Leofoto VH-30R two-way tilt head

Leofoto VH-30R two-way head: when things on top just need to sit right

You know how it is: you’ve got the subject in the viewfinder, the bird is finally doing what it’s supposed to, and then the head starts to “wander.” Annoying. That’s exactly where the Leofoto VH-30R two-way head plays to its strengths. In short: smooth, controllable, capable. And yes, that just feels good in practice, because you’re not constantly working against your setup, but with it.

With a load capacity of up to 15 kg, the VH-30R is strong enough to carry even long telephoto lenses with confidence. Telephoto photography, sports photography, birdwatching, panorama photography, DSLR or mirrorless – it all fits together here quite nicely. Not overpolished, not over the top. Just solid.

Two-way head with 360° panorama: separate axes, clear control

What we like about this 2-way head: you get a clean separation of movements. The panorama axis rotates through 360°, and on top of that, the overall panning range is also designed for 360°. That may sound like “sure, everyone does that,” but here it’s implemented so that you can fine-tune your movement instead of overshooting in a split second.

And then there’s the tilt: front -90 / +90 degrees. So a full 180 degrees of total travel, 90 degrees to the left and 90 to the right. For portrait format, for panning, for quick reactions. Sometimes it’s exactly these angles that decide whether you get the moment or you don’t.

Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail clamp with screw clamp

The coupling accepts a Arca-style compatible 38 mm dovetail mount, according to the manufacturer. That’s practical because you’re not forced into some exotic quick-release ecosystem. Screw clamp as the clamping type – classic, grippy, intuitive. Turn, tight, done. And when it’s cold or your fingers are tired, “classic” suddenly feels pretty nice.

A handle is included for operation. It not only makes everything more comfortable, but also faster, because you don’t have to keep changing your grip while tracking. One of those details you only miss when you don’t have it. Well, you know.

Material mix, finish and dimensions: built for the outdoors, not for the shop window

For materials, Leofoto relies on aluminum and stainless steel. On top of that comes the black anodized finish, which keeps every little scratch from looking like a big drama in everyday use. Height: 10.5 cm, i.e. 105 mm. Base diameter: 60 mm. And the weight is 0.447 kg, i.e. 447 g. Not ultralight, but easy to carry and, above all, stable enough that the whole thing doesn’t feel like jelly.

A bubble level is also included, 1 x bull’s-eye level – simple but helpful. Especially when you want to level things properly without turning it into a science project. A quick glance, done.

Tripod connection and combo tip: 3/8 inch UNC internal thread and Ranger CEX

On the bottom there’s a 3/8 inch UNC internal thread as the tripod mount. That’s the common standard, so no surprises when mounting. And because it really makes sense in practice: combined with a tripod from the Ranger series with integrated leveling – that is, the CEX tripods – you get a combo that’s simply fun to use for photography or birdwatching.

Technical data Leofoto VH-30R two-way head

• Tripod head type: 2-way head
• Recommended for: mirrorless, DSLR, telephoto photography, sports photography, panorama photography
• Max. load capacity: 15 kg
• Panning range: panorama axis 360°, total 360°
• Tilt range: front -90 / +90 degrees
• Coupling: Arca-style compatible according to the manufacturer, 38 mm dovetail
• Clamping type: screw clamp
• Tripod mount: 3/8 inch UNC internal thread
• Level: 1 x bull’s-eye level
• Material: aluminum, stainless steel
• Finish: black anodized
• Height: 10.5 cm (105 mm)
• Base diameter: 60 mm
• Weight: 0.447 kg (447 g)