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