Benro c2680t v2 vs Gitzo gt1542t

v35skyline wrote in post #13414087
Is that the one that can turn into a monopod?

no, here are the specs...

Travel Angel - Twist Lock Type


The Benro C2690T Travel Angel Tripod with B1 Ballhead is a professional quality tripod with lightweight, high-quality carbon fiber legs for top performance.

Benro C2690TB1 package includes:

• Benro C2690T Travel Angel Tripod
  
• Benro B1 Ball Head
  
• Benro PU series quick release plate
  
• Steel Spike Feet & Tools
  
• Padded Tripod case

Can anyone comment on the B1 ball head?

Nice review. It's always good to have information about options.

barrett14 wrote in post #13958717
Can anyone comment on the B1 ball head?

There are plenty of comments on the B1 scattered around various threads. A search might help. Those that I've read are mostly positive. However if you're contemplating buying a Benro kit but aren't sure about the B1 more than one person here got the kit then sold the B1 immediately as new and then bought a Photo Clam or Markins. I think the going price here or on FM is around $90 for a new B1.

Peter - what made you decide to use the marlins head over the B1?

Fwiw, I have the B0 head, and it seems great for a compact ballhead. No issues whatsoever and very close to my Markins. I'm sure the B1 is similar, only larger.

barrett14 wrote in post #13959223
Peter - what made you decide to use the marlins head over the B1?

I actually bought the Markins Q3T for my Gitzo 1541T tripod, then when I bought my Benro C2680T tripod it came without a head so I bought another Q3T for it. So I never actually had a B1.

However I will admit that some years ago I read a really scathing review/breakdown of a Benro KS-2 ballhead that Tom Webster wrote and I became biased about Benro heads. The review has since been withdrawn but here's an old POTN thread about it. Now we're several years on and many people here have had a good experience with their B1 and B0 heads (see the example from botw directly above). I have certainly had a good experience with my Benro tripod but as I say I've never actually used a B1 head. I'm glad to say I'm not biased about Benro heads any longer too!

Having said all that, the Q3T is a lot more expensive and after a couple of years with mine I do appreciate its quality. The Markins ballheads are copies of the Arca-Swiss B1 and they are very well designed and engineered. I have no idea how a Benro B1 compares with a Q3T though.

I have owned RRS BH-40 and BH-25 ballheads and a Markins M10. I don't currently own any of those, but I recently purchased a Benro C1681B0 tripod with their B0 head.

I am of the opinion after using the Benro for a couple weeks that it works every bit as well as any of the RRS and Markins heads I have owned. I would have to really have a LOT of money laying around for me to consider spending the extra on an RRS or Markins head after using this Benro.

michaelnel wrote in post #13965572
I have owned RRS BH-40 and BH-25 ballheads and a Markins M10. I don't currently own any of those, but I recently purchased a Benro C1681B0 tripod with their B0 head.

I am of the opinion after using the Benro for a couple weeks that it works every bit as well as any of the RRS and Markins heads I have owned. I would have to really have a LOT of money laying around for me to consider spending the extra on an RRS or Markins head after using this Benro.

Update us with a couple years of use. Everything new works great.

michaelnel wrote in post #13965572
I have owned RRS BH-40 and BH-25 ballheads and a Markins M10. I don't currently own any of those, but I recently purchased a Benro C1681B0 tripod with their B0 head.

I am of the opinion after using the Benro for a couple weeks that it works every bit as well as any of the RRS and Markins heads I have owned. I would have to really have a LOT of money laying around for me to consider spending the extra on an RRS or Markins head after using this Benro.

That is great to know for someone that has never owned a markin head and just got the bento.

Thanks

Can I get the diameter of the ballhead base for the tripod? thanks.

Hi,

Thanks for the great review. The Benro looks like the better value tripod. I was wondering though, how do the two tripods compare for stability? The Benro is rated for 12kg, and the Gitzo is reated for 8kg, so presumably the Benro is stiffer and more stable??

The C2680f doesn't seem to be in manufacture anymore, is it the same as the C2580F??

Just ordered a C2680B1 a few days ago (not sure if its version 1 or 2?). I will let you guys know how it is!

pglorie wrote in post #13986922
The C2680f doesn't seem to be in manufacture anymore, is it the same as the C2580F??

No, the C2680F is a travel sized tripod where the legs fold up to save space. The C2580F is a regular sized and traditional tripod.