This is sort of a follow-up to peter_n’s Benro vs Gitzo review. I decided to make a new thread because both sets of legs I have are different than those of Peter’s. The two legs being reviewed in this thread will be the Benro c2680t v2 and Gitzo gt1542t. The Benro I have has the same model number as the one Peter reviewed, but the v2 is an unofficial addition to the name because we have discovered a new variation of the original – I will explain this later. I will try to touch only on the differences that haven’t been explained in Peter’s review. Anything not mentioned here is probably covered in his thread found here: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php?t=1043508
Before I begin the review, I would like to thank dc-stuffs of eBay, the seller from whom I purchased my Benro from. Dc-stuffs has been an absolute pleasure to work with. To me, he has set the bar/standard for not only international sellers, but all sellers. His communication to me was second to none. I received replies within 24 hours always – usually sooner. All replies very helpful and not vague. He measured, weighed, and sent requested pictures of a number of legs. Shipping was quick (less than a week from Hong Kong to Chicago).
Benro c2680t v2 (slightly shorter center column than the v1)
Folded length (w/out ballhead): 16.75”
Foldled length (w/ Markins Q3T): 16.75”
Max height (w/out center column extended): 48.5”
Max height (with center column extended): 57.75”
Weight (w/out ballhead): 2.808 lbs
Gitzo gt1542t
Folded length (w/out ballhead): 16.75”
Foldled length (w/ Markins Q3T [clamp was folded “down” to the side]): 19 3/8”
Max height (w/out center column extended): 45”
Max height (with center column extended): 58”
Weight (w/out ballhead): 2.2.16 lbs
Center column
Both the Benro & Gitzo center columns are grooved to prevent rotating. Not much more to say that can’t be found on Peter’s review. Both columns have a spring loaded hook at the bottom for stability weights. I find that the Gitzo’s hook is easier to pull out, but that is hardly an issue (the Benro isn’t difficult by any means). Just something I noticed and could change over time with use.
Legs
The Benro legs are noticeably thicker diameters at every section. Having owned the Gitzo for longer, the thicker sections on the Benro come off as rather bulky. Both legs are equipped with anti-rotating legs and both work as advertised and well.
The Gitzo legs automatically “lock”when extended passed their extension angles (there are two). The Benro legs have a “button” that must depressed to lock the legs into their extension angles (again, there are two). As for the practical difference between these two mechanisms, I find the Gitzo legs easier to unfold and the Benro legs easier to fold. That said, I prefer the Gitzo in this regard.
The piece that reads, “Benro,” is the button that must be depressed/released to move fold/unfold the legs.
The Gitzo legs have a sliding lever that must be moved to fold/unfold the legs.
Peter mentioned that the c2680t legs make a “swooshing” sound when collapsing each leg section and I can confirm this. However, I also notice this on the Gitzo legs.
I'll be cross-linking to it from the original post in my own review when I get some time at the weekend, and I'll be sending you a request in a quick PM tonite.
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