Leki Photo Carbon Speedlock Trekking Pole, Black

OK... Let me start off by saying that I love Leki trekking poles. In fact I bought this pole after giving my trusty Leki Sierra SAS pole to someone who was not quite yet in need of a cane. That Sierra pole had accompanied me on many photographic treks through all the seasons, and I never thought twice about an improvement that could be made to it. So, when it came time to acquire a new pole, I went straight to the Lekis and selected this Photosystem Carbon Trekking Pole based on all the positive reviews.This pole is very fine. The pole itself feels sturdy and sure. The SpeedLocks are a nice touch and they make pole adjustment a snap, although I don't know that they are any more sturdy/secure then traditional twist lock poles such as the previously mentioned Sierra. Once locked in place, this pole is a lightweight monolith. It feels balanced, and comfortable, and the Aergon grip is intuitive and ergonomic. The only item I can note with regards to questionable quality is that the plastic bits and threads which lock the grip to the pole head that conceals the camera mount don't feel like they would hold up well to years and years of use. The camera mount itself, as someone else here has noted, is plastic and would not inspire confidence if used with a larger SLR mounted to a long lens. In short, it feels that when the Aergon grip was adapted to conceal a camera mount, the design was implemented with less than rock-solid elements. It seems like a "bean counter" in Leki may have pushed for cost reduction with how the mount was realized. I'll update this post as I use the camera mount over time.One other peccadillo I find with this pole is that only top middle two collapsible pole segments have index marks. The third, lowest segment, does not, and this negates the value of having index marks on the top two segments. You can be sure that the top two sections are exactly where you want them, but without markings on the 3rd segment, a consistent overall length can never be obtained. As Leki is a German company this design oversight, which results in a clear lack of precision, surprises me.Overall I would probably rate this pole 4-stars. So why have I rated the pole 3-stars here??? Because Leki already has an essentially identical solution for less than half the price. As I write this the LEKI Sierra SAS pole (available through Amazon from EMS) costs just shy of $72, and the Leki Photosystem Carbon pole costs just shy of $160. For less than half the price, you can have, in my opinion, an equally fine pole for photographic trekking. The Sierra lacks the Aergon grip, in its place is a simple humble wooden knob which unscrews (on solid metal threads) to reveal simple, but perfect,camera mount. Both this Leki Photosystem and the Sierra feel great in the hand. Both collapse to the same length. Both can use an assortment of baskets. The Sierra might be a tad bit heavier, but not noticeably. Neither pole's weight is oppressive in the least. Frankly I would say they are about equal overall, with the camera mount of the Sierra being more solid.In summary the Leki Photosystem Carbon is a great pole. Overall, with exception of the camera mount, it has top-notch quality and I am sure I will enjoy it for a long time, but I also know I would be just as happy had I bought another Sierra. Happy trekking!

This pole, made in the Czech Republic as someone else noted, appears nicely finished however unless extended about six inches the lower section will simply not lock at all and will slide freely even after the lever is fully snapped in.The remaining two movable sections do seem to tighten satisfactorily.The pole comes with a rubber walking tip which, when pulled off, reveals the carbide flex tip.Leki's website says this pole comes with the performance basket but that was not included from this reseller.The two reasons I see to get this more expensive single pole is the 5'7" full extension length and the "hidden" monoppd screw in the Aergon Photo Grip. When the concealing grip cap of thick plastic is unlocked rotated and removed the 1/4-20 stud and red knurled locking nut are revealed. Attaching a small camera is easy. I am not sure that I would attach a heavy DSLR and lens combination unless a camera strap was around my neck" these are after all plastic pieces securing the metal 1/4" -20 screw.The Aergon grip cap top is easily pocketable when removed, and overall it's mostly a good grip implementation, but as another reviewer mentioned it could be more confortable when used cane-style if it were a bit larger. When used as a standard trekking grip with the supplied velcro strap it feels very secure and comfortable.In that the lower section doesn't tighten securely and this pole is meant to take some weight walking or trekking I am unwilling to rate it higher than a three.As a compromise use pole for use as a monopod and for trekking/walking , I think the pole does very well filling its multiple functions.

Pros: Disagree completely with another reviewer all you have to do is buy cheap Leki SAS Sierra to get same. SAS is Aluminum not Carbon and has much poorer grip handle. Photo Carbon comes with well made strap to further secure your hand to pole. Purchased this pole after full knee replacement surgery. We live in mountains at a lake community. Steep paths & stairs to dock & treking mountains this stick is a gem for stability. Made rehab in knee actually bearable. Extremely light, easy adjustment to size, locks firm. Can tighten with screwdriver to max to set position. Have owned pole now few years, like new. Not a single damaged part to stick after heavy use. Photo screw bit small under easy twist handle top for camera but child could screw on most models. If not couple dollar adapter couldn't be any simpler to mount. Rubber bottom tip holds all surfaces.Cons: Haters to any product made.Pricing but caveat if it was cheaper would buy two but worth every penny. Here, you get what you pay for.

This is a great trekking pole, light and strong. It's one of the few that allows me to use a palm grip, though I would prefer the size to be larger for a more comfortable grasp.The camera screw-lock is a nice gimmick and beautifully hidden under the cap. I've only used it twice so far. But works well as advertised.

I bought this for my husband for Xmas 2011 and finally he was able to put it to use in Nepal in October 2012. Last year he found it hard to steady his camera, particularly while still breathing heavily following a steep ascent.This trekking pole functioned well as a mono pod, allowing him to steady the camera even with the zoom lens attached. Attaching / detaching the camera was quick and simple.As a trekking pole it was great, easily adjusted to a comfortable height and no slipping unlike his other Leki pole which uses a twisting action to lock each section in place.

It has everything. Functional, light, the adjustment clips are superior to anything out there. The top releases quickly so that you can put your camera on the tip. It will hold almost anything. It gives you one additional plane of stability to reduce camera shake. I use it for outdoor macro photography and on long hikes where a tripod is too cumbersome.