My Benro C-069 M8 Travel Angel Kit

Holeh! The comparison with the MB's width is impressive!
I have the C-157 M8 and I love it! As for the ballhead, not quite so but it will do for now.

Sometimes I just wish I got the 4-sec instead as it would be 10cm shorter and I can fit it in my suitcase horizontally. Currently, I got to shove it in a diagonal position but oh well

Very cool seeing how the A-168 compares in size. I finally decided to go with the C-269, and should be receiving it shortly. I will post a review later as well. I was debating between the 3 different sizes, and initially thought the C-169 would be perfect, but decided to go with the slightly larger C-269. I guess I'll see how it turns out.

nice review! thanks.

I just sold my old manfrotto. Great tripod, but much too heavy. ended up using it to hang my clothes!

Thanks for the review

I just sold my feisol CT3442 and 488RC2, the only drawback of CT3442 is its locking system. Markins Q3T just arrived.

I am debating between C168 and C269, I am reluctant to use to tripod with center column fully extended. C168 seems a little too low for me (178cm), I have seen a youtube video showing the folding of C168 in around 40 secs, thats impressive. I doubt C269 can accomplish the same time.

jondextan wrote in post #7492319
...it's still stable with center column fully extended. even the BH-0 head impressed me.
5D MkII + BG-E6 + 70-200 2.8L

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Really? Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

There is quite a difference between sturdy enough to hold the gear and stable enough to produce a sharp image.

If it's not stable enough all you have to do is hang your camera bag from the bottom of the center column.

I've got the C068M8, love it for a hiking/travel pod. The only thing I can't put on it is the 500.

scot079 wrote in post #8109832
If it's not stable enough all you have to do is hang your camera bag from the bottom of the center column...

If that would be true, why would anybody bother with anything bigger than a Gitzo Traveler or a Benro knock-off?

I guess it depends on your definition of a sharp image and at which shutter speed you shoot (dawn, dusk, etc.).

p_jolicoeur wrote in post #8110703
If that would be true, why would anybody bother with anything bigger than a Gitzo Traveler or a Benro knock-off?

I guess it depends on your definition of a sharp image and at which shutter speed you shoot (dawn, dusk, etc.).

Stability is an issue shooting w/ a telephoto and a 3 lb tripod but it can be done, assuming your technique is up to snuff.

Yes "it can be done" but it's bad advice to say that you can shoot consistently @ 200mm and up with the column fully extended at a slow shutter speed on a delicate Benro C-069.

What is your batting average? How many duds for one keeper sharpness wise?

Again: Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

p_jolicoeur wrote in post #8111947
Again: Could you post a 100% crop of a photo taken @ 200mm with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec. with that column extended?

When did I claim I can make the shot you're asking for proof of? Did I mention settings? All I said was if you use proper technique and stabilize the pod w/ your camera bag, the whole becomes more stable. Use MLU and a cable release and it gets even better.

You disgree w/ that? And why do you say "again"? It's as if you think it's the second time you've asked me something.

Well you wrote: "The only thing I can't put on it is the 500" so I am asking you to prove it.

p_jolicoeur wrote in post #8112284
Well you wrote: "The only thing I can't put on it is the 500" so I am asking you to prove it.

Unfortunately for you my snarky little friend, I sold the 100-400 yesterdayso your request for photos @ 200mm aint' gonna happen at least not from me. I'm telling you that this is a stable enough tripod when you weight it down, use MLU and a cable release. If you don't believe me, oh darn.

I might see if I can find some recent photos when I get off work, but EXIF won't contain what tripod I was using:p

Anytime you move the camera away from the yoke and apex of the legs by raising the column it's going to become less stable. As long as you don't exceed the load limit of the tripod it will be more stable than hand held. Same is true of any kind of boom tripod where you move the camera laterally away from the apex of the legs. I believe that most carbon fiber tripods are pretty stable today (in direct correlation to their lowermost leg diameter) with center column down. With the higher end clones there is a good job done in the locking collar and sleeve that goes in yoke and extended columns do better.

In any event using any tripod is better than none and as long as not overloaded and properly weighted (bag from hook or whatever), will most likely serve.

Fedone1275 wrote in post #6943739
It is the smallest and lightest of the travel angel series, I think it should be a copy of the Gitzo 1550....

Just a quick note on this comparison. The 0 series Benro is a 22mm largest diameter leg tube. The Gitzo is a 1 series and would have a largest leg diameter of 25mm (2 series 28mm, etc.) So this is lighter weight for sure. Smallest leg diameter on the five segment C069 is 10mm IIRC or less than half an inch. These specs are all available on Benro's main website:

www.benro.cn

Checked two CF tripods on B&H with similar height, weight & top leg diameter: Induro C314 vs. Gitzo GT3541L. The Induro (Benro made) cost is 70% of the Gitzo (w coupon) but OTH has only 55% of the max load capacity and a 5 years warranty (1 year on eBay) vs. lifetime.

Leg diameter does not tell the whole story, obviously the quality of the entire tripod will have an impact on the overall torsion rigidity, stability & vibrations dampening properties: CF with more or less glue & resin, shape & weight & material used for the top casting (spider), quality of the leg attachments & locks, etc.