Benro GD3WH & Manfrotto Befree tripod ? Hi chaps, I'm interested in getting a Benro GD3WH geared head. I have a Manfrotto Befree tripod. Does anyone know if this head will fit that...

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Benro GD3WH & Manfrotto Befree tripod ?

Apr 6, 2019 02:24:00 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Hi chaps,

I'm interested in getting a Benro GD3WH geared head.

I have a Manfrotto Befree tripod.

Does anyone know if this head will fit that tripod please ?

Cheers

Paul :)

Apr 6, 2019 06:01:49 #

twosummers Loc: Melbourne Australia or Lincolnshire England

Paul60 wrote:

Hi chaps,

I'm interested in getting a Benro GD3WH geared head.

I have a Manfrotto Befree tripod.

Does anyone know if this head will fit that tripod please ?

Cheers

Paul :)

Hi Paul,

That's the exact combination I use for real estate photography. The Benro geared head fits without any modifications.

Great combination, sturdy tripod and excellent geared head. My tripod, head and Canon 6d fell over a few weeks ago. Outside on a rubberised yard ( I had not locked one of the legs securely so be careful) - surprisingly the camera and tripod were completely unmarked. The head suffered slight "shock" damage in that one of the adjusters was very, very stiff after the oops moment. However it is getting looser now and almost back to it's original feel. Still 100% useable and I use it several times a week. The head is permanently on my tripod and the mounting plate (comes with the head) is a permanent fixture on my camera. One thing to note is that the plate works loose in use over a long period so keep checking and keep it tightly fastened.

James

Apr 6, 2019 06:06:48 #

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

Paul60 wrote:

Hi chaps,

I'm interested in getting a Benro GD3WH geared head.

I have a Manfrotto Befree tripod.

Does anyone know if this head will fit that tripod please ?

Cheers

Paul :)

It will fit - but do you really want to put a 2 lb head on such an unstable, light-duty (8.8 lb load capacity) tripod like the Befree?

Apr 6, 2019 06:17:34 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Hi James,

Thanks for the response.

That is good to hear. I will order it.

My P1000 fell off my Befree tripod a few days ago, about 3ft onto carpet. Luckily no damage.

I don't care for the standard Befree ball head as I find it hard to attach with a heavy, awkward camera (like the P1000).

I somehow got it mounted the wrong way round, it felt like it had locked into place, but when I went to pack up, the camera just fell off.

I like the look of the plate that comes with the Benro. Looks idiot proof. (I am new to photography).

Thanks again for the info.

Cheers

Paul :)

Apr 6, 2019 06:22:56 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Gene51 wrote:

It will fit - but do you really want to put a 2 lb head on such an unstable, light-duty (8.8 lb load capacity) tripod like the Befree?

Hi Gene51,

Not really, but I need the lightweight & portability. Also I don't plan on using it full height.

I will see how it goes and keep an eye on it.

Oh, & James seems to be happy.

Cheers,

Paul :)

Apr 6, 2019 20:08:43 #

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

Paul60 wrote:

That should work then. I am very demanding on my support - it has to serve my needs for long lens (600mm) and macro - both of which really require excellent torsional rigidity. I suppose you can get away with a lighter duty tripod if you aren't pushing limits.

For my lighter duty needs I use a Feisol CT-3442 - 2.3 lbs, extends to 56 inches without a center column, carbon fiber, good torsional rigidity, and supports 55 lbs - not that the last spec matters much in this range of tripods. I use a variety of heads on it, including several ball heads and a gimbal. I've not been satisfied with lower end tripods for a variety of reasons, but mostly build quality and rigidity. If James is happy, I am not going to argue with that.

Apr 6, 2019 21:10:57 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Thanks Gene51,

I appreciate your advice. I will see how things go.

I will keep looking at other options as well.

I am a complete beginner & I've already managed to drop my new camera after owning it less than a week ! :(

It fell off the tripod as I thought the plate had latched, but I had it round the wrong way. It looked secure, but when I went to pack up, I picked up the tripod by the legs and the camera came loose & fell 3ft onto carpet.

No damage luckily. That's why I like the look of this Benro head. It looks easier to attach when you have a large heavy camera to deal with.

Cheers

Paul :)

Apr 6, 2019 23:03:50 #

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

Paul60 wrote:

Thanks Gene51, br br I appreciate your advice. I ... (show quote)

It's one of the reasons why I don't like Manfrotto tripods and heads. the last Bogen/Manfrotto I had was a 3051 with a 3047 3 way pan head. I dropped my Contax RTS II with a 100-300mm F4 lens attached because it seemed as if the camera was secure on the tripod. It obviously wasn't. The other is weight vs stability - they are heavy and not all that stable compared to other tripods of similar weight. Good idea to keep your options open.

Apr 7, 2019 06:46:24 #

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Paul60 wrote:

Hi chaps,

I'm interested in getting a Benro GD3WH geared head.

I have a Manfrotto Befree tripod.

Does anyone know if this head will fit that tripod please ?

Cheers

Paul :)

Does your current Manfrotto head have two thread sizes. One would be the larger European head and that one can be pushed down to allow the 1/4 20 screw to show. I believe the Benro has the larger European thread. You could contact Benro to make sure.
http://www.benro.com/p/4.html
According to the B&H web site, that head has a 3/8"-16 female thread, which to me, would indicate that it is the larger European thread. If your tripod head is 3/8"-16 then it will fit. If, on the other hand, if your manfrotto tripod head has the smaller 1/4-20 thread only, then it will not work.
You might find that doing a little home work usually works better than coming here for a answer.

Apr 7, 2019 08:34:02 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Thanks Billnikon,

As a complete novice, I have no idea where or what to search for regarding tripods & head compatibility.

I tried to find answers to my question via google etc, but had no luck.

I'll check the thread measurements. Much appreciate the info.

Cheers

Paul :)

Apr 7, 2019 12:18:18 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Paul60 wrote:

As a complete novice, I have no idea where or what to search for regarding tripods & head compatibility. I tried to find answers to my question via google etc, but had no luck. I'll check the thread measurements.)

Since James said the Benro was a direct fit, we have to assume that your Befree tripod has a 3/8-16 stud to mount the head. But even if it’s the smaller 1/4-20 stud, Google “Tripod Bushings” for a simple fix.
I’m not buying your “complete novice” story. I’ve been using Manfrotto’s quick-release system for nearly 50 years, and have never been able to close the lever unless the plate was oriented correctly. And you figured it out in only one week?!

Apr 7, 2019 21:02:52 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Hello RWR,

I never said I'd figured it out. I know absolutely nothing about photography.

I bought a camera & tripod, (my first real camera and I'm 58) last week.

I somehow got the plate half seated, the wrong way round. It looked to me like it was locked in place.

When I went to pack up after a couple of hours using it, the camera toppled off the tripod and fell about 3ft onto carpet.

As the camera I bought is so big & heavy, I was finding it difficult to seat on the head.

Hence I want a better, easier mount which this Benro looks like it has along with the micro adjustments it will give me.

Also, if I can get away with using this Benro head on my existing Befree stand, all the better. That's why I asked if it will fit.

I'm not a pro or even a serious amateur and have no desire to be. I just want to be able to zoom in on things like the moon and wildlife photography, ships at sea, aircraft flying over and take reasonable photos & video.

Cheers

Paul :)

Apr 7, 2019 21:18:01 #

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I have the Benro geared tripod head and it works fantastically well for me. I found the quality of build to be excellent and the movements are precise and the quick turn function makes it possible to quickly move the head into the position you want. The head comes with the standard 3/8 thread and with a 3/8 x 1/4 bushing for mounting on a 1/4x20 threaded device.

Apr 7, 2019 22:00:02 #

Paul60 Loc: Lowestoft, UK

Thanks sippyjug104,

That sounds great. Just what I'm after.

Cheers

Paul :)

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