Leofoto SF-03 replacement foot with QD mount for SONY 400 mm f/2.8 GM & 600 mm f/4 GM

Leofoto SF-03 replacement foot, specially developed for the following lenses

If you use a Sony 400 mm f/2.8 GM or 600 mm f/4 GM, you know this situation: optically absolutely top class, but the standard lens foot is more like “okay” – functional, but not really comfortable. This is exactly where the Leofoto SF-03 replacement foot comes in. It replaces the original foot of the telephoto lenses Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS FE [SEL400F28GM] (2018), Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS FE [SEL600F40GM] (2019] and Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS FE [SEL400F28GM] and turns your super telephoto into a significantly better balanced, more practical tool.

The SF-03 is designed to fit seamlessly onto the tripod collar of the Sony FE G Master super telephoto lenses. It has a lower profile than the original foot, which improves stability on the tripod head and reduces vibrations. At the same time, it is lighter without feeling flimsy; 6061-T6 aluminum provides a robust, torsion-resistant base that is not easily impressed even during long sessions out in the rain, in the cold, or in dusty stadiums.

With a length of 14.6 cm, a width of 3.8 cm and a height of 4.2 cm, the Leofoto SF-03 is dimensioned so that you can grip it comfortably when carrying the lens in your hand for a short time, while still having enough contact area on the tripod head. The weight of only 151 g keeps the overall setup slim, especially when you are already out and about with a heavy telephoto, body and possibly a converter.

The surface is black anodized, which not only looks good but also reliably protects the aluminum structure against corrosion and wear. This way, the foot remains visually and functionally in good shape even after many tours in the field, on sports grounds or at the coast. We would call it a classic “install and forget” part – except that you will quickly come to appreciate the added comfort.

Arca-style compatible, integrated 38 mm clamping profile for quick release

Instead of an additional quick-release plate, the Leofoto SF-03 comes with an integrated dovetail clamping profile. This 38 mm wide profile conforms to the Arca-style standard and makes the replacement foot directly ARCA compatible. You simply slide the foot into the appropriate clamp, tighten it, and you’re done – no extra plate, no unnecessary stack-up, less play in the system.

According to the manufacturer, the profile fits a whole range of common quick-release clamps: ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 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. So if you already own a high-quality tripod setup, you usually don’t have to change anything; the SF-03 simply integrates into it.

On the underside you will also find classic photo threads in case you ever want to work without an ARCA clamp or are using an older system: 1 x 3/8" UNC photo thread and 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads. These options give you some headroom when switching between different tripod heads or rails, or when you need to improvise temporarily.

The 2 safety stop screws on the underside prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp is not fully opened or if you move the lens sideways. Especially with a telephoto lens worth several thousand euros, this is a detail that should not be underestimated – a small safety mechanism that can save you a lot of trouble and cost in an emergency.

With QD strap anchor mount, switch quickly from tripod to strap

Particularly practical if you move around a lot: the Leofoto SF-03 has an integrated QD strap mount, more precisely a QD strap anchor mount. This is QD compatible and allows you to attach a suitable strap with QD strap anchors directly to the lens foot instead of fiddling around on the camera body. This makes particular sense with long focal lengths, because the weight then hangs where it belongs: at the center of gravity of lens and camera.

To use this QD strap mount, you need a suitable carrying strap with QD strap anchors. You can find more information about this here. Once the strap is set up, you can detach your telephoto lens from the tripod in seconds and carry it safely over your shoulder without additional adapters or screw-in eyelets. Especially for sports, wildlife or reportage, where you constantly switch between handheld and tripod use, this is a real gain in comfort.

Thanks to the combination of Arca-style compatible clamping profile and QD strap anchor mount, the SF-03 becomes a central component in your setup: it connects tripod, camera, lens and carrying strap into a well-thought-out system that can be quickly adapted to different situations. We would almost say: once you get used to it, the original foot of the Sony super telephotos feels a bit like something from another era.

Robust 6061-T6 aluminum construction for tough everyday photography

The Leofoto SF-03 replacement foot is made of 6061-T6 aluminum, a proven material that is frequently used in aircraft construction and in high-quality tripod components. This material offers a very good ratio of weight to stability, so the foot reliably retains its shape even under heavy loads and dynamic movements. Especially with long focal lengths, where even small vibrations become visible, a solid base really pays off.

The black anodized finish permanently protects the aluminum against scratches and corrosion. Even if you are standing in the rain on the sidelines, photographing birds in sub-zero winter temperatures or dealing with dust and sand in summer, the SF-03 is made for such conditions. The surface remains grippy enough to hold the foot securely even with gloves, without feeling slippery.

With its compact dimensions of 14.6 cm in length, 3.8 cm in width and 4.2 cm in height, the replacement foot also fits well into common camera bags and backpacks without being bulky. At the same time, the contact area is large enough to place the lens stably on a table, in a hide or on a beanbag when things have to go quickly and no tripod is at hand.

Thought-out details for more safety and flexibility

In addition to the QD strap mount and the Arca-style compatible profile, the SF-03 offers some small but practically relevant details that quickly make a difference in everyday use. The 2 safety stop screws on the underside are positioned so that they prevent accidental slipping through in the quick-release clamp when you move the lens or do not clamp it exactly in the center. This gives you an additional safety net, especially when you are working under pressure or handling gear in the dark.

The combination of 1 x 3/8" UNC photo thread and 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads on the underside allows you to attach a wide variety of tripod heads, adapter plates or special solutions. Whether you want to continue using an older tripod, mount a rail for macro or telephoto shots, or use a gimbal head, the SF-03 leaves these options open to you without requiring additional intermediate pieces.

All in all, the Leofoto SF-03 replacement foot with QD mount for SONY 400 mm f/2.8 GM and 600 mm f/4 GM is a very specialized but in the best sense unspectacular component: it does its job quietly, reliably and without any fuss. More stability, more comfort, less fiddling – and your Sony super telephoto suddenly feels a good bit more professional.