Benro Travel Angel (just bought it)

My only tripod for quite some time has been a Slik Pro 700DX. At just over 7 pounds, it is a beast of a tripod that is difficult to carry around for long distances or extended amounts of time. It is incredibly strong and sturdy, but I don't like to carry it very far. It was definitely not made with hiking in mind. Since I will spend the next week hiking in the Smoky Mountains, I decided it was finally time to get another tripod. This isn't a replacement for the Slik, but a lightweight addition.

After reading on here for a few days, I narrowed my choices to the Slik Sprint Mini II, the Slik Sprint Pro II, and something in the Benro Travel Angel series.

The Sprint Mini II was incredibly small and light, but only extended to 32". That's shorter than my 700DX fully collapsed, so I knew it wouldn't be tall enough. I then looked at the Sprint Pro II and it seems like a good value (Slik usually is). Just under $100, extends to near eye level, and would hold my 50D + 17-55 with it's 4.5 pound weight limit. The main thing I didn't like about the Sprint Pro was that it only collapsed to 19" and I wanted something even smaller.

After reading many good reviews of the Benro Travel Angel series, I decided to give one a try. There are a variety of models in aluminum and carbon fiber depending on the weight, height, and load capacity that you need. I went with the TRAB069 for $213 (more expensive than the 700DX). It weighs 2.5 lbs, collapses to 13", extends to 53", and supports 13 lbs. I spent the extra $50 on the better ball head which is why it supports 13 lbs instead of 4.5 lbs.

The tripod is very sturdy and functions smoothly. I was concerned about the twist locks on the legs, but I think they are actually faster than the lever locks on my Slik. I loaded it down with my 50D, 70-200 f/4, and 580EX, and it handled it with no problem. The head didn't sag, and the legs didn't sag or twist. Granted, this was only a living room test, but it will get a full workout in the mountains in a few days.

Here are the Slik Pro 700DX and the Benro TRAB069 fully collapsed and with the legs open:

I waited forever and a day for the trab269 from Amazon. Couldn't wait any longer and went to a local shop that a friend recommended. Was shocked they had travel angels. They had the trab269 on display but not in stock. I ended up picking up the trab169 this past Monday. Looking forward to your review and I will also post mine.

Wow that is tiny. Those are some very skinny legs, there must surely be some flex in them???

But the tripod that is with you is always better than the one left at home I guess!

Great review! That is a nice piece of hardware, the Benro travel angel is every bit as good for me as a Gitzo Traveller would be. It's just as nice and I don't worry about losing, breaking or getting stolen a $1200 tripod package.

Mark-B wrote in post #11010212
I was concerned about the twist locks on the legs, but I think they are actually faster than the lever locks on my Slik.

You may be discovering the same thing I did. When I shopped for my first decent pod I thought without a DOUBT that I must have lever locks. I ended up getting a Manfrotto 055XBpro and it was awesome but heavy and bulky. As my lens selection grew and my bag got heavier, I realized a lighter, more compact tripod would really help, so I got a good deal on an Induro and was "forced" into twist locks. I realized the twist locks were so much quicker and intuitive to use. My Induro is a 3 section, I just grab all three, twist and boom, they drop to the earth. I could do that with the levers too, but not as effortlessly. But the biggest advantage is how low profile they are. I don't know about your Silk levers, but Manforttos add a good 3" of girth around a legset. It was a pain to get through pack straps... anyway, ramble much... I like twisties now.

Your review has me sure I want to add a Travel Angel as my ultra-ULTRA compact tripod.

The tripod that is with you is definitely better than none at all! That's why I got this.

The legs did not sag from the weight of the gear you see on it, but that is only 1/3 of what the tripod is capable of holding. I also held the center column with one hand with no gear on it and gently pushed down - no sag like that either. I'm not saying that they can't sag, but I don't think a 50D & 10-20, 17-55, or 70-200 f/4 is enough to make it happen.

Thanks for the write-up Mark. Looks tempting, actually just put up a WTB for one, lol. BTW which ball-head did you end up getting. Do you think it would support my 7Dgripped attached to my 24-70?

Rebelution wrote in post #11010504
Thanks for the write-up Mark. Looks tempting, actually just put up a WTB for one, lol. BTW which ball-head did you end up getting. Do you think it would support my 7Dgripped attached to my 24-70?

I got the TRAB069 with the B-00 ballhead. I guess this one is made just for the kit, because you can't seem to get it separately. It is rated for 13 pounds. The gripped 7D + 24-70 probably only weighs half that.

phreeky wrote in post #11010310
Wow that is tiny. Those are some very skinny legs, there must surely be some flex in them???

But the tripod that is with you is always better than the one left at home I guess!

There is a tiny bit of flex but the key is just knowing that and using the clip on the bottom to weigh it down.

Here in Afghanistan I just use a can of medium machine gun ammo, but of course you could use anything.

Indeed what you have with you is better than what you left at home.

Benro Travel Angel is the cornerstone of my travel kit

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NatDeroxL7 wrote in post #11012861
Here in Afghanistan I just use a can of medium machine gun ammo, but of course you could use anything.

*looks around* hmmm, guess I'll have to use something else

Looks like a nice compact kit for your situation.

Where did you buy the Benro TRA-B069 w/ B-0 (not B-00)? B&H and Adorama does not have this in stock or its has been discontinued. Also I was reading how the head would creap.. any problem with yours when you have the 70-200 on there?

I just finished a 7 day trip carrying the Benro Travel Angel in the front pouch of my Canon backpack. It easily handled the streets of Atlanta, the trails in Tennessee, and the mountains in North Carolina. It was easy to carry around, easy to set up, and easy to take down.

The heaviest load I put on it was the 50D + 17-55 f/2.8 IS + 580EX. It had no problem with this combination. The only time I felt it was not sturdy enough was at the top of Clingman's Dome in the Smoky Mountain National Park. I was at 6,700 feet with 20 - 30 mph winds. I had the legs and center column fully extended and my backpack hanging from the hook on the center column, and was nervous that it was going to blow over.

I would easily recommend this tripod, and will probably use it over my Slik for daily use.

On flat ground in the woods

NatDeroxL7 wrote in post #11012861
There is a tiny bit of flex but the key is just knowing that and using the clip on the bottom to weigh it down.

Here in Afghanistan I just use a can of medium machine gun ammo, but of course you could use anything.

Indeed what you have with you is better than what you left at home.

Benro Travel Angel is the cornerstone of my travel kit

I see some of my old gear in that photo! The travel angel is pretty good bang for the buck... and it's always nice to have a tripod with you. The Benro 068 and 069 are super-duper compact and light.

Use it in the best of health. Those last sections look pretty skinny. Do you notice any flex in them?

tvphotog wrote in post #11064206
...Those last sections look pretty skinny...

skinny price we have to pay for ultimate portability imo...

my gitzo 1550T last segment sometimes feel like a chopstick... oh wait.. .i'm trying to sell it... DOH!

hahaha

:p