mm 3 section inverted is a configuration which as of now Leofoto doesn't offer in their own lineup... But I have a hunch they'll offer one in the near future.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Lotta brand whores hangin out round these parts. Seems to me there is a lot of quality stuff coming around and some from places people don’t like, so they have to rebel

Alot of people have no problem with CHINESE companies stealing ideas from US companies, offshoring production and then undercutting them.

This costs Americans jobs and disincentives American companies from spending money and time developing new products. It creates a massive barrier for other American companies to get into the industry and compete.

The Chinese cant create anything new. All they do is fucking steal, copy and lower the price point. Creativity is not apart of their culture, in fact, its frowned upon.

So why would one Pay Zeiss twice or more than what a Chinese copy costs? Its the same shit made in the same chicom factory with a different paint job. It makes their brand look like shit. They are a old respected premium luxury brand in optics. This would be like buying a Louis Vuitton bag made in china that only costs $1500 instead of $3000. One made with First world skilled labor and regulatory environment and one made by slave labor using inferior materials and skill.

And I get if someone is poor or cant afford a RRS. Not everyone is going to spend $1500 on a tripod. There are plenty of cheaper options out there, most made in china, that aren't blatant rip offs of American products.

The bigger issue is organizations like PRS talking money from companies like Leyfoto. And they wonder why RRS doesn't support the sport any more. When organizations (or media) are willing to take money to pimp Chinese products that are clearly ripping off American companies that is a big problem in my eye.

I really didnt want to get into this today but posts like yours just convientley ignore the whole situtation and try to distill it down to brand whores. Its much more complicated.

I rather support American companies who hire american workes and contribute to our economy. Not make shit that will end up making the PLA more lethal paid for by the R&D of American dollars. I will happily pay MORE to keep that from happening. Any rational american should feel the same way. There are WAY to many people on our side of the pond happy to take Chicom money to line their pockets at the expense of their fellow Americans. Its disgusting.

 

[Lowlight]

Honestly the chinese are here investing money in the industry, they maybe the only ones pushing innovation because they are easy to work with ...

Talk to me about the Tripod locks, the braces to prevent it from folding... how about the affordable Thermals

Yes it's chinese stuff, but they are actually moving the needle. I was chased by them, walked away from several offers, but the DNT, the Leophoto stuff... you'll crow about Arken, but it's chinese shit, how about the Fire4000 who stole my images for their PDF Manual ... lots and lots of OEM,

You all crying about the Flag overlook a lot stuff out there.

 

[db2000]

The real question is why is white PMII $7000!?!

 

[ma smith]

RRS has been in a couple threads talking about poor customer service. I'm wondering if the market is softening at the high end...and those RRS threas are a canary in the coal mine that the marketjust isn't there vs where it was a couple years ago.

My concern if I was zeiss listening to these comments, is theres alot of guys who "seem to be happy where they're at". And they are not at the RRS premium price point, nor even at the Leofoto 100% retail price point. They are at the prize table/cert and Amazon/off-lable pricepoint.

All the Noise in this thread could be guys saying hey we are NOT looking to double or tripple the asset spend for optics/support/spotting in my overal PRS budget.

That's not bad feedback, in a sense.

If I'm zeiss or somebody trying to break into the semi-premium space between leofto and RRS, it tells me I need to focus on customers that do want to upgrade, possible new customers not yet locked into an existing ecosystem, and if that market isn't big enough, to start making the market by explaining the benefits/cost tradeoffs they are looking to sell...

First step they seem to be doing OK, which is getting the professional/sponsored shooters who will show up with the new gear and let people try it out, etc. to publicise its out there...

 

[Lowlight]

You know I can read that, and you already derailed it with your BS, calling them the enemy in an economic battle is funny when everything is intertwined with them, everything. We moved things offshore for a reason, hell the GDI threads are a prime example.

GDI when put head to head by the military won every test out there, beat them all hands down, but you all cry it's too expensive, "who wants to pay $400 for a mount", you want a $160 mount which has to be made in China, so you overlook the "Made In" part or let companies like Leupold modify the Made in Claim to be Assembled in.... I know I was at the factory and bunch of labels were in character not english.

Spare me the, you let the enemy in the door, at our level we are working inside the system someone else created. Don't see the NRL hunter crowd crying cause their tripods are being promoted, you only attack me... and wanna bet there is a Leophoto, DNT, Sponsorship with the PRS, hell I have seen it advertised, Hypocrite the lot of you... go tell them, they are working with the enemy. Tell me is Two Vets Dan a sleeping withe enemy ?

 

[roostercogburn98]

I rather support American companies who hire american workes and contribute to our economy.

You and me both, but the FACTS are this is impossible until more American companies step up to the plate and force the turn. All these American companies making XYZ and are afraid of foreign competition need to be more worried about their warranty and CS issues IN MY OPINION. I’ve read and heard countless times where a “tier 1” company can’t or won’t send replacement parts to individuals or wont send “that” part and make you swap an entire component. Some of the lead times are atrocious and would put a shooter out for a while. What’s that answer? Don’t be “poorer” and have two of every item now? Seems to me some competition would have sharpened the market, but some places are already in comfort mode and just making money. Hell some of them raved about companies might even close up shop and walk away with customers money on hand without as much as a heads up.

This would be like buying a Louis Vuitton bag made in china that only costs $1500 instead of $3000. One made with First world skilled labor and regulatory environment and one made by slave labor using inferior materials and skill.

Like they ain’t using cheap ass labor and cost cutting every step of the way in Europe? Get the fuck out of here with that noise bruh. Every manufacturer out there is about profit margin, otherwise they wouldn’t survive. Some things like LV survive on name and name alone, if the Jones’ didn’t exist, neither would they.