UPDATED: Benro C-297M8 HVC Carbon Fiber Flexpod - Good or Bad Choice...Gitzo GT3531 6x Better Choice?

After trying all day (a few days to be more accurate) to find a tripod in my price range (new or used) that will give me the most benefits for my $ I've come up with the Benro C-297M8. Has anyone seen or used this model (I can't find any reviews on it)? Is Benro a decent brand? I know you get what you pay for and I just don't have the financial resources to pay over $500 for a tripod and still have to get the necessary attachments for it but I don't want to buy junk either. I already have that with the tripod that came with my kit that I don't even think has a brand name!


This model runs about $335 and since I'm 5'5", the height & weight of it I think will be ok & it's carbon fiber which most everyone here recommends. I will be using it with my 300mm f/4 L lens w/ extender& 100mm Macro lens on my T1i with 580EX II for the most part ...until I can afford more lenses.


Well, any feedback on my choice greatly appreciated. [:)]


Denise





UPDATED 1/24: Ok, I now know Benro is definitely the WRONG choice (thanks guys) so now I am looking at the GT3531 6x. With all the choices of Series 2 & 3 to choose from, am I correct in thinking this would beagood choice for my telephoto and macro lens uses?


Feedback much appreciated! [:)]


Denise

Denise, I am going to have to persuade you to take a tough but ultimately rewarding path: Wait, practice in the meanwhile, and buy a Gitzo.


Benro is a Chinese clone of the Gitzo tripods. They are so similar in features that Benro is even being sued by Gitzo for infringement. However, the difference is inside their products. Gitzo tripods can last for 30+ years due to their superior build quality. Benros, not so much. I myself considered a Benro earlier but have made the decision to wait and reward myself fully later. You might want to do the same.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I just don't have the financial resources to pay over $500 for a tripod

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Neither do I, right now. But I will wait a bit, and maybe this summer I'll have enough. In the meanwhile I'll practice my handholding.


The tripod you picked is not strong enough to hold your 300 f/4. Its weight rating and overall stability will only support your 100 macro. If you are determined to buy a Benro you will need the C-358m8, which costs $460, which already pushes your $500 budget. The tripod you picked will be insufficient for the tasks you need it for not only with your 300 f/4 but also with your macro. With macro photography you often need to get low to the ground, and the Benro you picked only lowers to 15''. Gitzo systematic tripods (which you should get) can lower to 4''.





If you don't want/can't wait for the Gitzo, get the Benro C-358m8. Remember that the Gitzos are far superior and will be a more rewarding purchase.


If you can wait and save for a tripod, get a Gitzo 2 or 3 series tripod. These will cost you $650+. Waiting will not be that painful; I am myself waiting and saving. In the process I am learning the inner workings of my camera. Here's a handheld shot from today:


7D + 300mm f/4L IS USM at f/5.6, 1/200, ISO 320. Manual Exposure, Handheld, uncropped.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.36.40/IMG_5F00_2207.jpg[/img]


Remember that a tripod is worthless without a good head. Consider the RRS BH-55, Arca Swiss Z1 and Acratech GP (my favorite)

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

...until I can afford more lenses.

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Whoa! Slow it down a bit! Don't worry about that just yet. You have a fantastic kit that as of now should be just fine IMHO.


hope this helps


brendan

I'm only going to be partially helpful here as I don't know the Benro tripod and cannot give you an opinion on it. What I can say is that I've had the Gitzo GT2530LVL (since replaced by the GT2531LVL) for about three years. It looks like it is similar in features to the Benro you are looking at except it is rated to carry 12kg.


The heaviest lens I own is the 70-200mm f/2.8L and this tripod carries that weight very well. I use it in conjunction with an Arca-Swiss Z1 double pan ballhead. The combination of leveling stem on the tripod and the double pan feature of the ballhead gives me an extremely flexible and easy to adjust yet very solid mounting solution. Particularly good for panning and panoramas. I can tell you that both items together set me back about $1000, yet I regard this as perhaps the best spent money I have devoted to my photography.


There is simply no substitute for an excellent tripod/head. I use it almost all the time; I never go out on a serious shoot without it and the majority of my best photos have been taken using it. I have not regretted this purchase in any way whatsoever. Even though I had to save and postpone buying some desirable lenses to get it. I have much cheaper tripods that I now use as umbrella mounts. That was not the reason I bought them! Go for good quality here.

Thank you so much, Brendan! Boy, did you give me a much needed education and timing could not have been better! I was about to hit the "Buy Now" button on a Benro! [+o(]


If I could just take ONE photo as good as the one you did today, I'd be estatic! WOW!
Until I do, I will just practice and save until I can afford to get what I really need in a tripod.


Denise

I am going to hold off until I can afford a Gitzo. I realize patience will pay off dearly and in the meantime I have plenty to practice. Being new to this, I'm getting quite the wake up call on how expensive everything is ...I had no idea but best to spend $1000 on something that is really good than $500 on nowhere near meets my needs.


With all you guys have taught me, heck pretty soon I'll be able to educate the next newbie on this site! [:P]


Denise

I'm so glad I was able to help [:)]


One suggestion that might help your photography...


do you have a birdfeeder? No matter where you live or the season, a birdfeeder with quality seed will attract a variety of birds. I installed a feeder in my backyard next to (1-2' away from) a couple of bushes. Birds that are "waiting in line" for the feeder stay in the bush, where I photograph them. The feeder will attract the birds, the bushes will make nice natural backgrounds for the birds. Installing a birdfeeder is rewarding. You might want to try it. Instead of trekking in search of nature, let it come right to you.





brendan

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Being new to this, I'm getting quite the wake up call on how expensive everything is ...

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OMG I know that feeling SO well!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

UPDATED 1/24: Ok, I now know Benro is definitely the WRONG choice (thanks guys) so now I am looking at the GT3531 6x. With all the choices of Series 2 & 3 to choose from, am I correct in thinking this would beagood choice for my telephoto and macro lens uses?


Feedback much appreciated! [img]/emoticons/emotion-1.gif[/img]

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Gitzo 2 series would do just fine, but 3 series would give you that extra support. Instead of feeling very sturdy, it would feel very, very, very, ridicously insanely sturdy (lol). I suggest 3 series because Gitzo tripods can last 40 years. If and when you buy a supertelephoto (5lb+) lens a 3 series will be ready for duty. Also, the price difference is often less than $100, so just get the 3 series. The 3531 is nice, but I suggest getting a Gitzo systematic (basically the same thing without the center column) because it can get lower to the ground. The GT3531s or GT3541ls are both great choices. The latter is a 4-section so it is a fraction less sturdy (well, a fraction of a fraction), weighs less and is slightly smaller. The choice between a 3 and 4 section is your personal preference. I personally am saving for a GT3531s. I am using the same lens you are (300 f/4). It's a systematic so it can get low to the ground for great nature and macro shots. I think it's a good bet for you. It costs a bit under $700. It's hard to swallow. I am by no means flush with $ and have decided it's worth the money. Remember that even a tripod like this is completely useless without a good head. Ballheads are usually the best choice. Although Bryan recommends the Arca Swiss Z1, I think it's a bit overpriced. My personal favorite head is the Acratech GP and GV2 heads. However, heads are a matter of like-it or don't-like-it. Just make sure to pick a quality one (ouch, that's another $400~!). Whatever you pick, remember not to rush your purchase and buy something lesser.


Good Luck!


brendan

If weight is NOT a problem, check Manfrotto's tripods - I don't know any tripods that can get as low to the ground as the Manfrottos can and this is important for macro.


I own a Manfrotto 190XB with a 486RC2 ballhead. If you have any questions regarding these, feel free to ask.

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Originally Posted by Oren

If weight is NOT a problem, check Manfrotto's tripods - I don't know any tripods that can get as low to the ground as the Manfrottos can and this is important for macro.

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I, too, own a Manfrotto and am totally satisfied with it, and appreciate how low I can get with it (also for macro). I've never owned a Gitzo, though. Maybe I just don't know what I'm missing, but I plan to keep it that way :)

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Being new to
this, I'm getting quite the wake up call on how expensive everything is
...

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OMG I know that feeling SO well!!!

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Yeah,
whenever I get that wake up call, I just press snooze and go back to
sleep [:)]