Benro Tripods and Heads

[Souwalker]

Hi
has anyone heard or used Benro Tripods and Heads?
Thanks
pat




http://search.stores.ebay.com.au/Link-Delight-Links-World_tripod_W0QQfcdZ2QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfromZR10Q QfrtsZ30QQfsnZLinkQ20DelightQ20LinksQ20WorldQQfsoo Z1QQfsopZ1QQfsubZ3362360QQftsZ2QQsaselZ235489574QQ sofpZ0

[Lightstream]

Yes, I have, my current tripod is a Benro A127n6 with their KS1 ballhead. I was a bit skeptical at first, being a bit wary of a brand that I've never really heard of before, but my local camera shop let me play with one until I was convinced that it would be good enough for me. This setup will hold a Bigma and 5D as long as you don't start swinging it around.

Their website: http://www.benro.cn

The best part about their ballheads is that they are Arca-Swiss compatible, that means a readily available source of quick release plates on the open market (nothing proprietary). Works with a whole lot of different and useful stuff. I occasionally put the ballhead on my 697B monopod when I'm using that, it works great on there too.

[Souwalker]

Thanks Lightstream.
I had a look at their website and even with the A series, there are so many to choose from. I am lost simply putting it :-)
What is the difference between the KS1 and the KS 2?
I am looking for a tripod to my 350D with 430ex flash (when necessary) and lens up to the Sigma 18-200mm or 70-300. I do not a the grip yet but will shortly therefore I must find one that will take all of the above.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Pat

[Lightstream]

Yup, sounds like my first experience buying tripods. Ah, the bad old days.. I'd look at all of them and have no idea.

Now what I take into account is weight (of the tripod, because I am going to have to carry it), maximum loading weight (of what I will stick on it), how many leg sections and what kind of leg lock because I will have to deal with it. I actually like fliplocks but the Benro is good enough.

There is a specification summary on this page that you might be able to use to quickly shortlist those you think might be a good option.
http://www.benro.cn/Product/1/pa4.html

A-series are aluminium, C-series are carbon fiber, and H-series are basalt fiber. The more exotic the material, the lighter, while retaining the same strength. I'm on a little bit of a budget so I went aluminium :)

The A127's not in the summary for some reason, but it's here: http://www.benro.cn/Product/1/A127.html

350D with flash, small Sigma and grip isn't that heavy. I load things like the Bigma, 5D, etc. onto it. Add the weight of your ballhead, and for me that can go up to as high as 7.5 pounds quickly (how *DO* I carry this stuff?!?!)

Factor in future upgradeability. Then add a generous margin - you don't want to run tripods at or near their maximum load capacity. I had problems with a Slik Sprint Pro, which is technically specified to hold a 4-pound setup, but the ballhead lockup loosens pretty badly when I put a 5D and 24-105 on it, which isn't quite 4 pounds but close enough. The Sprint Pro was wonderful for a 350D and 17-85, nothing else.

The A127 is a three-section (two locking rings per leg) tripod, 11 pounds max operating weight, so that gives me 5lbs of extra capacity I don't plan to use. It weighs around 3lbs.

The KS1 head is spec'ed to 26 pounds static load, ie. the amount of weight it can carry standing still straight up. Usually we derate this VERY generously especially if you plan to use it at an angle, the weight of a big lens can tilt it. The KS2 has a higher operating weight, but it is also larger and itself weighs more.

The way I see it, this setup will hold the biggest lens and body I can get my hands on for the forseeable future. By the time I can afford anything bigger, I can afford a better tripod too ;)

[Souwalker]

Thanks Lightstream :)
I looked at their site and yes I could not see the A127. I too am on a budget and I am looking at the A127 and the same ball head as yours. I won;'t be able to actual see and feel the tripod and head as I can't find any outlet in Australia so I am basically counting on you :) I tried bidding for the Dynatran AT-828 but one the few tries, never successful. I am getting abit frustrated at bidding:) Know what I mean?
Is the KS1 (your chosen head) smooth? Can it be used vertically as well? How is panning? How is it locked to the camera and is it easy to release? Does the head alreay comes with a quick release plate?I apologize for all these dumb questions. It's all so confusing especially if buying something that I cannot feel.
Oh, did you get your tripod/head from ebay?
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Link-Delight-Links-World
Tjis is the eaby site I am looking at.
Do I have to specify which tripod I am getting for the head? Their site mentioned the KS1 for Manfrotto etc and seem like if the head to fit the other brands they seem to cost more.
Best Rgds
Patrick

[Lightstream]

Counting on me? Whoa, that's a lot of responsibility ;)

I was lucky because I had the opportunity to handle the tripod in person and I bought it from a local dealer - they talked me into it! :mrgreen: Tripods, like monitors, are a very subjective purchase. I'll do my best to tell you what I can about it, though. But if not for my dealer's offer to let me play with it in person, I would never even have put Benro on my shortlist.

Ebay can be frustrating, I agree. I am personally not fond of the Dynatran stuff, I simply cannot find anything I like - IMHO they are ALL too heavy especially for the load I want to put on them.

There are two kinds of mounting thread to attach the ballhead to the tripod legs. The ballhead screws onto the tripod. The KS1 uses the larger 3/8" thread as opposed to the 1/4" 'universal' threads used at the bottom of the camera. This ONLY affects the connection between the tripod and the head. The connection between the head and the camera (explained later) uses the 1/4" universal thread.

Manfrotto tripods/monopods also use the 3/8" threading, so the KS1 is compatible with them. I have a Manfrotto monopod and I routinely use the KS1 with it, on the days when I am not carrying the tripod.

The KS1 is quite smooth, and has a tension control knob. This enables you to adjust the amount of force required to move the ballhead even after you unlock it. It can be used vertically, as the KS1 has the required notch to position the camera 90 degrees.

The Quick Release (QR) plate is an Arca-Swiss compatible design, you screw the plate into the camera (small wrench is supplied). It comes with one plate, and you can buy more. If you have any other Arca compatible plates they will work as well. It's easy to release, undo the locking knob, hold down the safety catch (which prevents your gear from slipping off the ballhead and plunging onto the cold hard floor), then slide it out. The plates ALL use the 1/4" universal thread so there should be no worries here.

I will try and get some pics up in a moment...

[Lightstream]

Tripod head. Big knob - lock/unlock. Small knob - tension control. Top knob - quick release plate. The notch in the front of the ballhead is what enables you to tilt the camera 90 degrees.
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/acd.sized.jpg

This is the 3/8" thread:
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/ace.sized.jpg
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/acf.sized.jpg

This is the plate, without camera, being slid onto the tripod head. The big knob locks it in place. The silver stud is a safety catch that prevents the plate from falling off. Pressing the stud on the side moves the catch a little so you can completely remove the plate.
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/acg.sized.jpg

Underside of the plate. A little wrench is supplied free with every tripod head or QR plate that you buy, or you can simply use a large screwdriver or a coin to undo the head in a pinch. Shown on my 350D with 60 macro lens
http://pix.lightrefineries.org/albums/photos/aci.sized.jpg

[Souwalker]

Wow Lightstream...
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!:)
You've sure convinced me to go the Benro way.
Your picture cleary illustrates what I needed to know..many thanks.
Is your A127 black?
You bought your tripod in a shop? Are you in the UK or USA? It's not avaliable in Sydney so I have to get it from that ebay shop.
Thanks
Pat

[DavidW]

Is it my imagination, or do the legs look like a Gitzo 2 series copy, and the head like a Arca Swiss B1 copy?

Take a look at this review (http://eoslightbox.com/images/support/ball4_700x450.jpg) - it looks very much like the right hand tripod in the pictures (though the Gitzo in those pictures has a very short centre column).



David

[puppylove888]

sorri digging out tis thread
thought A=aluminum how come A127-N6 is carbon fibre?

[mtblackdog]

I just got the M227 carbon fiber and so far it seems awesome, they are definitely a Gitzo knockoff, but I have had them side by side and you would be hard pressed to tell much difference, Its kinda of nice knowing that you dont always have to get ripped off.

[JohnJ80]

The Benro's are very likely a rip off of Gitzo. See:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1018&message=14472214&changemode=1

As well see this teardown of a Benro Ballhead. I suspect this will aid in your decision.

http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm

IMO, I think this is a substandard construction and design.

J.

[Lightstream]

Thought I'd just link my post rather than re-typing it or crossposting.

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2671692&postcount=9

Expect reasonable performance from it.. but if you are setting out to buy a $200 Gitzo you might be disappointed.. :)