Chinese Camera Tripod Showdown: Leofoto vs SIRUI vs Benro vs Ulanzi

Chinese tripod brands have evolved from budget alternatives to legitimate options that photographers use professionally. Leofoto, SIRUI, Benro, and Ulanzi now offer carbon fiber tripods that compete directly with Gitzo and Manfrotto — often with better features for less money.

Quick Comparison

Brand	Best Model	Price (Legs)	Material	Weight	Folded	Max Height	Load	Best For
Leofoto	LS-224C	¥699 (~$97)	10-layer CF	1.4kg	42cm	152cm	10kg	Best overall value
SIRUI	T-025SK	¥899 (~$125)	8-layer CF	1.1kg	36cm	142cm	8kg	Ultra-portable travel
Benro	Slim Carbon	¥1,199 (~$166)	8-layer CF	1.4kg	46cm	156cm	8kg	Best height/weight
Ulanzi	MT-49	¥699 (~$97)	Aluminum	1.8kg	38cm	145cm	6kg	Budget choice

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1. Leofoto LS-224C — Best Overall (¥699)

The LS-224C is the current champion for value-conscious photographers. The 10-layer carbon fiber construction, 10kg load capacity, and 42cm folded length make it nearly ideal for travel and landscape work.

Pros: Best-in-class build for the price, retractable spike feet, all-metal twist locks, 29mm max leg diameter provides excellent stability, weight hook included Cons: 5-section legs (slower deployment), 152cm max height is average for tall users

Perfect for: Landscape photographers who want Gitzo-quality at 15% of the price. The LS-224C is the tripod we recommend to most photographers.

2. SIRUI T-025SK — Best for Ultralight Travel (¥899)

SIRUI has long been respected in the tripod world, and the T-025SK is their compact travel offering. At 1.1kg and folding to 36cm, it’s the most portable tripod in this comparison.

Pros: Lightest at 1.1kg, smallest folded size (36cm) — fits in a 30L backpack, smooth twist locks, good build quality Cons: 8kg load capacity limits heavy setups, 5-section legs (as thin as 13mm at the tips), 142cm max height is short for tall photographers

Perfect for: Hikers and travel photographers who prioritize pack size and weight above all else. The T-025SK pairs perfectly with mirrorless kits under 3kg.

3. Benro Slim Carbon — Best Height-to-Weight (¥1,199)

Benro is probably the most established Chinese brand in the West, having been in the tripod business for over 20 years. The Slim Carbon offers the best height-to-weight ratio in this comparison at 156cm max height with 1.4kg weight.

Pros: Tallest (156cm without center column), solid build with 8-layer carbon fiber, 4-section legs (faster setup), good twist lock mechanism, familiar Benro brand reputation Cons: Most expensive at ¥1,199, larger folded size (46cm) — won’t fit in smaller bags, plastic lock ring parts on some models

Perfect for: Tall photographers who need maximum height without upgrading to a full-size tripod. Benro’s established support network is a bonus.

4. Ulanzi MT-49 — Best Budget Option (¥699)

Ulanzi is known for camera cages and accessories, but their MT-49 aluminum travel tripod offers an ultralight-alternative at a budget price. It’s heavier and less stable than the carbon fiber options, but it’s the same price as the Leofoto.

Pros: Lowest price at ¥699, innovative column-to-monopod conversion, good ball head included in some kits, built-in phone mount Cons: Aluminum is heavier (1.8kg), 6kg load limit, plastic components feel less premium, thinner leg sections

Perfect for: Beginner photographers who need a functional tripod on the tightest budget, or as a secondary tripod for phone photography.

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The Numbers: Side by Side

Parameter	Leofoto LS-224C	SIRUI T-025SK	Benro Slim Carbon	Ulanzi MT-49
Stability (weight for vibration)	9/10	7/10	8/10	6/10
Portability	8/10	10/10	7/10	8/10
Build Quality	9/10	8/10	8/10	7/10
Height	7/10	6/10	9/10	7/10
Value	10/10	8/10	7/10	8/10
Overall	8.6/10	7.8/10	7.8/10	7.2/10

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Buying Advice

Budget: ¥699

Leofoto LS-224C is the clear winner. Carbon fiber, 10kg capacity, 42cm folded — it outclasses the Ulanzi MT-49 (aluminum, 1.8kg) at the same price. There’s no reason to buy aluminum at this budget.

Travel: ¥899

SIRUI T-025SK is the best if pack size is your priority. At 1.1kg and 36cm folded, it’s the lightest and smallest carbon tripod from a reputable brand. The trade-off is lower height and load capacity.

Tall Photographers: ¥1,199

Benro Slim Carbon extends to 156cm without the center column — the tallest in this comparison. For photographers over 180cm, the extra height is worth the premium.

Absolute Budget: ¥699

If you must spend under ¥700, the Ulanzi MT-49 is functional but compromises on materials and stability. The Leofoto LS-224C at the same price is significantly better.

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The Verdict: The Leofoto LS-224C is the tripod we recommend to most photographers. It offers the best combination of build quality, stability, portability, and value — punching well above its ¥699 price tag. The SIRUI T-025SK wins for ultra-compact travel, and the Benro Slim Carbon wins for maximum height. The Ulanzi MT-49 is best avoided unless you specifically need its monopod conversion feature.