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

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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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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 [:)]

Yes, the Manfrottos can go very low. I've checked on Gitzo's site and couldn't find anything that can get as low as the Manfrotto.


One of the biggest problem with the Manfrottos is weight - they are not light at all.


Besides that, I've played with a gitzo a bit - seems to me that the quality is much MUCH higher than Manfrotto.

how low are you talking about? The Gitzo Systematic tripods can lower to 3.7''.


brendan

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Originally Posted by Oren

I own a Manfrotto 190XB with a 486RC2 ballhead. If you have any questions regarding these, feel free to ask.
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Isn't the 190XB aluminum or am I looking at the wrong one? If it is, you don't have any problems with that? I sure like the price of the one I was looking at but like I said, I could be eyeing the wrong one.


Denise

Yes, the Manfrotto 055/190 series is aluminum. A manfrotto will satisfy you. But putting a $2000 camera-lens kit on a $200 tripod is not a sound idea. Many switch from manfrotto to Gitzo and wonder why they didn't fork over the dough in the first place. If you are going to get a Manfrotto, get the 055XPROB. It's extremely similar to the 190XWB but is better for macro work.


brendan

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Originally Posted by bburns223

Yes, the Manfrotto 055/190 series is aluminum. A manfrotto will satisfy you. But putting a $2000 camera-lens kit on a $200 tripod is not a sound idea. Many switch from manfrotto to Gitzo and wonder why they didn't fork over the dough in the first place. If you are going to get a Manfrotto, get the 055XPROB. It's extremely similar to the 190XWB but is better for macro work.


brendan
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I don't think either can handle enough weight for my needs ...camera, external flash, 300 f/4 with extender. I think I'll stick with my original plan but maybe a used one if I can find it. I should say 2nd original plan ...the Gitzo. [:)]


Denise

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I don't think either can handle enough weight for my needs ...camera, external flash, 300 f/4 with extender. I think I'll stick with my original plan but maybe a used one if I can find it. I should say 2nd original plan ...the Gitzo. [img]/emoticons/emotion-1.gif[/img]

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Do you use your 300 f/4 with the 1.4 a lot? I use mine bare.

Not to beat a dead horse, since I think you are the same person who started a thread about this a while back, but I think you should check out the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fiber three-section tripod. Very sturdy (rated to comfortably support nearly 18 lbs.), very light (under 2.25 lbs.), retails for only $399.


It's not a Gitzo, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing in this case. Gitzo tripods rock, and so does the RRS carbon tripod, but the Manfrotto I listed is a very nice piece of kit. Also its legs splay out to get close to the ground, and the center column lays over 90 degrees for fantastic versatility, including very close macro shots. Because of the way it works, you can extend the center column horizontally to avoid shadows caused by the legs and/or center spider of a typical tripod, too.


My 2c.

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Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1

Not to beat a dead horse, since I think you are the same person who started a thread about this a while back, but I think you should check out the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fiber three-section tripod. Very sturdy (rated to comfortably support nearly 18 lbs.), very light (under 2.25 lbs.), retails for only $399.

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I did post a thread before for advice on monopods when I was considering buying one. Your response was (which talked me out of purchasing one)...

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"It seems like your targets (flowers and birds) are either long range or require a very steady hand. Neither of those is what monopods are all about. A monopod is not a cheap alternative to a tripod, but a totally different animal entirely. If you said you were shooting fast-moving field action sports, then we're talking monopod, but your desires seem to be pointing you towards a good steady lightweight tripod, with a good tripod head.


I am just suggesting this because I own one, but with the budget you are proposing based solely on the Gitzo 5541, have you looked at the Bogen Manfrotto 055CXPRO3? That is a great tripod for the money. It is carbon fiber, with magnesium hardware, and it seems very strong and stable. It is incredibly light, like 2+ pounds, and can be made to be a very stable vertical macro mount by re-orienting the center column 90 degrees."


So you arebeating a half dead horse! [;)]


I do really like the tripod you suggest but I am wondering if it is truly is stable enough. Many on this site are very pro Gitzo and for good reason but I'd love to save a few hundred dollars and yet don't want to buy more than I truly need.


Thanks Much!


Denise

I have a Benro C-298 and I have to say that I am quite, quite happy with it. I definitely recommend it.


Regarding the issue Benro vs Gitzo... Well, I have no experience with Gitzos, but they are known to be the best in the market. So, yes, they are most probably better than Benros. The question is: so much better as to make up for the difference in price? I am not so sure. I find surprising that the first person who answeredsaid that the Gitzos last for 30 years while Benros not. How can he say that Benros do not last for 30 years? Benro started producing tripods in 1996 and carbon-fiber tripod production did probably not start until 2002. So we have still to see if Benros last or not. Let's give them an opportunity. What it is true is that Benros are an imitation of Gitzos. It is however also true that Benro was the first to go from 6-layer carbon fiber tripods to 8-layer ones.


Cheers

hi Denise,





I would suggest checking out the Sirui brand tripod. It's not a Gitzo by any means but it is really quite good. A friend of mine has one ane it is pretty well made. This friend who use to do metal work swears by the quality and workmanship put into the product.


I know it's not a popular brand right now but it is worth considering. You can check it out at amazon.

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Originally Posted by jks

hi Denise,





I would suggest checking out the Sirui brand tripod. It's not a Gitzo by any means but it is really quite good. A friend of mine has one ane it is pretty well made. This friend who use to do metal work swears by the quality and workmanship put into the product.


I know it's not a popular brand right now but it is worth considering. You can check it out at amazon.
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Thanks for the suggestion and it does look like a good tripod but yesterday I ended up getting the Induro CT213. So far, it looks like it is going to work out well for me.


Thanks again though for your suggestion,


Denise

I bought 2 of the Heavier duty Benro C-428 tripods, and have been happy with them over the past 1.5 years. They take everything i throw at them and are very stable. The tripods are heavy to carry around, so you don't want to go hiking with one, but i paid $279.95 at B&amp;H before they sold out.

if your eye lean to gitzo , you might consider the gt3541xls. some says it can be slightly unsteady with the 4 section of leg extended. but in normal use, you only use 3 section and it is rock steady. it is stil steady fully open but depending of the head in use your looking at a lens point of view aprox 7 feet high. could be usefull over a group of people. it is usefull on very uneven terrain or a stairway. with a leg extended toward the low side of terrain or stair you could steadily and confortably take the shot you want, nice.


hope it help for your decision.