Benro Tripods... Any Good?

[erno james]

i like mine, fits nicely on my Think Tank backpack. As a pure hobbyist, I couldn

[neuroanatomist]

Hey Brett,


Which camera shop, if you don

[TucsonTRD]

I just purchased the 055xprob and I am incredibly impressed with it and it's features. I don't think I agree with Firestarter, but to each his own. For me, brand always has something to do with my purchase, in virtually everything I buy. That's not to say I buy the most expensive brand, but a brand is typically more than just an expensive name. It is frequently a reputation (quality, customer service, etc) and the small additional features that add up.


"Testing" a tripod in a camera shop should not be considered adequate either if you don't want to trust the judgment and reviews of other photographers. That is unless you will be using the tripod exclusively in a studio setting where you will always have ideal conditions.


On to the meat of your post....Being a recent purchaser of the 055xprob, I highly recommend it. Though, as you probably now know, it is not very light. I don't really know anything about the Benro tripods, so I certainly won't knock them, but I just bought my tripod for $160 with free shipping from B&H. That's only a $30 difference from the Benro, though you won't get a carry case.


Out of curiosity, what head do you plan on using?


Braden

[Fast Glass]

How about Benro ball heads? They have them at Keh for a decent price. I already have a tripod (a very heavy contractor tripod that is as sturdy as heck!) so no problems there.


John.

[Firephoto]

Thanks for your responses,


It sounds like erno has put some mileage on his Benro. I did like the Benro.


This particular model wasn't as fine tuned as the Manfrotto but it was also $150 less. The thought of a Carbon Fiber tripod for $250 really caught my eye, if it's almost as good. The sales rep. said it normally retails for $400. I'm just a little concerned with the brand. I've heard of Benro, just never considered them. I am like Braden, looking for a good brand with a good reputation. Even the aluminum model was lighter than the Manfrotto 055proxb and reading reviews shows me how much weight can make or break a long day of carrying it. Braden also brings up a good point "Testing" a tripod in a camera shop should not be considered adequate either if you don't want to trust the judgment and reviews of other photographers. That is unless you will be using the tripod exclusively in a studio setting where you will always have ideal conditions." about field trials over toying with it in a store setting. I will go by and try it out with my body/lens combo before doing anything.


The head I am looking at is the Giottos MH-1301 from B & H.





Brett





P.S. HAPPY THANKSGIVING[]

[wickerprints]

I

[Firephoto]

I like to buy things that can handle more than I need them too. That way they never fall short. Thanks for the reply.

[scalesusa]

I have a couple of Benro ball heads, I tried them out for a few minutes and put them back in their box. I was very disappointed in their quality. My Benro tripods are just fine though.

[Firephoto]

Which Benro tripods do you have?

[Firephoto]

Hi Braden,


How is the tripod? Do you mind the weight? Or even a better question, does the build quality make the extra weight worth it? Trying to decide before those Benros are gone. Adorama is selling the Carbon Fiber one for $350 and My camera shop had it for $250.


Thanks for your input,


Brett