juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Hi all,

I have been looking into several tripod over the net (and also reading some threads here).
My intentions is to get a new tripod for landscape, panos and mostly long exposures (day and night). In addition to the required sturdiness, I would like a tall one as I am 6'3" and when I decide to, I would like to be able to place the camera at eye level (I like lower angles, but I want the choice of eye level also).

My budget is limited and would like to pay as little as possible (as I guess most of us want).

As I don't live in USA (and prices are too expensive here, and there are no used options), I will have to wait until I can travel to the states to buy it (and therefore a used one wouldn't be an option at the moment).
The only alternative would be a tripod for a total of $200 max (shipping to Miami included).

These are the options that I have been reading/viewing reviews about:

- Benro TMA47AXL at $195
This would be the best option based on price and possibility of purchasing asap. However I am not sure how much the difference between aluminum and carbon fiber is. Does the price difference worth it?

- Benro TMA48CXL at $438
If aluminum is a bad decision, this one is my next option. From reviews looks excellent, checks all my requirements and comes with accessories and nice carrying bag as a plus.

I have also checked the following ones, that look as good options but are significantly more expensive:
- Nest NT-404CT at $625 (or the Nest NT-404CE LIMITED EDITION if I can get it for same price)
- Feisol CT-3372L M2 at $650
- Leofoto LN-404C at $585

To sum up, I would like some help with the following questions:
- Does the price difference from aluminum vs carbon fiber is justified by quality and/or performance?
- Are the Benro models good enough for a new enthusiast or will I regret my purchase?
- Are there any other similar models that I should check? (please keep in mind sturdiness, max height without center column and PRICE for your recommendations).

As always, thanks in advance because I know the community will be more than helpful on this

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

I own the CT 3472 - and it's pretty stable and only weighs 4 lbs. The Leofoto and Nest have thicker legs, and presumably more stability but are a bit heavier. The Nest is taller without needing a center column. To my knowledge, only Induro, RRS and Gitzo make tripods with the same stability - and all cost more. And yes, carbon fiber is better at damping vibration and it is lighter, so it is preferable, and totally worth the extra expenditure. If you get an aluminum tripod you will end up with two tripods - one that is made of aluminum and you never use, and the other a carbon fiber that you will use all the time.

If you are not using a 600mm lens you may not need the heft of the Nest or the Leofoto - but they are both taller than the Feisol.

juan_uy Loc: Uruguay

Thanks for your input Gene, much appreciated!
Do you have any experience or first hand reference about the Benro models? Or would you discard them for any specific reason?