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#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 2,144
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Hi,
Does anyone have experience with Benro tripods (Chinese knockoff Gitzo)? I am looking at either the C2691T Travel Angel or the C2980T Transformer (not sure if this was the Flexpod of a few years ago). I like the Travel Angel for its compactness but not sure about the 5 section legs. I like the Transformer for its centre column which can be used vertically and horizontally - ideal for macros and difficult angles. Just not sure how stable the camera would be when used horizontally. I plan to get a photoclam head. Hope someone can help me make the right decision. I eliminated Gitzo on price and Manfrotto because of the flip locks and paying for the name. Cheers Lyn |
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Frankfurt AM
Posts: 11,348
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They are actually very nice tripods. The CF ones are excellent. But I tend to think they are really over priced, but it is high quality.
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Super Frequent Flyer, no joke. Ex Patriot and loving it. Canon Eos 60D, T1i/500D, Eos1, Eos 630, Olympus EPL-1, and a part time Pentax K-X shooter. |
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#3 |
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 2,144
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Wow, that was quick! Yes, I am looking at CF for travel.
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#4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona
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I have the 4 section travel angle in aluminum. Its a good travel tripod, I like it a lot. I selected the aluminum over the CF since CF is stiffer and does not dampen the vibrations as well. The weight is about the same. I also have an older 3 section Manaffro 3001 Pro that is much heavier that I use when its really windy out or I have a heavier load on top (camera, lens and Nodal Ninja). The fewer leg sections helps.
The 5 section would pack smaller, however there is always a trade off to be made. The 4 section was the most that I personally would go in terms of leg sections. I though about the transformer, but was afraid of tipping. Photoclams are great. I went with the Acratech GP so that I could have a ballhead that would pan level. A panning base will not pan level unless the tripod is setup perfectly level. Something I have never been able to accomplish, so the ability to invert the GP and have it pan absolutely level was what I needed. hope that helps..... ![]() |
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#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 2,144
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Thank you interested observer. That is exactly the information I need to help with the decision making process.
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 569
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Hey banksy,
I considered the Benro but I prefer the flip locks for faster setup. I recently purchased a Horusbennu 747T from a seller in Korea. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270757362059 I got this for travel as my Manfrotto 190XPROB has been a chore to pack and lug around. They also have carbon fiber, but I did not want to worry about the airline gorrilas that handle bags. Tripod is stable and has a hook at the bottom to hang your bag/weight. The legs fold over the head like the Benro. I have not seen a Benro so cannot compare quality, etc. This is with my 70-300. |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Western Australia
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Thanks paniolo. I will check it out. What ballhead are you using?
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Frankfurt AM
Posts: 11,348
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another nice option are the vanguard tracker, they make a pretty nice ball head
http://www.adorama.com/VGT243AB50.html
__________________
Super Frequent Flyer, no joke. Ex Patriot and loving it. Canon Eos 60D, T1i/500D, Eos1, Eos 630, Olympus EPL-1, and a part time Pentax K-X shooter. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 569
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banksy, the ballhead is the LX-T1 that came with the tripod (at the bottom of the link provided).
shoturtle, I don't know if the length of the Vanguard is with the head attached or not, but seems quite long to fit in a suitcase. Last edited by paniolo; Jul 8, 2011 at 4:09 AM. |
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#10 | |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 70
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The Transformer allows one leg to be converted to a Monopod and the Flexpod has an articulated center column. ( I own both ). I have been very pleased with my Benro Tripods. While I am not a hard user, I have given them a moderate work out. So far they have held up well |
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