ncphototrekker's Full Review: LensCoat LegCoat Tripod Leg Protectors (Black) - f...
If you are a nature photographer that likes to use a tripod, you really should check out the LegCoats by LensCoat. At first glance they look like a gimmicky product that isn't really something that you need. Honestly, I tossed around the idea for some time before making the decision to add this product to my gear. I had come across the LegCoats and read that they reduced glare from the tripod legs, and that they made it easier to handle the tripod in the extreme cold and hot weather. These were nice marketing ploys, and did get me thinking.
As far as I know, I have never had a problem with the glare coming off of my tripod legs, so that really wasn't a concern for me. The comfort thing was something that caught my attention. I have been out in the cold weather before and found myself freezing my already chilled hands when I moved the tripod. I could see how the LegCoats would help me out with that. While I don't usually get out with my camera in the hot summer sun, I could see how the black legs of the tripod would heat up to the point of discomfort, so I thought that this was a valid point.
The thing that got me really interested in this product was not mentioned in any of the material that I had read. You see, I do a lot of hiking to get to my shooting locations. When I am hiking, I usually have my camera mounted to the tripod so I am ready at a moment's notice for that fleeting bit of light, or that scene that is going to change at any moment. Carrying a tripod over my shoulder with the camera mounted can be a bit heavy at times. Not to mention the smooth legs of the tripod are easily dislodged from my shoulder which could mean disaster if the camera is dropped.
I figured that these leg pads would work pretty well to increase my comfort on long hikes. The added benefit of the extreme temperature protection was also a nice idea. I figured I would give them a try and see just how effective these pieces were.
What you get...
LensCoat offers their leg protectors in several different color schemes. I opted for plain black, but could have chosen several different camouflage schemes including the new digital camo used by the armed forces. I didn't have a need for camo, and figured that it would actually draw more attention than the plain old black.
The exterior is made of a specific fit neoprene material with Velcro to secure it. There is a moderately deep foam padding that is loosely mounted to the neoprene. To mount the LegCoats, you wrap the form fitted foam padding around the upper sections of the tripod legs. You then cover the foam with the neoprene and secure it with the Velcro which is present on the entire edge of the neoprene. There is another step that I chose to skip, that makes the installation a bit more permanent. Each section of foam padding comes with a strip of 3M adhesive that will lock the leg protectors to their respective legs. I decided that I valued the ability to remove them when needed more than having them properly secured.
In the field...
I still don't know about any glare protection, but the theory is sound as they do eliminate any surface glare from the legs. I have used them in very cold temperatures, and they worked as advertised to help keep my hands from freezing to the legs...well, that might be a bit over the top. They do however, make it more pleasant to grasp the legs on cold days. I'm assuming the same could be said for hot days, although I have not had the chance to test that out yet.
My main reason for purchasing the leg protectors was the comfort of my shoulders. In this regard, the LegCoats are worth every penny of their purchase price. No longer does the tripod dig into my shoulders as I hike through the woods. It now rests comfortably atop my pampered shoulders. It also prevents the tripod from sliding around when it happens to be resting on my camera bag shoulder straps. This makes me feel much more secure about the safety of my equipment when mounted to the shouldered tripod.
This product is not without its negatives though. The most glaring negative is that if your tripod has a strap that wraps around the legs when they are closed, it will be more difficult to use. On my Manfrotto 055MF3, I have the adjustment let all the way out, and it just barely clips shut. This is a fairly major issue for me as I do like to keep the tripod nice and secure when not in use. It still can be, but it is not nearly as easy to accomplish with the LegCoats in place.
Another issue that has popped up is its water resistance. OK, so it is not protecting anything from water as the tripod really can't be hurt by water. However, the neoprene (wetsuit material) is only on the exterior, and not on the tops and bottoms of the padding. This means that if you are caught in a rain storm, the padding will get wet, and will keep the moisture from drying out. I have not let my tripod sit wet long enough to verify, but I could see mold becoming a problem if you store the tripod with wet leg protectors. This is one of the reasons that I chose not to use the adhesive strip to permanently secure the protectors to the tripod.
Final thoughts....
This is not a perfect product, and has some flaws in its design...however, if you are willing to deal with its quirks, this product makes a very nice cushion for the long hike. For me, this is the single best use of the LegCoats. If you are looking for some added tactile comfort in extreme temperatures, this will help you out. If you are experiencing glare from the tripod legs, you would be better off using a lens hood because I just don't see that as a valid problem. Most of your glare comes from the sun hitting the front element on your lens. In this case the lens hood will protect you all around, not just from the legs.
Because this is not perfect, I can not in good conscious give this product a five star rating, and in fact I am hesitant to give it a four. I don't think that the LensCoat product is much better than taking pipe insulation and duct tape and making your own padded legs. Because of the lack of standout features, I have to give this a three star rating. However, I do like my LegCoats, and have gotten a lot of use out of them. They still look brand new, and are easy to clean.
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