My Benro C-069 M8 Travel Angel Kit

[Fedone1275]

Hi, I needed a small and light tripod, compact enought to carry it around and suitable for travelling, and I decided to go for a carbon fibre Benro C-069 with the B-00 ball head. It is the smallest and lightest of the travel angel series, I think it should be a copy of the Gitzo 1550.

I am an amateur and for occasional use my budget could not allow for a Gitzo, even the 219 pounds I paid for the Benro seem to me quite a price for a small tripod, but there was no way to get the same features for less and I got it.

It is indeed very light and compact and the quality is much better than I expected. Maybe the leg knobs are a bit stiff to rotate and so opening/closing the tripod is not a very quick operation, but I don't see any other faults.

Here is the tripod coming out of its bag (very well made)

http://i39.tinypic.com/r26wpw.jpg

This is the open size, compared to the 5D

http://i41.tinypic.com/2aeyxsi.jpg

Almost fully open

http://i40.tinypic.com/33kygk1.jpg

It seems very stable with the 5D and the 28-70L, at the moment I don't have anything heavier to try on... :oops:

I played with a Gitzo 1550 at a shop and while the Gitzo seems better refined and smoother to open and close, the Benro feels more solid, expecially in the head department. The ball head on the Gitzo is very compact and tiny, while the B-00 is heftier, provided with a quick release plate and separate pan locking knob.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2ngv0va.jpg

The folding mechanism is very clever (thanks Gitzo) and once closed the size is super compact! I also used a BlackBerry as a measure as on the Benro website.

http://i43.tinypic.com/34obuoi.jpg


I am really happy with my choice, I did not tested it in the field, but it seems more than enough for my needs. If I need something sturdier I still have my old Manfrotto 055 Triminor, but that one is too heavy for me and a pain to be carried around.
I am going to carry the Benro more often, it makes no sense to have a very good tripod that stays at home while you are out with your camera!

I would definitely recommend it, I am aware that some users reported problems with Benro tripod/heads, but this one seems really well built and I am not going to stress it with a profesional use.

Thank you for reading,
Fede

PS sorry for the pics, WB is not very consistent...

[dinanm3atl]

Thanks for the reviews and pics.

[zeva]

Nice thanks! but any chance you have a ruler or tape measure you can put next to it? that we can know the exact size?
or could you measure it? thanks!

[René Damkot]

Added to the sticky :)

[Fedone1275]

There you are, couple more! It is almost 34 cm.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2cggdn5.jpg


With my 5D

http://i44.tinypic.com/2z5sj84.jpg


Close up

http://i41.tinypic.com/90dgd1.jpg

[4x4rock]

Nice write up and pics. You can use the provided tool to loosen up the leg joints nuts a bit to make them easier to open and close.

I did that with my C-228 and it's much better now.

[zeva]

Thanks!

[Fedone1275]

Nice write up and pics. You can use the provided tool to loosen up the leg joints nuts a bit to make them easier to open and close.

I did that with my C-228 and it's much better now.


Really? How does it work? In the bag there was only the allen key to screw the qr plate...

It seems however that they are loosing up a little bit, maybe there was too much grease?

[4x4rock]

Really? How does it work? In the bag there was only the allen key to screw the qr plate...

It seems however that they are loosing up a little bit, maybe there was too much grease?


I re-read your post again and I think you were talking about the sectional twister that you turn to pull the legs out.

I thought you meant the upper joints near the base where you spread the legs out. That part has a tool to loosen the nuts.

[René Damkot]

With my 5D

http://i44.tinypic.com/2z5sj84.jpg

I tend to use the QR oriented 90 degrees different, with the screw knob in front...
Easier that way IMO.


AFAIK, the legs are supposed to spread out rather stiffly. They do that with all Gitzos I've used as well... I'd guess that it's more stable that way.

[zeva]

Anyone know if the Head will hold onto a L bracket from RRS? thanks again!

[Shane W]

I have been using Benro C-128n6 legs and KS-0 head for almost 2 years now and my Kirk plates fit great so I would bet that the RRS brackets will work fine too. They may not say Gitzo on the label but it holds my 10d w/ 300/f4L IS or 70-200/f2L and the 1.4 converter just fine! Benro products are well made and I have no problem recommending their ball heads or carbon legs.

[Fedone1275]

I re-read your post again and I think you were talking about the sectional twister that you turn to pull the legs out.

I thought you meant the upper joints near the base where you spread the legs out. That part has a tool to loosen the nuts.

Ah, okay, now I am with you. Yes, I ment the rubber knobs that open the sections.

I tend to use the QR oriented 45 degrees different, with the screw knob in front...
Easier that way IMO.

With the knob in the front wouldn't it be turned 90 degrees? I will try, thank you!

[René Damkot]

Silly me, you are right off course :o

http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/080719Gitzo/content/bin/images/large/rhd_20080719_Gitzo001.jpg

[Fedone1275]

Rene', it works much better with the camera mounted the way you suggested!

I went out at night and I had to change the position of the plate, I could not open the quick release if mounted at the side with cold fingers!

I had a great time with the tripod, it worked great and it is so light that it is no problem to carry around.

Really happy with the purchase. First result posted here
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=620714

Thanks,
Fede

[zeva]

where did you buy this ?

Nvm just noticed you paid in pounds :(

How tall are you though ? I m 6'1 and i doubt i could get away with out any raising of the center column?

lol sorry 1 more question... any chance you could measure the diameter? at the biggest part when folded up? I assume that would be where the legs are near the bottom and the legs are folded backwards thanks!

[Fedone1275]

Hi, diameter should be aroud 8-9 cm.

http://i42.tinypic.com/9fpu8z.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/330eahf.jpg

I should be between 6 and 6.1 (185 cm) and it was okay for me with all 5 sections open and the column not raised. It was quite solid as well, I did not expected it to be so good.

I bought it from the UK distributor www.photopal.co.uk.

Fede

[petris]

Did you buy spikes for your tripod?
I am thinking between 169 or 269..difficult:rolleyes:

[Fedone1275]

Did you buy spikes for your tripod?
I am thinking between 169 or 269..difficult:rolleyes:

No, I don't think I am going to need them for my use.

To be honest I do not see a big difference between the two, maybe the max height could be the deciding factor.

To me it was important to have the lightest and smallest one, that's why I chose the 069.

[zeva]

Hi, diameter should be aroud 8-9 cm.



I should be between 6 and 6.1 (185 cm) and it was okay for me with all 5 sections open and the column not raised. It was quite solid as well, I did not expected it to be so good.

I bought it from the UK distributor www.photopal.co.uk (http://www.photopal.co.uk).

Fede


I think America needs to switch to metric... 6 and 6.1? >.> Meters? lol but tahts way too tall and inches is not 185cm What units are you using? >.> thanks

[Fedone1275]

I think America needs to switch to metric... 6 and 6.1? >.> Meters? lol but tahts way too tall and inches is not 185cm What units are you using? >.> thanks

Sorry I tried to say that I am almost 6'1 tall (1 meter and 85 cm...) :)

[zeva]

OHH! lol how much do u need to lean down for that tripod?

[Vascilli]

Which size one would be suitable for a 1-Series and 70-200 f/2.8L? I imagine that's the most I'd use with a compact tripod.

[Fedone1275]

OHH! lol how much do u need to lean down for that tripod?

Not much, it is not a big problem when considering that is a compact tripod.

Which size one would be suitable for a 1-Series and 70-200 f/2.8L? I imagine that's the most I'd use with a compact tripod.

I would use at least the C-269 with your set up.

Federico

[4x4rock]

Which size one would be suitable for a 1-Series and 70-200 f/2.8L? I imagine that's the most I'd use with a compact tripod.

See my previous post. I have a C-228 and a Markins Q3 to hold this combo. Benro has B-2 or B-3 as well as KJ-2 (or is it J-2).

[5teve]

Nice review. How is the stability with all the leg sections fully extended? It looks like the 5th leg section is pretty small in diameter so was just curious. I am debating between the C-069 or C-068 (4 leg sections). I have a 5DM2 with a 24-105L lens and only plan on using it with this setup and a flash. Do you think this setup is sturdy enough for that combination?

[Fedone1275]

Thanks Steve. To me it feels stable enough, I was amazed. It is okay with my 5D and the 28-70L or the Sigma 150. 5th legs are small but very rigid as well.

But my first priority was to get the smallest size and the lightest one, so I am not too concerned if I have to hang a bag to the column or hold it to make it more stable (like when it is windy).

It really depends on what are your priorities, if stability is your MAIN concern than I would suggest the 068, to me size and weight are important, I like to shoot in relax and make the most with less equipment as possible.

[5teve]

Thanks Steve. To me it feels stable enough, I was amazed. It is okay with my 5D and the 28-70L or the Sigma 150. 5th legs are small but very rigid as well.

But my first priority was to get the smallest size and the lightest one, so I am not too concerned if I have to hang a bag to the column or hold it to make it more stable (like when it is windy).

It really depends on what are your priorities, if stability is your MAIN concern than I would suggest the 068, to me size and weight are important, I like to shoot in relax and make the most with less equipment as possible.

I am glad to hear that it appears stable even with the small legs. After doing more research I think I also will go with the 5 section legs, since I also want a small compact tripod. I am now thinking of going one size up with the C-169, but unfortunately can't find any reviews of that model. The C-169 seems to be almost identical to the Gitzo 1550T in terms of dimensions: both fold up to around 14" long, and have approximately the same maximum height. It is also only around 1" longer than the C-069 when folded, and 1lb heavier overall. Decisions, decisions!

[jondextan]

@Fedone1275 -- thanks for the brief review. i am also expecting my benro travel angel tripod today (or tomorrow, the latest), though it's the A-168 model which has only four (4) sections and it's legs are made of aluminum. i was also interested in getting the carbon fiber model but i thought i wouldn't notice the half a pound difference, i hope. :) i'm really happy to know that the C-069 is stable enough for the 5D and 24-70L as i have the same setup as well. i actually thought at first that i could just use this tripod with my wife's 1000D but not anymore. i'm planning to put on a manfrotto head though so that i can use my frotto plates (like you i have the heavy 055PRoB if i need a workhorse tripod) with both the A-168 and 055ProB. i hope i will be as content as you are when i get it. :D

[jondextan]

i just got the A-168 and i didn't know that my order came with the BH-0, oh welps! and i'm impressed, holds the 5D MkII + grip + 24-70 2.8L very well with center column extended. i'll just share a photo or two of the A-168 to compare it with the C-069 :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jondextan/benro/benroJDT-5.jpg

here it is compared to my macbook's width
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jondextan/benro/benroJDT-3.jpg

the heaviest of my gears and it's still stable with center column fully extended. even the BH-0 head impressed me.
5D MkII + BG-E6 + 70-200 2.8L
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jondextan/benro/IMG_1302.jpg

:D

[fungry]

Holeh! The comparison with the MB's width is impressive!
I have the C-157 M8 and I love it! As for the ballhead, not quite so but it will do for now.

Sometimes I just wish I got the 4-sec instead as it would be 10cm shorter and I can fit it in my suitcase horizontally. Currently, I got to shove it in a diagonal position but oh well :)

[5teve]

Very cool seeing how the A-168 compares in size. I finally decided to go with the C-269, and should be receiving it shortly. I will post a review later as well. I was debating between the 3 different sizes, and initially thought the C-169 would be perfect, but decided to go with the slightly larger C-269. I guess I'll see how it turns out.

[v_tofu]

nice review! thanks.

I just sold my old manfrotto. Great tripod, but much too heavy. ended up using it to hang my clothes!

[xchric]

Thanks for the review

I just sold my feisol CT3442 and 488RC2, the only drawback of CT3442 is its locking system. Markins Q3T just arrived.

I am debating between C168 and C269, I am reluctant to use to tripod with center column fully extended. C168 seems a little too low for me (178cm), I have seen a youtube video showing the folding of C168 in around 40 secs, thats impressive. I doubt C269 can accomplish the same time.

[p_jolicoeur]

...it's still stable with center column fully extended. even the BH-0 head impressed me.
5D MkII + BG-E6 + 70-200 2.8L
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jondextan/benro/IMG_1302.jpg

:D Really? Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

There is quite a difference between sturdy enough to hold the gear and stable enough to produce a sharp image. :-)

[scot079]

If it's not stable enough all you have to do is hang your camera bag from the bottom of the center column.

I've got the C068M8, love it for a hiking/travel pod. The only thing I can't put on it is the 500.

[p_jolicoeur]

If it's not stable enough all you have to do is hang your camera bag from the bottom of the center column...

If that would be true, why would anybody bother with anything bigger than a Gitzo Traveler or a Benro knock-off?

I guess it depends on your definition of a sharp image and at which shutter speed you shoot (dawn, dusk, etc.).

[scot079]

If that would be true, why would anybody bother with anything bigger than a Gitzo Traveler or a Benro knock-off?

I guess it depends on your definition of a sharp image and at which shutter speed you shoot (dawn, dusk, etc.).

Stability is an issue shooting w/ a telephoto and a 3 lb tripod but it can be done, assuming your technique is up to snuff.

[p_jolicoeur]

Yes "it can be done" but it's bad advice to say that you can shoot consistently @ 200mm and up with the column fully extended at a slow shutter speed on a delicate Benro C-069.

What is your batting average? How many duds for one keeper sharpness wise?

Again: Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

[scot079]

Again: Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

When did I claim I can make the shot you're asking for proof of? Did I mention settings? All I said was if you use proper technique and stabilize the pod w/ your camera bag, the whole becomes more stable. Use MLU and a cable release and it gets even better.

You disgree w/ that? And why do you say "again"? It's as if you think it's the second time you've asked me something.

[p_jolicoeur]

Well you wrote: "The only thing I can't put on it is the 500" so I am asking you to prove it.

[scot079]

Well you wrote: "The only thing I can't put on it is the 500" so I am asking you to prove it.

Unfortunately for you my snarky little friend, I sold the 100-400 yesterday (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=709017)so your request for photos @ 200mm aint' gonna happen at least not from me. I'm telling you that this is a stable enough tripod when you weight it down, use MLU and a cable release. If you don't believe me, oh darn.

I might see if I can find some recent photos when I get off work, but EXIF won't contain what tripod I was using:p

[squiress]

Anytime you move the camera away from the yoke and apex of the legs by raising the column it's going to become less stable. As long as you don't exceed the load limit of the tripod it will be more stable than hand held. Same is true of any kind of boom tripod where you move the camera laterally away from the apex of the legs. I believe that most carbon fiber tripods are pretty stable today (in direct correlation to their lowermost leg diameter) with center column down. With the higher end clones there is a good job done in the locking collar and sleeve that goes in yoke and extended columns do better.

In any event using any tripod is better than none and as long as not overloaded and properly weighted (bag from hook or whatever), will most likely serve.

[squiress]

It is the smallest and lightest of the travel angel series, I think it should be a copy of the Gitzo 1550....

Just a quick note on this comparison. The 0 series Benro is a 22mm largest diameter leg tube. The Gitzo is a 1 series and would have a largest leg diameter of 25mm (2 series 28mm, etc.) So this is lighter weight for sure. Smallest leg diameter on the five segment C069 is 10mm IIRC or less than half an inch. These specs are all available on Benro's main website:

www.benro.cn (http://www.benro.cn)

[p_jolicoeur]

Checked two CF tripods on B&H with similar height, weight & top leg diameter: Induro C314 vs. Gitzo GT3541L. The Induro (Benro made) cost is 70% of the Gitzo (w coupon) but OTH has only 55% of the max load capacity and a 5 years warranty (1 year on eBay) vs. lifetime.

Leg diameter does not tell the whole story, obviously the quality of the entire tripod will have an impact on the overall torsion rigidity, stability & vibrations dampening properties: CF with more or less glue & resin, shape & weight & material used for the top casting (spider), quality of the leg attachments & locks, etc.

[squiress]

Checked two CF tripods on B&H with similar height, weight & top leg diameter: Induro C314 vs. Gitzo GT3541L. The Induro (Benro made) cost is 70% of the Gitzo (w coupon) but OTH has only 55% of the max load capacity and a 5 years warranty (1 year on eBay) vs. lifetime.

Leg diameter does not tell the whole story, obviously the quality of the entire tripod will have an impact on the overall torsion rigidity, stability & vibrations dampening properties: CF with more or less glue & resin, shape & weight & material used for the top casting (spider), quality of the leg attachments & locks, etc.

See: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=335245&highlight=leica+magazine+article

Pretty much all of the technology employed in tripods today is well established. Gitzo's gravity lock is a variation on one of the leg centering sleeves. In my testing the leg diameter is single most important factor besides moving to CF as my Weifeng tripod shows.

[p_jolicoeur]

Torsion rigidity comes into play when shooting outdoor with a long lens & a lens shade. In the real world, with breeze or buffeting winds, it may have a great impact on IQ.

Compare a Benro & a Gitzo, both CF and both with 28mm diameter top legs and grab & twist the spider, you will see a huge torsion rigidity difference. So leg diameter alone does not define everything.

How do you explain the huge max load difference between Induro C314 vs. Gitzo GT3541L if diameter is the only factor?

[squiress]

Compare a Benro & a Gitzo, both CF and both with 28mm diameter top legs and grab & twist the spider, you will see a huge torsion rigidity difference. So leg diameter alone does not define everything.

How do you explain the huge max load difference between Induro C314 vs. Gitzo GT3541L if diameter is the only factor?

Have you done that which you describe in the first para above? I have and note no difference.

As for the load differences, I chalk it up to marketing. The only thing Gitzo has (and it's what you're paying for besides the name) is the new protrusion process, which I believe is more a manufacturing improvement, not a rigidity enhancer, so they should be cheaper yet than they are.

If you have the bucks and only buy the best and will use it a lot (and maintain it as it should be maintained) and can write it off especially, buy the Gitzo by all means. If it's your first tripod (or second) and you are not a professional nor a true prosumer, you can save a lot of bucks and get a very functional tripod IMHO buy buying one of the 70% solutions. I have seen a number of posts of professionals claiming after many years their Gitzos are still working great. However the tech improvements have relegated many of those to studio light support or the like. They have moved on to the latest and greatest featured Gitzos (that sometime down the road will also be relegated to studio flash holders).:D

[justrussfm]

Does the Benro 0-series, like this and its 4-leg version have g-locks?

[panda-R]

Does the Benro 0-series, like this and its 4-leg version have g-locks?

Glocks are from Gitzo, these have Blocks :)

[justrussfm]

I meant: is there some kind of gravity lock in this system?

[justrussfm]

Oh, and this one has been bothering me for a while:

According to the benro website, the kit you bought weighs in at .80 kg/1.8 lbs.

How is this possible, when the tripod alone is listed by benro as weighing .80 kg/1.7 lbs and the ballhead is listed as weight .21 kg. Something doesn't seem to add up.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

[squiress]

I meant: is there some kind of gravity lock in this system?

I originally thought so when I did a teardown of the Benro, Dynatran and a Gitzo with G lock. Turns out that while the sleeves are about the same length, the G lock sleeve is slotted along the leg axis and (I didn't actually look to see) probably tapered toward the edge. I doubt there is any tapering in the CF tube.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=203267&stc=1&d=1189087725

The G lock ring at the bottom of pic (black). Anyway, it probably does work as advertised, but I really do have to question the amount of added rigidity. It seems to me that the compression fit sleeves lock the leg up pretty darn well and they have the same little lip on the leftmost edge as well. Still, every little bit helps.

[Headshotzx]

Just a question. A 1D2 + 70-200 2.8L IS + 580EXII = 3.2kg-ish. With a manfrotto 488rc2, it's up to 3.9kg. Is the C-069 good enough to support it?

[squiress]

A zero series tripod is too light in my opinion for this combination. Given the tradeoff in number of leg segments to achieve short folded length I would want as large a diameter on the top of the legs as possible and go with one of the 2XX travel angels if you want some thing compact. a 2 series is 28mm. The 0 series is only 22mm.

[bonnicagi]

have tried using your camera in portrait mode or using your camera at wierd angles? How do the ballheads b-0 hold up? Stable or do they start to slide down? Thankxs

[conserv]

Thanks for the review!

I also have a C-069m8 tripod, but with a B-0 ballhead. I like this combination so much that i sold my big tripod. I especially like the fact that the C-069m8 fits in my Crumpler Daily L 490 shoulderbag with its 33cm size, that's great.

When i had a 70-200/2.8L IS, i tried it with 5D + batterygrip and there you reach the limits of this tripod. I dont have to say you shouldnt use the center column, that should be clear to everyone. But if you use this combination outside in the wind, it is not 100% solid. You can use it without extending center column and without extending the last part of the legs, but this is a compromise.

As my biggest lens now is a 135L, i am fine with this tripod and can use it very well. Last month in my holiday i always had it with me and so i took some picture i wouldnt have taken else if i had a bigger tripod, which i would have only carried with me when photographing in the evenings...

Just a question. A 1D2 + 70-200 2.8L IS + 580EXII = 3.2kg-ish. With a manfrotto 488rc2, it's up to 3.9kg. Is the C-069 good enough to support it?

[a_dee]

Will the C169M8 + B0 be strong enough for 5D (& possibly grip?) + 24-70L ? Lightweight is a very important factor for me as I have a weak back.

[PacAce]

Will the C169M8 + B0 be strong enough for 5D (& possibly grip?) + 24-70L ? Lightweight is a very important factor for me as I have a weak back.

The Benro C-169M8 kit with the B0 head is rated to support a load of 17.6 lbs so it should be more than strong enough for the 5D+grip with the 24-70L mounted on it.

[a_dee]

I've read that at some angles it can't support the weight and will droop, would this be the case?

[PacAce]

I've read that at some angles it can't support the weight and will droop, would this be the case?

Unless you have the legs spread out to almost horizontally, I doubt the legs will droop during most practical applications.

[a_dee]

sorry, what i meant was the ballhead would droop.

[PacAce]

sorry, what i meant was the ballhead would droop.

Oh, OK. Unfortunately, I can't answer that question since the head I have is the B-1 that comes with the C-269M8.

[a_dee]

has the B-1 worked well for you at all angles without droop? what's the heaviest and longest lens that you've mounted?

[PacAce]

has the B-1 worked well for you at all angles without droop? what's the heaviest and longest lens that you've mounted?

I wouldn't ordinarily mount a 1DmkIII with a EF 300 f/2.8 IS L on the Benro tripod but the B-1 stays firmly in place no matter what angle I set that camera/lens combo to and that is more than I can say for my Monfrotto 488 head which tends to creep under heavy weight.

[NicolasRubio]

OMG! That is very short! I love it! :D

[hania]

has the B-1 worked well for you at all angles without droop? what's the heaviest and longest lens that you've mounted?

Ive had 7d and 100-400 on tripod collar

[ranesy]

To the OP, very nice review. Thanks for taking the time to post it, it is very helpful as I am also in the midst of buying a traveler sized tripod. I was considering either one of the carbon fiber Benros or the Feisol CT3441S. Can you confirm whether the 'spider' section on the Benro is made from cast or machined metal? The Feisol tripods claim to have a CNC machined spider section which is a pretty nice.