Review: Benro TRAB169 Travel Tripod

I recently purchased a Benro TRAB169 "Travel Angel" tripod. In all of my research, I didn't find too much in terms of reviews on this particular tripod, so I decided to write one.

http://blog.theexperta​mateur.com …69-travel-angel-link.html

Cheers,
TEA

thanks for posting this.

No problem.. I am glad someone got some use out of it. I thought it had gone to lonely post heaven

I read it - and thank you!

I have a carbon fibre Manfrotto, but it is too big to take on airplanes, and we travel a lot, so I found your review timely!

You mention in your review that you have problems switching plates... One of the advantages of using an Arca Compatible quick release system. Plates and Q.R. clamps match across brands.

I use a Giottos MH-1300 ball head with a MH-657 QR clamp on my full size tripod and an Adorama Flashpoint F-1 head which also uses an Arca Compatible QR clamp on my modified SLIK Pro 330DX tripod. This tripod, after modification weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces.

I have RRS L plates on my 30D and 40D cameras as well as a selection of Arca Compatible plates for my lenses with tripod rings. I never need to take the plates off when switching tripods.

BTW: Kirk Enterprises sells an Arca Compatible clamp which can be retrofitted on most tripod ball heads.

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om …Quick-Release-Clamps.html

Arca Compatible clamps can also be found on eBay but, I cannot vouch for their quality. This is only one of the clamps on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​2eab214255

RPCrowe wrote in post #10525290
You mention in your review that you have problems switching plates... One of the advantages of using an Arca Compatible quick release system. Plates and Q.R. clamps match across brands.

I use a Giottos MH-1300 ball head with a MH-657 QR clamp on my full size tripod and an Adorama Flashpoint F-1 head which also uses an Arca Compatible QR clamp on my modified SLIK Pro 330DX tripod. This tripod, after modification weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces.

I have RRS L plates on my 30D and 40D cameras as well as a selection of Arca Compatible plates for my lenses with tripod rings. I never need to take the plates off when switching tripods.

BTW: Kirk Enterprises sells an Arca Compatible clamp which can be retrofitted on most tripod ball heads.

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om …Quick-Release-Clamps.html

Arca Compatible clamps can also be found on eBay but, I cannot vouch for their quality. This is only one of the clamps on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​2eab214255

Thanks for the info and links! I wasn't aware that I could use other brands of Arca compatible QR plates. Benro also sells the individual plates for the B-0 ballhead, but they always seem to be on backorder.

I have the aluminum version with 4 leg sections and I really like it.

TheExpertAmateur wrote in post #10354415
I recently purchased a Benro TRAB169 "Travel Angel" tripod. In all of my research, I didn't find too much in terms of reviews on this particular tripod, so I decided to write one.

http://blog.theexperta​mateur.com …69-travel-angel-link.html

Cheers,
TEA

Have just read your review - I have a Benro C-269 with B-1 head.

I wanted to change the head - to put another one on -but- I ended up dismantling the ball head rather than removing it - and instead of a screw protruding ended up with a hole! This involved removing 3 tiny screws and then 4 more!

I did email Benro how to change the head - but got no reply.

However I did buy a Travel Angel Kit rather than the two items separately.

I'm glad to be told I missed something though...............

PLSV wrote in post #10522956
I read it - and thank you!

I have a carbon fibre Manfrotto, but it is too big to take on airplanes, and we travel a lot, so I found your review timely!

after reading this thread, i don't think i'll ever carry my tripods with my carryons... i rather not risk it and pack it safely with my shipped luggage...

seems like TSA and other air carriers make up their own set of rules as they want... i've had one Air France tell me my Lowepro Pro Roller X100 was ok, then another one tell me it's not...