photoMark Loc: South Texas

I'm looking for someone that has experience with this particular line from Benro! I cannot find any reviews at all; it might be that it's a new design and hasn't been on the market very long. I'm curious as to how well the single leg locks work versus the individuals? I'm looking at the model FPA49A in particular, which is the largest. I'm also looking at the Benro FGP28A SystemGo Plus as an alternative. My main use will be for landscape/astrophotography shots with my Nikon D750 and Nikkor 17-35 f/2.8 lens while traveling, but I want it sturdy enough to handle my 70-200 f/2.8, also. I'd appreciate some feedback! Thanks!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Benro claims a maximum load of nearly 31 pounds for the FPA49A. However, I believe the consensus here on the UHH forum concludes that a tripod with numerous leg sections (5 in this case) is less stable in any sort of windy situation.
I appreciate your motivation is based on the compactness of the tripod, but it seems better to buy something strong and stable one time than to buy a succession of models before finding one that works for your purposes.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have 2 Benro's, aluminum and carbon fiber and they are both very sturdy. The aluminum unit is the tall TMA47AXL and I use an aluminum gimbal head with it and it easily handles my d7200 with a Sigma 150-600mm Sport. The reason I bought the tall unit was so I could do some downward shots. My carbon fiber has been since discontinued, at least by B+H but I still think they are available and that's the Benro TMA48CL. This carbon fiber unit can also handle the Gimbal with the 150-600 easily. Note that both of my tripods are rated for 44lbs and both are very stable and I haven't noticed any vibration problems with my aluminum tripod.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157827-REG/benro_tma47axl_mach3_aluminum_series_4.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157820-REG/benro_tma48cl_mach3_9x_carbon_fiber.html

photoMark Loc: South Texas

I agree with you 100%, and I have a heavy duty Manfrotto tripod that is rock solid, but it isn't feasible to travel with. I've seen all of the recommendations for travel tripods, and the specs on this one seem to be better than those most people recommend. The leg diameter on this model is from 34mm down to 22mm, which are larger than most travel tripods I've reviewed. I'm open to other recommendations! Thank you for your reply!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Stability and dampening is lower on a tripod with metal legs. The FPA49A weighs over 4 lbs. so while it folds small, it is still pretty heavy for what it is. It should be fine with the 17-35, and probably ok with the 70-200, but at 200mm, you may have some vibration that cannot be absorbed by the tripod.

I would consider a lighter, stronger tripod like a Feisol CT 3442 - it weighs under 2.5 lbs, fits into a bag that will fit into an overheat compartment in a plane, and can fold back on itself to enclose a ball head in such a way that you don't have to remove the head. I've got that one and the bigger CT 3472, which has nice thick legs and a stable base - with my 600mm F4. Load capacity, a meaningless spec, but people seem to look at it and use it to make purchase decisions is 55 lbs on the small legs, and 66 lbs on the bigger ones. Putting aside load capacity for a moment, the key is stability - and both offer good stability within their range - I use the small legs with lenses up to 200-300mm.

photoMark Loc: South Texas

Thanks for your response! Those are nice looking tripods; glad to see you like them! I've read mostly positive reviews on them. I have three benro ball heads, and one monopod, and I'm happy with them.

mrpentaxk5ii

I don't have that model but I use the Benro Travel Angel, model A1691T. Mg-Aluminum tripod folds into 17 3/4" and works very well. the largest lens & camera has been a Pentax K5ii and a Sigma 120-400 mm
F 4.5-5.6 lens.

photoMark Loc: South Texas

I appreciate the info; I'll take a closer look at that Feisol later tonight! Thanks!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I've had the big set since 2007 - no issues.

photoMark Loc: South Texas

Thanks; appreciate the input!

photoMark Loc: South Texas

Good to know; thanks!

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have a Zomei z888c carbon fiber tripod. It is light and fairly sturdy. And better in the wind with some weight suspended under it. It will support my Sony a99ll with any or my lenses from wide angle to 400mm. Next up on my sturdy list I one is an old Star-D, then tops on my rock solid list is a servayers wooden tripod. Wood transmits very little vibration and rock solid in the wind. All have pluses and minuses. Happy shooting.

Z888c, Star-D, servayers wood tripod


Sony a99ll z888c tripod

photoMark Loc: South Texas

Thanks; I appreciate it!