Benro v. Manfrotto

I am torn between these two tripod set ups:

This is the Benro set-up:

http://www.adorama.com​/BE454297.html
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http://www.adorama.com​/BE450761.html

$271

and this is the Manfrotto rig:

http://www.adorama.com​/BG055XPROB.html
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http://www.adorama.com​/BG496RC2.html

$265

My personal preference is for the Benro, however I have heard excellent things about the Manfrotto rig. Does anyone have any thoughts about the two set-ups, with regards to reliability? Are the legs sturdy, likewise with the ball heads?

The heaviest things I have right now are a 5D2, and a 24-70L. I don't for see myself getting any new lenses (esp. big ones like the 70-200 2.8L) anytime soon.

The price difference between the two is hardly anything. Though the Benro does include a bag, strap, and tool kit. I would not take those if it means my camera and lenses falling to the ground though

I am also partial to the friction locks on the Benro tripod, versus the flips on the Manfrotto.

Any thoughts are appreciated!

The Manfrotto tripod is a very popular choice. I wouldn't get the 496 head however; it's a bit weak for most SLR gear. you might look at Adorama's Flashpoint F-3 which is about half the price of the Benro for the same basic head. It uses the standard Arca-Swiss style QR plates, too.

Is there a Manfrotto ball head you could recommend?
I don't like QR plates that require a nickel or something similar to tighten down -I liked Manfrotto heads because the QR plates use a D-ring.

I have the xprob with the older 488rc2 head and I love it

Lee wrote in post #10402030
Is there a Manfrotto ball head you could recommend?
I don't like QR plates that require a nickel or something similar to tighten down -I liked Manfrotto heads because the QR plates use a D-ring.

Why? The whole point of a QR plate is to mount it and just leave it on. If you're going to remove it when you take the camera off the tripod, then reattach it when you next want the tripod you might as well just get a head without any kind of QR. At least that way you won't have to worry about losing the QR plate between sessions.

I suppose this is true; though I normally only have my quick plate on at certain times. If I go out during the night, or anytime I feel I may need my tripod, I will put on the QR plate before I leave the house. If it is broad daylight out, I normally don't have the QR plate on.

I also find it way easier to mount a camera to a head using a QR plate, instead of mounting the camera body to a head without a QR.

Hi Lee,
The QR plate allows you to mount the camera/lens on a tripod quickly. But if you take it off, and put it back on regularly, I suspect it will take longer than just mounting the camera on the tripod?

another advantage of the QR plate is that it is easier to put in place; I would probably stand a bigger chance of dropping my camera trying to get a 1/4-20 stud into the tripod hole on the bottom of the camera. Specially if I were using a large, heavy lens.

Guess I'm saying the same as Jon. Would a simple tripod head without a plate be better? Surely it would be cheaper too.

Best,

Actually, Jon -on the Flashpoint F-3, what do each of those two knobs control?
They also mention there is a safety catch to prevent accidental release of the plate -can that be seen in the picture?
I may pick one of these up!
Thanks

That top knob looks to control the ball lock, and the bottom knob to control the pan movement, or uses an arca swiss system and that top knob could be just to disengage the plate.

The safety pin on my 488RC2 resides underneath the QR lever. I has to be done manually after attaching the plate.