Benro Tripods (Page 2): I have the Benro Traveller, which is light and easy to use and carry. It's thin but sturdy; performs very well and had good quality construction.

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

Kreb's Cyclist wrote:

HI, Anyone familiar with Benro tripods? I'm thinking about the SystemGo Plus, which has the center column that can be pulled up and rotated into any position. I have a Vanguard tripod that can do that but I'd had issues with it and it has annoying quirk of not allowing the swing tension of the legs to be adjusted. I'm familiar with the Manfrotto 055 but that can only be locked into a horizontal position. Thanks for any info.

I have the Benro Traveller, which is light and easy to use and carry. It's thin but sturdy; performs very well and had good quality construction.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

My tripod is taller than I am, so height is not a problem except on uneven ground. Even then, I seldom raise the center pole. However, I love the feature that allows me to pull the pole up and turn it 45 degrees. That allows me to put my camera out over an object that I cannot reach. It's a cool feature that I have used a lot.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

Gene51 wrote:

No one should follow that weight-based advice anym... (show quote)

What is your basis for these statements about Gitzos being so inferior? I have one and the above is nonsense in my personal experience. Gitzo has long been one of the most recommended tripods on this and other photographic forums. Mine does great with a FF dslr and heavy 70-200 or 300mm lens with no lack of stability, inadequate vibration damping, or any other faults in it's performance, and it's one of the lower priced, aluminum alloy Gitzo models. IMHO opinion the above is like saying a Ferrari is inadequate in acceleration and handling!!

Regarding Benro, I have a compact Benro for travel use and it's build quality is excellent and comparable to the more expensive Gitzo. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Benro.

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

I'm familiar with the Manfrotto 055 but that can only be locked into a horizontal position. Thanks for any info.[/quote]

No, it can be removed and inserted from the bottom. I use this feature a lot with a macro lens.
Manfrotto or Benro will return to you value for the $$ spent.
Ken

Kreb's Cyclist

Thanks, but I was asking about a tripod that has an articulating center column which is handy for macro work. I know it's not a good practice to raise the center column if you don't have to. The tripod I'm interested in has this type of feature which helps get the camera in awkward positions.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Kreb's Cyclist wrote:

HI, Anyone familiar with Benro tripods? I'm thinking about the SystemGo Plus, which has the center column that can be pulled up and rotated into any position. I have a Vanguard tripod that can do that but I'd had issues with it and it has annoying quirk of not allowing the swing tension of the legs to be adjusted. I'm familiar with the Manfrotto 055 but that can only be locked into a horizontal position. Thanks for any info.

Extended center columns often result in very low vibration damping and fuzzy images.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

jackpinoh wrote:

Extended center columns often result in very low vibration damping and fuzzy images.

Yes. And the same applies for the center column swinging out. That increases the instability. I do macro and I find that other capabilities of my tripod get me to where I need to be on those occasion where I am not hand holding.

Think about it. Shooting at 1:1 typically requires you to be 6” or so from your subject. I’ve never met a situation yet where I can’t do that unless my intended subject is more than 6’ off the ground.

Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

Kreb's Cyclist wrote:

Thanks, but I was asking about a tripod that has an articulating center column which is handy for macro work. I know it's not a good practice to raise the center column if you don't have to. The tripod I'm interested in has this type of feature which helps get the camera in awkward positions.

You've done your research and found a tripod that has the features you want. It seems to me your only question is if Benro is of good quality. At this point for me, having had some experience with a Benro, it's an easy decision - go for the Benro. I doubt you will be displeased with it. Happy shooting!

Kreb's Cyclist

RichardSM wrote:

I own a Benro tripod they make great products mine is C/F and very sturdy.

Thanks. I have a very beefy Induro and a Vanguard with the articulating center column but I really don't like it much. The center column that you can adjust to any angle is handy when you're lying on the ground shooting macro.

Kreb's Cyclist

billnikon wrote:

I own two Benro's, one is aluminum and one is carbon fiber. They both came with a carrying case and tools. Both are manufactured to a high degree of quality. They are manufactured by a larger, famous tripod manufacture that I will let you figure out who.

Thanks

Kreb's Cyclist

AzPicLady wrote:

My tripod is taller than I am, so height is not a problem except on uneven ground. Even then, I seldom raise the center pole. However, I love the feature that allows me to pull the pole up and turn it 45 degrees. That allows me to put my camera out over an object that I cannot reach. It's a cool feature that I have used a lot.

Yup, that's what I'm referring to. Thanks azpiclady. I now know what it means to be the target of mansplaining, obviously not from you!
😎

Kreb's Cyclist

Teton Viewer wrote:

You've done your research and found a tripod that has the features you want. It seems to me your only question is if Benro is of good quality. At this point for me, having had some experience with a Benro, it's an easy decision - go for the Benro. I doubt you will be displeased with it. Happy shooting!

Yes, that was my question. Thanks for understanding that.😀. I have a Vanguard with that center column feature but I find it lacking in other ways. I didn't want to buy something else that would be equally disappointing.

Kreb's Cyclist

billnikon wrote:

I own two Benro's, one is aluminum and one is carbon fiber. They both came with a carrying case and tools. Both are manufactured to a high degree of quality. They are manufactured by a larger, famous tripod manufacture that I will let you figure out who.

Interesting, I googled who makes Benro tripods and the answer is Induro. I was not aware of that. My Induro is good so the Benro should be fine. There just aren't many reviews for Benro and I have no way to see one before I buy.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

Kreb's Cyclist wrote:

HI, Anyone familiar with Benro tripods? I'm thinking about the SystemGo Plus, which has the center column that can be pulled up and rotated into any position. I have a Vanguard tripod that can do that but I'd had issues with it and it has annoying quirk of not allowing the swing tension of the legs to be adjusted. I'm familiar with the Manfrotto 055 but that can only be locked into a horizontal position. Thanks for any info.

Yes...yes...yes...I have the FGP18C...it’s on sale now...wonderful tripod...I use it with the IB-2 Ball Head...Nikon D500...I’ve used it with neck fully extended and legs fully retracted with remote shutter release...stable as can be...

Kreb's Cyclist

SkyKing wrote:

Yes...yes...yes...I have the FGP18C...it’s on sale now...wonderful tripod...I use it with the IB-2 Ball Head...Nikon D500...I’ve used it with neck fully extended and legs fully retracted with remote shutter release...stable as can be...

Awesome, thanks.