Opinion sought on Benro Tripods

[Hansm]

Is there anyone familiar with the Benro Tripods?
They seem to be a copy of thne Gitzo, only the price is not a copy but lower
I also concider buying a new tripod and found this Benro on the internet.
here the link
http://www.benro.com/default.aspx

[shreds]

Hansm,

I have not come across them, but all you are looking for is something that holds your camera firm whilst you get the shot so the name on the side isn't that important.

What is important is what you are going to use it for and under what conditions?

How heavy is it and how easy is it to set up?

How easy is it to separate from your camera?

Will you be using it in cold or tropical conditions?

Is it going to be used solely indoors or out?

How robust are the mechanics of it?

How often are you going to use it?

You can usually determine all of these in the shop, though the availability of spares is one worth checking on. Whatever you do, dont go for a flimsy design. Your ability to lug it around, will be a major deciding factor, although over the years I personally have gone for more and more substantial designs as I want absolute rock solid stability.

And of course finally, the depth of your pocket in the first place.

[Hansm]

Well, I want to use it for mainly outdoor architecture photography.
The camera is an Canon 5D and the lens mainly the TS-E 24mm.
At the moment I have Velbon tripod but not very sturdy.

The weigth is not the most important part because I will mostly not travel on foot for miles.

So it has to be solid and height about 1.6 mtr without centre poll.
I don't know if I will go for a new ballhead. On the Velbon I have a huge Gitzo 1570 3-way head.

I don't think I'm gone use it with big Tele lenses. The longest I have is the 135 mm and also a 1.4 TC.
Longer lenses are not on my wishlist.

I know Gitzo's reputation but this also has it's price.
Reading around on the internet tells me that several people have the Benro with no regrets.
It seems thet the Benro Ballhead is not the best on this planet.
So if I go for a ballhead it will be something like Markins or RRS.

In fact my question is, shall I go for the Benro and save quite some money for other stuff, or would it be better to spend more money for a Gitzo.

[shreds]

Hansm,

I had used a Velbon VS 3 for years because it suited my purposes at the time. I eventually upgraded to a Manfrotto 058B which having tried it out before I bought it, I just found unbelievably solid, yet flexible and it now goes everywhere with me.

It wasn't cheap, but will go on for years, even if I went to Medium Format. (Although I have been there before and doubt I will return. In your case with architectural photography, might you ever end up with a large format camera, that would require substantial support? I suppose at the end of the day your budget is the determining factor, but do try and think beyond your current set up (Great as the 5D is).

But rather than listen to opinions which will naturally have bias, go and try one out like I did, you will almost certainly know there and then whether it is right for you.

And if you can buy them at B&H photo in NYC they can't be all bad.

[shreds]

Also see thread on 'Best Tripod and head for stability' as Benro mentioned here too.

[Hansm]

Hi Shreds,

I noticed the name in that tread also but there was no direct feedback about experience.

I understand thet my Velbon can handle the equipment I use at the moment but the stability is not so good.
If I want to move the lens only, there is already vibrance that changes the position of the tripod a little.
If the tripod is more sturdy I can move the lens without worring about movement of tripod postion. That is what me wants to move to something better.

I know quality has its price but the same as with cameras the brand reputation also sometimes boosts up the price. Often price difference doesn't justify the quality difference anymore.
I was already very close to go for Gitzo when Benro showed up.

I take your suggestion to go to a shop that has both brands, compare them and than make my decision.

Thank you for thinking with me.

I keep you posted about my choice.

Best regards
Hans

[Colin Southern]

Hi Hans,

You should print out my Gitzo "tests" - take them along to the store - and see if the Benro salesman will let you try them

[Hansm]

Good tip Colin

I take MoF and let her take pictures of the salesman
Can be fun

But seriously, I will print them out and bring them to the store.
See how they react.

Keep you posted

Best regards

Hans

[Colin Southern]

LOL - sounds good.

Now that the "Gitzo Challenge" has been laid down, be sure to let us know how you get on eh - photos would be great

[shreds]

Hi Shreds,
I noticed the name in that tread also but there was no direct feedback about experience.
Hans

Hans,

the fact that the Velbon lasted me from about 1985 is testimony to its overall suitability. It even supported a Bronica quite nicely, but the angled pillar was a no no. Rarely ever used that with any camera, it just pulled the tripod straight over. Not Good.

I started thinking a few years ago about the Manfrotto after experiencing the stability given to a D1 belonging to a Pro friend. Stability was remarkable.

After getting a Manfrotto myself, I now wonder why I didn't go for one earlier. I think it was the thought of portability and weight, but despite the extra weight, it sits very well on its shoulder strap and as I say now goes everywhere with me.

Take a look on the Manfrotto website which gives a good combination selector.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/news/.../16203/lang/en

[Hansm]

Next week at march 8th there is a trade show in the Netherlands.
Several dealers will show their products over there and two of them have Gitzo and Benro or Manfrotto.
This will be the best opertunity for me to compare them.
After that I make up my mind and decide where to go for.

Thanks for all the tips

[Dave Humphries]

Good timing Hans,

just don't forget the 'salesperson on a tripod' pictures for Colin

[shreds]

Only one salesperson?

This could become a real challenge....

[Hansm]

Just a short update.
I was at the tradeshow and showed the representative Colins pictures.
He just smiled but didn't let me try the same issue. To his oppinion the pictures spoke for itself and there was no need to do the same again.
So I have to dissappoint you about not being able to provide pictures

I compared the Benro with Gitzo. Both feel very sturdy.
However last week I purchased the Tilt lens + Gitzo Tripod from the photographer who borrowed me the tilt lens for try out. So no need to buy a new one.

[shreds]

Glad you have a good outcome.


Very disappointed though we could not see two or three burly salespeople trying to balance on a tripod.

[shreds]

PS Look forward to seeing the results of your new toys in action.

[Colin Southern]

I still reckon it's Gitzo 1, Benro 0!

[Bill44]

I still reckon it's Gitzo 1, Benro 0!

So do I. C'mon Lotto, or a lot of photo sales.