Markins Q3 on a Benro C-228

Some pics of the new Q3 balhead and Benro tripod I just got. Hopefully it helps some people looking for these type of pics.

There are many reviews of the Q3 but not much of the Benro CF tripod. For those that on budget (or refuse to pay for the high price Gitzo) this tripod is a good alternative. Some people frown when Benro name is mentioned but I think it's a very good product.

I don't use tripod much but do want to have one when travel and such so I was searching for a light, compact yet affordable CF one. A tough search.

It was down to the Feisol and Benro and I decided on the Benro c228 4-section as it has more features than the comparable Feisol, cheaper and available locally.

The tripod is very well made. It comes with a nice carrying case with shoulder strap, spike feet, tools, instruction and a Benro sticker. It is the new N6 model with anti twist legs, dust seal openings and spring loaded hood on the center column. The short center column is included when it's extra with the Feisol. It has a grove running vertically to prevent it from twisting/turning when extend. The compass and the spirit level on the tripod are nice touch.

Compares it to my friend's Velbon Neo 640 CF, it's longer and a bit heavier but it's a nicer and better tripod (IMO).

I took it to Yosemite over the weekend and used it with the 1D MK II + 24-70 without any issues. It was very stable and light.

4x4rock wrote in post #6572562
Some pics of the new Q3 balhead and Benro tripod I just got. Hopefully it helps some people looking for these type of pics.

There are many reviews of the Q3 but not much of the Benro CF tripod. For those that on budget (or refuse to pay for the high price Gitzo) this tripod is a good alternative. Some people frown when Benro name is mentioned but I think it's a very good product.

I don't use tripod much but do want to have one when travel and such so I was searching for a light, compact yet affordable CF one. A tough search.

It was down to the Feisol and Benro and I decided on the Benro c228 4-section as it has more features than the comparable Feisol, cheaper and available locally.

The tripod is very well made. It comes with a nice carrying case with shoulder strap, spike feet, tools, instruction and a Benro sticker. It is the new N6 model with anti twist legs, dust seal openings and spring loaded hood on the center column. The short center column is included when it's extra with the Feisol. It has a grove running vertically to prevent it from twisting/turning when extend. The compass and the spirit level on the tripod are nice touch.

Compares it to my friend's Velbon Neo 640 CF, it's longer and a bit heavier but it's a nicer and better tripod (IMO).

I took it to Yosemite over the weekend and used it with the 1D MK II + 24-70 without any issues. It was very stable and light.

nice set-up . i considered the 228 but got the 128 instead. i also bought the short column, which gives me 1.5" of rise.

and i have the q-3 too .

do you know the weight of your rig?

ed rader

I haven't weighted it yet and probably will stop by the post office to do it.

But the specification weight for the Benro is 3.5lb and the Q3 is .8lb. Total, they are less than 4.5lb.

i was looking at the C258 over the weekend. is it the same as C228 over in the states?

just out of curiosity, what feisol were u comparing the C228 with?

boonta wrote in post #6574012
i was looking at the C258 over the weekend. is it the same as C228 over in the states?

just out of curiosity, what feisol were u comparing the C228 with?

Yes the C-258 and the C-228 are the same.

I was looking at the CT-3401/3402 feisol.

At what height does it put the viewfinder if all but the last (smallest) leg sections are extended--like in your second photo? I've been trying to decide between 3 and 4 sections. I like how the 4 section tripods are shorter when collapsed but i like that the 3 section ones are more rigid due to larger diameter tubing. Thanks.

With only 3 sections extend, the height is exactly 44" to the top of the Markins QR plate.

I'm about 5-6" and when using the 1D MK II with L plate, I usually extend the last section 1/2 way instead of all the way out.

Benro Tripod is a good choice in term of quality/value compare to Gitzo.

Ed, do you know if we can get rid of the center colum and put a adapter to it? just like Gitzo?

You mean putting a base like the Markins base?

From Markins site, it says their base does not fit Benro.

4x4rock wrote in post #6713573
You mean putting a base like the Markins base?

From Markins site, it says their base does not fit Benro.

i want to get rid of the center colum completely. Is it possible? I want to reduce vibration as much as i can when using it with big lens.

[QUOTE=Bubble;6708918]​Benro Tripod is a good choice in term of quality/value compare to Gitzo.

Ed, do you know if we can get rid of the center colum and put a adapter to it? just like Gitzo?[/quote]

Bubble -- i dunno man .

ed rader

I wonder why Markins base only fit certain Gitzo tripods?

Anyone with a TB-20 can take pictures of the bottom and chime in why?