Losmandy Folding Heavy Duty Tripod — No Adapter

Product Overview

This is Losmandy's folding heavy-duty tripod supplied without a top adapter, for owners who already have an MA or MAL or who are fitting a mount from another maker. Adjustable legs give a height range of 33 to 52 inches, it folds to 14 by 14 by 39 inches with the legs retracted, and Losmandy rates it to carry up to 425 lb at a tripod weight of 35 lb.

Who It's For

Two situations call for the bare tripod. The first is replacing or adding a tripod when the MA or MAL adapter is already in hand — the adapter is the expensive part to duplicate. The second is putting a non-Losmandy mount on Losmandy legs, which people do because a 425 lb rating and a 29-inch footprint are hard to find elsewhere at 35 lb.

Key Features & Design

• Carries up to 425 lb at a tripod weight of 35 lb.
• Adjustable legs, 33 to 52 inches from ground level to the top of the tripod.
• 34 inches tip to tip with the legs retracted, 53 inches extended.
• Folds to 14 by 14 by 39 inches with the legs retracted.
• 29 inches between leg centres when retracted but spread.
• No adapter included — Losmandy lists it for use with the MA and MAL adapters, Astro-Physics mounts with the 119FSA adapter, and iOptron.

Recommended Uses

A second or replacement tripod where the MA or MAL adapter is already owned. Supporting a heavy G-11, GM811 or G11T setup at a fixed site. Carrying a non-Losmandy mount that has a compatible adapter. Raising a visual setup to a comfortable standing height at the 52-inch extension.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Adapter required: the MA adapter for GM 8, GM811 and G11G mounts, or the MAL adapter for G11T and Titan. If you want it supplied ready to go, the MA-topped and MAL-topped versions come complete.
• Other makers: Losmandy names Astro-Physics with the 119FSA adapter, and iOptron. Compatibility and adapter details for those are the third party's to confirm — we are happy to help you check before ordering.
• Height: the 4-inch, 8-inch and 12-inch extensions raise an MA top further, which helps a long refractor clear the legs.
• Vibration: glow-in-the-dark vibration pads fit the adjustable legs — 5 inches across for contact area, and they glow for up to 15 hours.
• Transport: the wheeled tripod case is made for it.
• Hardware: the tripod knob set attaches a GM 8 or G-11 head without tools, and tripod screws are available as spares.

Good to Know Before You Order

• No top adapter is in the box. A Losmandy equatorial head needs an MA or MAL to sit on it, so this version suits you only if you already have one.
• 35 lb of tripod. Folded at 14 by 14 by 39 inches it transports well, but it is not a carry-in-one-hand tripod — the LW at 15 lb is the portable option.
• Third-party fit is the third party's specification. Losmandy names Astro-Physics with the 119FSA and iOptron; the details belong to those makers rather than to this listing, and we will help you confirm them.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. The legs slide onto the centre column and lock with the leg clamps, the adapter bolts to the top, and the mount goes on from there.

What adapter do I need?

MA for GM 8, GM811 and G11G mounts; MAL for G11T and Titan. Tell us your mount and we will confirm which one.

Can I put a non-Losmandy mount on it?

Losmandy lists Astro-Physics with the 119FSA adapter and iOptron. Beyond those, the adapter interface decides it — send us the details and we will look at it with you.

How high does it go?

33 to 52 inches from the ground to the top of the tripod, before any extension tube or the mount itself.

Why buy this instead of the MA-topped version?

Only if you already own the adapter. Otherwise the MA- or MAL-topped tripod is the simpler buy.

Bottom Line

In short: Losmandy's 35 lb folding HD tripod, 33 to 52 inches, rated to 425 lb, supplied without a top adapter — the version to buy when the MA or MAL is already yours.