Leofoto CF-04 replacement foot with QD mount for Canon lenses

Leofoto CF-04 replacement foot for Canon, specially developed for the following lenses

You notice it immediately when a lens foot just fits. The Leofoto CF-04 replacement foot is built exactly for this purpose and replaces the original lens foot on a whole range of high-class Canon telephoto lenses without you having to tinker or improvise. It is suitable for the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III and Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS III USM.

At the same time, the CF-04 is also designed for current Canon RF super-telephoto lenses: Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM (2021), Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM (2021), Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM (2022) and Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM (2022). So you get a replacement foot that integrates seamlessly into a modern Canon EF and RF setup without you having to worry whether it will “sort of” work somehow – it is truly designed for this.

The Leofoto CF-04 is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a robust material proven in aviation that combines high stability with pleasantly low weight. At only 139 g, your telephoto setup remains surprisingly nimble, even though you are holding a very solid, confidence-inspiring lens foot in your hand. The surface is black anodized, which not only looks good but also reliably protects the foot from scratches and corrosion.

The dimensions are chosen with practical use in mind: 14.5 cm in length, 3.8 cm in width and 5.3 cm in height. This means the replacement foot sits well in the hand when carrying the lens and offers a sufficiently long contact surface on the tripod head for clean balance – a factor that, especially with long focal lengths, quickly decides in practice between sharpness and camera shake.

With QD strap anchor mount – carry securely instead of gripping tensely

A detail you might only notice at second glance, but won’t want to be without in everyday use: the Leofoto CF-04 features a QD strap mount, more precisely a QD strap anchor mount, and is therefore QD compatible. This means you can snap a suitable carrying strap with QD strap anchors directly into the lens foot and transport your heavy telephoto lens comfortably and safely, without constantly fearing that this valuable piece of equipment will slip out of your hands.

To use this QD strap mount, you need a strap with QD strap anchors. You can find more information here: QD strap anchors.

Especially during long assignments in the field, whether wildlife, sports or reportage, a cleanly integrated carrying system provides enormous relief. Instead of awkwardly fumbling with the camera strap, you simply clip the strap into the QD strap mount and can quickly move your Canon super-tele between tripod, shoulder and transport position. It seems like a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.

Arca-style compatible – clamp directly into quick-release clamps

The Leofoto CF-04 is ARCA compatible and, according to the manufacturer, Arca-style compatible (38 mm quick-release clamps). This means you can use it like an Arca-style compatible quick-release plate and insert it directly into corresponding clamps without additional adapters or plates. For many photographers this has become the standard, and this is exactly how this replacement foot is intended to be used: screw it on, snap it in, start shooting.

Notes and further information about ARCA compatible systems can be found here: ARCA systems.

The clamping profile of the CF-04 fits a whole range of common clamps: ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Kirk clamps and the FlexShooter screw cross clamp. In short: if you use a proper Arca-style compatible tripod system, the chances are extremely good that the CF-04 will fit without any detours.

We therefore see the CF-04 not just as a replacement for the original lens foot, but rather as an upgrade. It makes your Canon telephoto lens directly Arca-style compatible, saves you additional quick-release plates and reduces potential points of failure in your setup. Less screwing around, more time for the actual photo.

Well thought-out details for professional use

On the underside of the Leofoto CF-04 you will find two threaded holes: one 3/8" UNC photo thread and one 1/4" UNC photo thread. This allows you to mount the replacement foot directly on a tripod head or another support if needed, even if there is no Arca-style compatible clamp available. This flexibility is practical if you work with different systems or want to continue using older tripod heads.

Also integrated are 2 safety stop screws. These safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if you have not opened the foot completely or the clamp is loosened a bit too far. Especially with a heavy Canon 600mm or 800mm lens, this additional protection is not a luxury but a sensible safety reserve that can prevent expensive damage in case of doubt.

The shape of the CF-04 is designed so that it is easy to grip when you carry the lens by the foot. Thanks to the length of 14.5 cm, you have enough room for a stable hand position without the foot appearing too bulky. In combination with the low weight of 139 g, the overall system remains pleasantly easy to handle, even when you are out and about for longer periods or frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientation.

All in all, with the Leofoto CF-04 replacement foot you get a precisely manufactured, robust and everyday-ready lens foot for Canon EF and Canon RF super-telephoto lenses that is QD compatible and ARCA compatible, fits into numerous Arca-style compatible clamps and scores with well thought-out details such as 2 safety stop screws, dual photo threads and a durable black anodized surface. No unnecessary frills, but a functional tool that noticeably upgrades your telephoto setup.