Review: Benro C-269 Tripod with B-1 Head (and pictures)

I had to install the head on my legs set. Its pretty easy to do, just a couple screws.

squiress wrote in post #8054443
There are a couple of companies on Ebay that sell these direct from Hong Kong with free shipping. Customer support would certainly be lacking, but you can be pretty confident that you will get it in good shape. One of the issues with Benro is local support. I haven't needed anything for mine so for me minimal risk.

Thanks for that - shall look.

Have just looked - Its £299.90 from China (free shipping) , £319 from uk + £10.79 delivery =£329.79 .
For £30 I reckon worth going with ebay!

5teve wrote in post #8055117
I have not used this setup with the 24-70 f/2.8 on it, but the setup should be more than enough to hold that lens. I have used my 70-200 f/2.8 on it and it holds the camera/lens combination without any problems at all. I checked the specs of both lenses and the 24-70 is 33.6 oz, while the 70-200 is 42.2 oz.

The tripod legs are definitely sturdy enough if you wanted to try shooting some video, and I'm sure the Manfrotto head would work great. I haven't attempted, however, to remove the B-1 head so am not sure how easy it is to remove.

In terms of the A vs C model and the price difference. It really depends on how important you value the weight savings. For me I wanted a tripod that was sturdy, compact and as light as possible so was willing to spend extra for the carbon model.

Cool, I really like the combo you've reviewed here and just wondered about a video head. I will have to investigate what others might be using for a video head.

5teve, if you were going to keep your current setup for photo, what video head would you add for shooting video with the 5dMKII?

Here is what I'm considering purchasing:
1. Benro C-269M8 Travel Angel Carbon Fiber Tripod with B-1 Ballhead
2. Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging 501HDV Fluid Video Head - Supports up to 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Total: $ 660.90
Would this be a good setup for the 5D Mark II for shooting photo and video?

Then there is what would be a dream setup, and is over $1000
Gitzo 2531 - $540 from B&HPhoto (with $40 rebate) or Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg) (I don't know the difference in these series?)
Markins M10 - $340 from Markins
RRS Clamp B2 LRII - $120 from RRS
RRS L Plate (for Canon 20d) - $140

I like the tripod/ball head you've reviewed. Can you take some photos of some of the different configurations of the tripod; such as low to the ground setup, etc?

just out of curiosity friend, but what is the length of this kit when folded the regular way? I understand it won't fit the bag but would be interesting to know.

FWIW mine will fit in the bag folded both ways, I just flip the top part of the head down to the side. I have no idea how many bag sizes Benro makes though. I'm glad it does, its a lot quicker to set up.

panda-R wrote in post #8064833
just out of curiosity friend, but what is the length of this kit when folded the regular way? I understand it won't fit the bag but would be interesting to know.

It is 20.5" inches if folded without flipping the legs 180 degrees to cover the ball head. Folding it this way, however, I am unable to fit it into the bag as the ball head sticks out too far.

I am very interested in the Benro tripods, my question is when completely folded what is it's diameter? I am trying to find out if it will be to "thick or to "big around" to fit in my bag, (22" duffel)? Thank you.

The diameter is around 4" when folded.

Thanks for the info 5teve, based on what I read hear especially the 4" folded diameter, I ended up ordering the A269 w\B-1 head, it came today. I have only had a quick look at it as I'm at work. The legs and head both seem quite sturdy. Will give more info tomorrow after I have a chance to use it. Should fit nicely in my carry on size bag and 4lbs. isn't too heavy.

Got home last night from work and set up the Benro w\my gear and it was solid. However, as I was putting it away I noticed one of the leg sections would not stay locked. I tightended it as much as I could and it still would not stay in place. I extended the section and tightened the kleg and it just slid back up into it's "housing". I'm sure Benro makes a pretty good product and mine was just one bad apple but I am sending it back for a refund and will look for a different travel tripod. Maybe a Manfrotto 190CX (got to see if it will fit in my bag) w\a Manfrotto 486RC2 or 488RC2 head. Any suggestions for a sub $350 legs and head?

I've just bought one local..and it works great. For shooting macro I need to get a short column.

Hi, new member here. After reading the thread, I am thinking about getting an A-069M8 because it does seem to fill my needs. But I want to be able to open the leg angles all the way w/ all the leg sections retracted so as to let the tripod sit flat on the floor/ground (like a Manfrotto 3001 series). However I understand that the widest preset leg angle is 80 degrees and I am just wondering:
1. if you swing the legs 180 degrees around, what mechanism does it have to lock the legs in that position? Is it the same lock that keep the preset leg angles?
2. Can the same mechanism be used to lock the legs at 90 degrees so I can sit the tripod flat on the ground ( like the Kirk Mighty Low Boy)?
Would appreciate input from those members who actually used the Travel Angel series. Thanks in advance. If someone can post a pic with the setup as I mentioned above w/ a camera attached, I would be most grateful.

There is a lock on each leg, it's a button on the top of each leg that you push/pull into each leg.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=718528

wulkyrie wrote in post #8220024
Hi, new member here. After reading the thread, I am thinking about getting an A-069M8 because it does seem to fill my needs. But I want to be able to open the leg angles all the way w/ all the leg sections retracted so as to let the tripod sit flat on the floor/ground (like a Manfrotto 3001 series). However I understand that the widest preset leg angle is 80 degrees and I am just wondering:
1. if you swing the legs 180 degrees around, what mechanism does it have to lock the legs in that position? Is it the same lock that keep the preset leg angles?
2. Can the same mechanism be used to lock the legs at 90 degrees so I can sit the tripod flat on the ground ( like the Kirk Mighty Low Boy)?
Would appreciate input from those members who actually used the Travel Angel series. Thanks in advance. If someone can post a pic with the setup as I mentioned above w/ a camera attached, I would be most grateful.

I have a Benro C-169M8 Travel Angel so my comments apply to that model:


1. a) None other than friction b) no lock in reversed position
2) No. The head and centre post can be reversed to work upside down between the legs but the centre post can not be shortened for on the ground, head down, position.


I would also like to comment on Benro's leg locks in comparison to Gitzo. On the Travel Angel series they are not in the same class as Gitzo's G-locks. My Gitzo's lock with little pressure and securely. On my Benro I have to tighten fairly hard and I often do not so if I drive the spikes into the ground the Benro's legs then give way.

I am still ticked off about the change in the carry bag that Benro did when I exchanged my new but defective tripod.

Still I like Benro's travel tripod better than the Gitzo for foldable size and I do not have to buy the head to get that. It just does not make for a great main tripod for me.

I am pretty new here and after lurking around this site and reading all the feedback I could find I just ordered a Benro c-269m8 w/B1 head from BH Photo. Now I have to wait to get it. And wait for the credit card bill .