Benro MeFoto Aluminum Tripod

[NManuel01]

I finally purchased a decent tripod. It is the MeFoto by Benro. I havent really had a chance to use it outdoors yet, but it looks like a very solid and well built tripod. The ball head is very smooth and easy to operate. It has a built in mono-pod which I have not tried yet, but its a pretty nice feature none the less. As I get to use it ill write more on my findings. I was a bit worried about the size of the ball head but it holds like champ! The carrying bag is very nice and very well built! It came with an allen wrench and a set of spikes to swap out for the rubber feet. So far I am really impressed with this tripod for $229! Now some pictures!

[Tommydigi]

I have the smaller version and its very nice, I got a chance to see this one in a store and I thought it makes for a nice travel pod and well worth the extra $100. I agree the head is small but even on mine its pretty decent considering the price and size.

[pdrober2]

I'm considering picking up the carbon version of this for my travel tripod

[RHChan84]

I just picked one up right after Christmas. I love it. Its great for travel and fits easily in my luggage. Also light and holds my 60D with grip and 70-200F4L easily. I think I'm starting to like twist locks more then flip locks.

[tgara]

Can someone who owns one of these tripods please post a picture of the Monopod? I'd like to see how that works, as well as any impressions you have of it.

Many thanks.

[msowsun]

I have used the monopod a few times. It works well and it can break down into two pieces, so at 15" (including the head), it is shorter than my other monopod which is 20". (without the head)

[Charlie]

I think this might be the same thing as the promaster xc525, I have the xc522 and it's an arca head with monopod as well. promaster versions cost quite a bit less, no spikes for feet though.

lots of pics in this thread, include monopod shot:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/....php?t=1261590

[msowsun]

Originally Posted by Charlie

I think this might be the same thing as the promaster xc525, I have the xc522 and it's an arca head with monopod as well. promaster versions cost quite a bit less, no spikes for feet though.

lots of pics in this thread, include monopod shot:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/....php?t=1261590

The Promaster is not made by Benro. The Benro/Mefoto A1350Q1 tripod converts to a monopod which is much taller at 64", and there are lots of other visible differences too.

All these "Travel Tripods" that have the reverse folding legs basically follow the same form and function, but if you look closely at the hardware details, they are all different.

[msowsun]

Here are some photos of the Benro/Mefoto A1350Q1:



The Mefoto only has two leg angles: Wide splay


Normal splay










64" monopod height

[Charlie]

Originally Posted by msowsun

The Promaster is not made by Benro. The Mefoto A1350Q1 tripod coverts to a monopod which is much taller at 64", and there are lots of other visible differences too.

All these "Travel Tripods" that have the reverse folding legs basically follow the same form and function, but if you look closely at the hardware details, they are all different.

the promaster directly comparable to this is the XC525, not the one in the thread (another similar version)

here is the xc525
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D-tGdo7jKo

I think it's very very similar

the xc522 monopod goes to 54" and the xc525 goes to 62"

[msowsun]

Originally Posted by Charlie

the promaster directly comparable to this is the XC525, not the one in the thread (another similar version)

here is the xc525
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D-tGdo7jKo

I think it's very very similar

the xc522 monopod goes to 54" and the xc525 goes to 62"

That XC525 does have very similar specs to the Mefoto A1350Q1, and while it looks similar, it is a very different tripod:

1) The Promaster detachable leg has a larger threaded outer portion to attach to the tripod base and a smaller inner threaded post to attach to the center column. The Mefoto leg uses a single thread for both attachments.




2) The Promaster leg angle adjusts by pressing the leg locks while the Mefoto leg angle locks are pulled out to release.

3) The Promaster has 3 leg splay positions while the Mefoto only has two.

4) There ares more but you get the idea.....

[Charlie]

^^ thanks for the clarification , and good eye, didnt catch the monopod assembly thing. The smaller thread more the promaster looks to be a standard 3/8's while the mephoto possibly a more sturdy 1/2".

[JohanBorjesson]

Looks really solid, and at a good price too.

[msowsun]

Originally Posted by Charlie

^^ thanks for the clarification , and good eye, didnt catch the monopod assembly thing. The smaller thread more the promaster looks to be a standard 3/8's while the mephoto possibly a more sturdy 1/2".

Actually it looks more like 5/8"

[RHChan84]

Originally Posted by JohanBorjesson

Looks really solid, and at a good price too.

Pretty solid.
I had my 60D with 70-200 @ around 180mm with a 10 stop filter @ 5 seconds and the photos were pretty sharp.
I also had my bag hanging on the hook and the bag had my 17-50, battery, charger and flash in it.