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

TomBrooklyn wrote in post #11385738
I wonder if the B1 head can hold a camera in vertical orientation with a 70-200 f/18 or a 300 f/4 that don't have tripod feet, as my two lenses of that size don't.

Anyway, it's rated to hold about 10 lbs more than a Manfrotto 498RC2, so it should be OK if the ratings are accurate and comparable between the two companies.

I assume by "tripod feet" you mean the tripod mount ring or collar. The B1 will be able to hold up your camera with the 70-200 f/2.8 IS without much of a creep after tightening the knobs. There is a little bit of creep after setting up and letting go of the camera and lens but not as much as with the Manfrotto 488RC2 (the predecessor to the 498RC2). Once the B1 settles in after that initial creep, it stays put.

I bought my C-269 from Amazon two weeks ago for $339.

Now it seems that only the C-2691 (the transformer version) is available.

itsmejson wrote in post #11390184
anyone know where the cheapest place to find this kit is? where did you guys purchase it from?

i have been looking into the feisol 3441s/photoclam 40ns and pretty pricey but it seems that most people are pretty happy with the benro setup and its much cheaper.

Get it directly from China through eBay. All the dealers there are more or less the same price. Mine arrived from HK the day after it was picked up (DHL). Faster than coming from NYC, cheaper too...

peter_n wrote in post #11393322
Get it directly from China through eBay. All the dealers there are more or less the same price. Mine arrived from HK the day after it was picked up (DHL). Faster than coming from NYC, cheaper too...

got it. found some on ebay thanks

does anyone know if i would be able to use either a photoclam 33ns or 40ns ballhead with this tripod? what would be the biggest diameter i could use and still be able to fold tripod without the ballhead interferring ?

itsmejson wrote in post #11396602
does anyone know if i would be able to use either a photoclam 33ns or 40ns ballhead with this tripod? what would be the biggest diameter i could use and still be able to fold tripod without the ballhead interferring ?

You should be able to use the Photo Clam PC-33NS with the C2691T, I used one with my C2680T and it was fine. For the legs to fold back parallel to the center column you need a max diameter of 50mm for both the ball housing and the panning base. You can use larger diameters but the legs won't be parallel; for some this isn't a problem so something like the 40NS can be attractive. I got a Markins Q3T directly from S. Korea and it was the same price as the NS here in the US. The only issue is that if the Q3T needs service it has to go back to Korea.

peter_n wrote in post #11397096
You should be able to use the Photo Clam PC-33NS with the C2691T, I used one with my C2680T and it was fine. For the legs to fold back parallel to the center column you need a max diameter of 50mm for both the ball housing and the panning base. You can use larger diameters but the legs won't be parallel; for some this isn't a problem so something like the 40NS can be attractive. I got a Markins Q3T directly from S. Korea and it was the same price as the NS here in the US. The only issue is that if the Q3T needs service it has to go back to Korea.

gotcha. how about the 36ns? this tripod usually comes paired w/ the B-1 and looks like the 36 is close to it?

Whether you can live with the 53.5mm panning base is up to you. My personal preference is to have the folded tripod be parallel as that helps with carrying and getting it in and out of the bag. I think the Markins Q3T is the best solution, I've used a Photo Clam and I also prefer the tension design of the Markins as well as the dimensions. The Markins is just a really class product.

peter_n wrote in post #11399714
Whether you can live with the 53.5mm panning base is up to you. My personal preference is to have the folded tripod be parallel as that helps with carrying and getting it in and out of the bag. I think the Markins Q3T is the best solution, I've used a Photo Clam and I also prefer the tension design of the Markins as well as the dimensions. The Markins is just a really class product.

thanks again.

How do you guys like the 5 section legs? does you guys find it to be less stable or more cumbersome to open and close?

itsmejson wrote in post #11412764
thanks again.

How do you guys like the 5 section legs? does you guys find it to be less stable or more cumbersome to open and close?

I don't find 5 sections to be a problem at all. In fact, I'm able to unlock all 5 sections at the same time when the tripod is in the collapsed position. Stability is also not an issue for me and was one of the main reasons I went with the C-269 over the C-169. The smallest section on the C-269 is more than sturdy enough and does not appear to be unstable at all.

5teve wrote in post #11412823
I don't find 5 sections to be a problem at all. In fact, I'm able to unlock all 5 sections at the same time when the tripod is in the collapsed position. Stability is also not an issue for me and was one of the main reasons I went with the C-269 over the C-169. The smallest section on the C-269 is more than sturdy enough and does not appear to be unstable at all.

got it thanks.

has anyone had experience with the c-268m8? they are pretty much the same except 4secs and 2in longer?

The C-268 M8 is discontinued and has reappeared with improvements as the C2680T, the tripod I have. I'll be reviewing it here in February.

bumping this because im looking at getting a B-1

my brother just got me a tripod with a Hi Tripod Head Mount 1/4-20 and 3/8". is that the standard size for a ball head? will this head fit?