Libec TH-V New Entry-Level Tripod Introduced

by Jose PradaNovember 20^th, 2023

At Inter BEE 2023, Libec, the Japanese company specializing in camera support systems, announced the TH-V, an upcoming entry-level tripod from the TH series set to launch in March 2024. We talked to Koichi Yamaguchi-san from Libec, so let’s see what this new tripod will offer.

Libec, whose new headquarters and factory expansion we covered not long ago, is a Japanese camera support manufacturer that started their journey more than 70 years ago. They were at the InterBEE trade show in Japan this month to introduce their new products, and my colleague Johnnie was there to ask them about this new tripod.

A lightweight and straightforward tripod

The Libec TH-V is a new, entry-level tripod targeted to all videographers and content creators who use DSLR, mirrorless, and, in general, any handheld video camera. The TH series tripods are cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to use.

The TH-V has a fluid head featuring a 75mm ball and a flat base. Libec calls this a ‘dual head’, and its design aims to be versatile and compatible so that it can be easily used on a 75mm bowl tripod, flat head photo tripod, skate dollies, sliders, etc. The head can be easily changed from device to device by screwing the clamp on and off. The sliding plate is compatible with Manfrotto and Satchler heads and can be attached and released with one touch, speeding up the setup time.

The difference between this model and the previous one is that the drag is now able to control tilt and panning with dedicated friction control knobs separated from the locking mechanism, which makes it easier to change the stiffness of the tripod. The drag also ensures smoother movement and a constant speed while panning or tilting, avoiding wobbly movements during the shot.

Libec has designed this lightweight tripod (3.7kg/8.15 lbs) by using robust plastic combined with aluminum. I know that anytime we hear the word ‘plastic’ in a tripod, some of our worst fears regarding equipment durability arise. Nevertheless, Libec assures us that, leveraging their expertise in plastic moldings, they have struck a balance between hardness and weight, resulting in a durable yet lightweight product that comes at a more affordable price compared to a carbon tripod.

The TH-V tripod will carry a payload of up to 5kg, covering a vast range of cameras from mirrorless to bigger, handheld video cameras. The tripod extends up to 163cm, and its lowest setup is around 70cm. The company is still fine-tuning the tripod’s features, and we might have some additional details soon.

Price and availability

The Libec TH-V will be available in March 2024 following thorough quality control checks and testing procedures to ensure its safety in all possible scenarios. It will cost around $360-370, which includes the tripod, head, and case. The head only will also be available separately for about $200.

What do you think about this new model? Would it be a successful option among the vast tripod offers available? Let us know in the comments!