Benro FGP28C vs. Gitzo GT2531 EX center column stability

After much reading and time to let the decision-making dust settle, I went with the Benro for the following reasons:
- the flexibility of positioning the center column horizontally and diagonally
- the lighter weight of carbon fiber legs as a multi-purpose alternative to but not a replacement for, the Manfrotto 3021 Pro/3030 head combo
- price

My typical weight load is a Canon 6D, Sirui K-30x ball head and any one of the following: 16-35mm f.4, 24-105mm, 100-400mm (with a Wimberley sidekick), or Tamron 180mm macro lens.

My definition of travel is transporting the tripod in the back seat of the car or walking more or less 1 hour

The Benro is a very sleek-looking, light weight, and easy-to-setup tripod with a great price. My concern is that the center column is wobbly when holding a leg with one hand and pushing with fingertips on the center column in its most secure resting position.

As a quick comparison, I was able to wobble the center column of the Manfrotto a bit (hard feel) whereas the Benro has a soft feel and greater wobble.

Am I making too big a deal out of this?
Is the Gitzo worth double the price?

Thanks,
Wv

Whilst I do not own a Gitzo GT2531 EX - I do own the Gitzo GT 2531 Mountaineer and have used the EX version. Also I have not used that particular Benro n- but I have used their Mountaineer equivalent. Therefore I would bear this in mind when reading my post.

Personally I have been impressed with the quality (stiffness and vibration damping) of the more recent Feisol, Benro and Induro products. Their carbon tubing is very good - nice and rigid + damp down vibration well. However, in my experience, they are not quite as good as Gitzo - yet. Having said that the price must be considered! Gitzo list prices do get a bit scary to say the least. But (living in the UK) Benro/Induro/top end Feisol tripods look a bit pricey to me - the Benro that you mention is actually more expensive than my Gitzo GT2531 was. True I bought my 2531 a few years ago but it will outlast me!

Regarding the center column. No center column that offers this kind of versatility is going to be perfect though I suspect that there may be some product variation so it would be well worth trying another example of the Benro - it is probably not typical. Even the Gitzo is not perfect - good but not quite there.

Realistically if you want rigidity and stability then a tripod with no center column is a better option - they are lighter too! Unfortunately they will take longer to set up for some uses (quicker for others) and you will loose some versatility. This compromise is very much down to your personal needs. I have an adjustable column that fits my Gitzo Systematics (no center column) but I rarely use it - I prefer the extra stability of no column at all. Works for me - but your needs may be different.

Happy deciding.

General purpose use and flexibility are the key deciding factors at this time.

The amount of center column instability noted in the tank-like Manfrotto in response to firm pressure is something I can live with, even now after reading much on the center column yes/no debate.

When the center column of the Benro FGP28C is in a horizontal position, it is pleasingly stable, great for macro! It's just that when the center column is lowered in the vertical position with all locks firmly secured - one would expect this to be the most stable position - the column is displaced with a relatively light pressure.

The seller's response to my description was a suggestion that I contact Benro.
My response was to initiate a return.
Too bad!

To answer my question, the "offset" column of the GT2531EX is as johnf3f mentioned, "not perfect", but definitely good, essentially very stable for this type of versatile tripod.

The Gitzo offset column is also easier to reposition from vertical to diagonal or horizontal.

I wasn't planning on spending this much for a tripod but the GT2531EX is a keeper.