3 Legged Thing Legends Ray Bronze travel tripod with AirHed VU ball head in blue

Ray: The high-end “Legends” series can also be small and light!

The Ray from 3LT unmistakably follows in the footsteps of the Pro 2.0 series. Just like the Leo 2.0, Ray is an ultra-light travel tripod where the focus is primarily on maximum compactness. Although its design resembles that of its Pro 2.0 predecessor, Three Legged Thing has spared no expense here and equipped it with the high-end features of the Legends series. This places it, so to speak, in the top league of 3LT tripods, a category previously reserved for larger video and landscape photography models.

Even lighter, even more compact: 30 kg load capacity with a packed size of just 35 cm

Whilst the Leo 2.0 was already a veritable giant with superpowers when folded, the Ray actually manages to be even a little lighter and more compact without losing any performance. In transport mode, the Ray’s five leg sections measure 35 cm when packed; when set up, it measures a maximum of 1.3 m, with a minimum height of 29 cm without unscrewing the centre column. The load capacity remains at 30 kg – an enormous figure for this size! With a weight of 1.27 kg, this equates to a load-to-weight ratio of 24:1 – a new record even for 3LT’s top-of-the-range models. For a wide range of applications, the tripod legs can be locked into 3 different angle positions (23, 55 and 80 degrees) using a simple sliding mechanism. The load capacity also depends on this angle; it drops from 30 kg at 23 degrees to a still robust 10 kg at an 80-degree leg angle. 8-layer carbon fibre and state-of-the-art magnesium alloys make these impressive performance figures possible. Furthermore, ‘airflow’ is the new magic word here – a slimmer centre plate with cut-outs reduces weight without compromising stability.

Extreme flexibility: reversible centre column, detachable legs, monopod

However varied photography requirements may be: Ray is equipped for everything. The centre column is, of course, removable and can be used upside down. Without the centre column, the minimum height is just 10 cm – ideal for macro work on the ground. Tabletop, table tripod or monopod setups are also no problem. To enable this conversion, the 3LT design team has made not just one, as is usually the case, but all three legs removable. The separately available VANZ Spikes (mini-legs, so to speak) can then be screwed into the upper section. This feature opens up a wide range of new applications in macro photography as well as in tabletop photography.

Tri-Mount mounting plate with mounting eyelets and 1/4-inch threads

As a mounting plate for attaching a tripod head, the Ray is equipped with the Tri-Mount mounting plate, which features a centred 3/8-inch threaded hole with a 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch reversible thread, allowing tripod heads, cameras or accessories with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch internal threads can be mounted. In addition, the Tri-Mount mounting plate features three mounting lugs and six 1/4-inch internal threads for mounting any accessories for a wide variety of applications.

New fasteners and locks

The O-Pad twist locks on the legs have been given a new grip surface. Now slightly raised for an even more comfortable, intuitive feel, they have become significantly more grippy, secure and water-repellent. Handling is now even more comfortable and the rigidity higher, as redesigned locks inside also provide greater clamping force to ensure the tripod legs are locked in place with absolute stability. Even in poor weather conditions and cold temperatures, these non-slip locks are easy to operate, allowing the tripod to be set up at the desired height and position in a flash and without contortions. The Rapid-Latch locking system for the legs has also been brought up to Legends standard. The magnesium alloy locking notches have been specially optimised to make the stepless adjustment of the leg angles even smoother. Even with limited mobility, for example when wearing gloves, the optimal angle can be easily set.

Interchangeable tripod feet for any surface

The Ray is equipped with specially shaped rubber feet to ensure a non-slip grip even on smooth surfaces. For maximum stability on any surface, the tripod feet can be unscrewed and replaced with four different tripod feet available as accessories. All tripod legs feature a 3/8-inch internal thread with a 1/4-inch internal thread adapter, allowing other accessories to be mounted.

AirHed VU Blue – The ball head with a window to the ball bearing

Sure, the AirHed VU Blue from 3 Legged Thing is ‘just’ a particularly high-performance ball head, with an extremely durable and easy-to-use quick-release system. But the British tripod designers at 3LT aren’t known for settling for good performance. Who else would turn a ball head into a design icon? So the tinkerers from Stagsden simply set a window in a sleek magnesium alloy, revealing the central ball bearings in the AirHed VU’s locking mechanism.

Performance and application

The practical specifications are, of course, equally on a par with the technology. Tested with a load of 40 kg in every ball position, there is nothing this ball head cannot handle. The quick-release base allows for easy levelling regardless of the camera tripod’s orientation. The locking knobs, featuring a particularly high-quality, slightly textured finish, are therefore extremely easy to grip and comfortable to operate. This ensures quick and secure fastening of the quick-release plate without much effort. Furthermore, the 360° panorama quick-release system can also be used separately, for example on a monopod. The elegant anodised finish in metallic blue and copper tones makes the ball head a visual highlight, whilst also enhancing its durability. The ball, crafted from a high-quality aluminium-magnesium alloy, ensures a silky-smooth movement and unrivalled stability. A spirit level and the Arca-compatible quick-release plate make the 3LT AirHed VU not only a design statement but also an uncompromisingly flexible ball head with high practical value.

Sturdy carry bag for use as a counterweight

The package includes a meticulously crafted fabric bag with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for transporting the tripod. Furthermore, the bag can be filled with sand or stones via a nylon lining and attached to the D-ring on the tripod centre column using the supplied carabiner. This provides a simple way to create a counterweight for additional stabilisation of the tripod. On photo shoots, the carrying solution with shoulder strap is comfortable and offers the best protection for the tripod.

Toolz Multi-tool

The package also includes the 3LT Toolz multi-tool, which serves as a screwdriver, Allen key, carabiner, bottle opener and key ring. This allows you to carry out all relevant tasks when using a camera tripod (tightening the quick-release plate, changing the quick-release base and tripod feet, readjusting the tripod leg joints, etc.).

Technical details 3LT Legends Ray (with AirHed VU ball head)

Maximum working height with ball head: 1.38 m
Maximum working height (without ball head): 1.30 m
Minimum working height: 29 cm
Minimum working height (without centre column): 10.4 cm
Maximum height as a monopod: 1.34 m
Material: Carbon
Colour: Anthracite/Copper
Load capacity: maximum 30 kg (at 23-degree leg angle) or
20 kg (at 55-degree leg angle) or
10 kg (at 80-degree leg angle)
Weight: 1.68 kg
Leg sections: 5
Packed length: 35 cm
Carrying bag length: 40 cm

Technical details AirHed VU ball head

Ball diameter: 30 mm
Load capacity: 40 kg
Compatibility: Arca
Dimensions: 10 cm x 9.5 mm (height x width)
Weight: 363 g
Material: Magnesium alloy
Colour: Metallic

Contents

1 3LT Legends Ray camera tripod
1 3LT AirHed VU Blue ball head
1 Arca-compatible QR Octa quick-release plate
1 3LT Toolz multi-tool
1 carry bag with shoulder strap