When I first started using the Ranger LS-324CEX tripod with my Nikon Z8 the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8, and especially the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As a wildlife and sports photographer, stability, portability, and ease of use are key factors for me. I need a tripod that’s light enough to carry through long outdoor sessions but sturdy enough to handle the weight of heavy telephoto lenses and a pro-level camera. After extensive use in the field, I can confidently say that the Ranger LS-324CEX has exceeded my expectations and become an indispensable part of my gear.
First Impressions and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed about the Ranger LS-324CEX is its carbon fiber construction. This material keeps the tripod lightweight (weighing around 1.65 kg), which is essential for me when I’m hiking to remote locations for wildlife photography. At the same time, the carbon fiber adds significant strength and stability. I was immediately impressed by how well the tripod balances weight and portability.
The overall build quality is solid. The twist locks on the legs feel smooth and secure, and the leg sections extend quickly without any fuss. One feature I really like is the built-in leveling base (hence the "CEX" in the name), which allows for easy leveling on uneven terrain—something that comes in handy when I’m setting up in rough, uneven outdoor environments like rocky hillsides or forest floors. The leveling base offers a tilt range of up to 15°, making it quick to adjust without constantly fiddling with the individual leg heights.
Performance with the Nikon Z8 and Z 70-200mm f/2.8
Using the Ranger LS-324CEX with the Nikon Z8 and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is a breeze. The tripod easily handles the combined weight of the camera and lens, which totals around 2.5 kg. The tripod head’s fluid motion allows me to quickly adjust for framing, whether I’m tracking moving subjects during a sports event or adjusting for different compositions in portrait or wildlife photography.
The Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is a workhorse lens, and when mounted on the Z8, I typically use this combination for everything from portraits to closer wildlife encounters. The Ranger LS-324CEX provides the stability I need to keep my shots sharp, even in lower light where I need slower shutter speeds. The tripod's compactness and light weight make it easy to carry along, and the setup time is minimal, which is essential when I need to react quickly in the field.
Performance with the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3: A Detailed Review
Where the Ranger LS-324CEX really proves its worth is when I pair it with the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 for wildlife photography. The Z 180-600mm is a long, heavy telephoto lens, and stabilizing it properly is crucial for sharp images, especially when shooting at the far end of the zoom range.
Stability and Support
Despite the weight of the Z8 and 180-600mm combination (which is around 3.3 kg), the Ranger LS-324CEX holds steady, even in breezy conditions or on uneven ground. The maximum load capacity of the tripod is 25 kg, so it comfortably supports this setup with no signs of wobbling or instability. This level of stability is essential when shooting distant subjects at 600mm, where even the slightest movement can result in blurry images.
One key aspect that makes this tripod suitable for such a long lens is its robust leg locking system. The twist locks provide firm and reliable adjustments, and once the legs are locked into place, there’s no slipping. The tripod doesn’t budge, which gives me confidence when working with long exposures or fast-moving wildlife where stability is paramount.
Leveling Base for Wildlife Photography
The built-in leveling base on the Ranger LS-324CEX is one of my favorite features when using the Z 180-600mm. When I’m photographing wildlife, I often have to position myself in awkward, uneven spots—like kneeling on rocks or setting up on sloped terrain. The leveling base allows me to quickly adjust and keep my camera level without adjusting each leg separately. This saves me valuable time when I need to get the camera ready for action as quickly as possible, such as when an animal suddenly comes into view.
Pan and Tilt Fluidity
The fluid head on this tripod makes panning and tilting with the 180-600mm lens incredibly smooth. Wildlife often moves unpredictably, and being able to smoothly follow their motion is crucial. The panning action is especially helpful for tracking birds in flight or other fast-moving animals, where jerky movements could ruin the shot. Paired with the Z8’s fast and reliable autofocus, I can follow the subject without worrying about the tripod impeding my movements.
Vibration Reduction and Long Focal Lengths
Even though the Nikon Z 180-600mm has built-in Vibration Reduction (VR), when shooting at 600mm, it’s always safer to have a stable tripod. The Ranger LS-324CEX helps eliminate any residual vibrations from wind or manual adjustments. In combination with VR, I can confidently shoot at slower shutter speeds when the lighting conditions aren’t ideal, like at dusk or during overcast days.
For example, I recently used this setup to photograph birds at dawn. The low light meant I had to rely on slower shutter speeds, but the combination of VR and the stability provided by the tripod resulted in sharp, clear images, even at 600mm.
Portability in the Field
Despite its stability, the Ranger LS-324CEX is incredibly portable, which is a significant factor when using a heavy setup like the Z8 and 180-600mm lens. When collapsed, the tripod is compact enough to easily strap to my backpack. I appreciate this because I often hike for hours to reach prime wildlife locations, and having a lightweight but sturdy tripod makes all the difference.
The tripod’s four-section legs make it easy to pack down into a relatively short length, and it extends to a maximum height of 178 cm, giving me plenty of flexibility depending on the shot I need. This versatility allows me to shoot from both low and high angles without compromising on stability.
Additional Considerations
One thing to consider with the Ranger LS-324CEX is that while it’s excellent for heavy setups like the Z 180-600mm, it doesn’t come with a dedicated gimbal head, which many wildlife photographers might prefer for long telephoto lenses. However, I’ve found that the fluid head it comes with works well enough for smooth panning and tilting, especially for wildlife that isn’t moving too erratically.
Final Thoughts
The Ranger LS-324CEX tripod is a fantastic choice for photographers like me who need stability, durability, and portability when working with heavy, long-range lenses like the Nikon Z 180-600mm. It offers impressive stability, even with telephoto lenses at their maximum zoom, and the built-in leveling base makes it quick and easy to adjust for uneven terrain.
For wildlife photography in particular, this tripod has proven to be a reliable partner. Its lightweight design means I can carry it with me on long hikes, and its sturdy construction ensures that it can handle the weight of my equipment without sacrificing stability. Whether you’re photographing fast-moving wildlife or need a stable platform for long exposures, the Ranger LS-324CEX is up to the task, making it a solid investment for any serious photographer.

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