Ignore the Peak Design Hype: This Benro is ACTUALLY a Good Travel Tripod
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- You don’t need to spend a ton of money on a great tripod. Ignore the hype, and just get something that works. I’ve been using this travel tripod for over two years, and it’s magnificent!
•Benro Travel Angel:
geni.us/20uyN (Amazon)
This video isn’t sponsored in any way, I just think this tripod is a perfect mix of price, functionality, and reliability.
ALSO- I know Peak Design makes some great products, and even the small tripod is terrific. It was just the influencer marketing for their super lightweight tripod that went a little over the top.
Episode 119: Benro Travel Angel Tripod Review
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I LOVED this video - one of my favs. I love how detailed your reviews are. CLEARLY, you've really used this tripod. Appreciate the insight!
I’m glad you liked it! I wanted to “tri” something different 😬
If you own a twist lock tripod: fully set up the tripod and then use something like white out or a white paint marker and draw a straight line down across the twists and the legs so you know that when the entire line is connected, they are tightened.
Super smart idea!
Mate that was an excellent review, possibly the best I have ever seen! Simple, practical, and informative!
Wow, thank you! I'm happy to say the tripod has held up very well and I still use it and travel with it all the time.
Wow... All this while I was browsing entire RUclips for advises on travel tripod!!. This one clears my mind.wonderful,thank you very much 🤪
You’re welcome, I’m glad it was helpful for you!
5:10 You saved my life with this trick I used to do it the noob way for so many years!!! You deserve more views you're the best!!!
You’re welcome! The best part is that it look cool when you do it haha 😎
The little bag it comes with fits a towel and swim trunks perfectly, with two little pockets for goggles etc.
Oh that's a great idea haha.
I have an older version of the Bento Travel Angel ( no door knob included) and agree with many of your points but the twist locks drive me crazy, and I've just never gotten used to the adjustments knobs on the ball head. Also when working in the dark for night shots, fitting the plate on the head can be tricky. The head can't handle big heavy lenses and at least the version I have just won't adjust to exactly where I want place my focus point, I find I'm constantly trying to reposition and retighten.
do you have any idea where else could be bought this angel series? its not available in amazon,, lazada, shopee 😅 im from manila
Pro (ish) photographer chiming in here. Agreed on many of your points . I have one of the larger Benro tripods, and these offer an incredible value for the money. They’re basic and have less bells and whistles than many competitors, but features on budget tripods also mean more potential points of failure . I think the build quality of their aluminium units is impressive . What brought me here is because I’m considering picking up this model as a backup in order to have a more portable unit for those times where I don’t feel like schlepping around the oversized beast. These things can take a beating and are crazy impressive for the money.
I agree wholeheartedly. I've now had mine for almost 3 years and it's still going strong!
Subscribed. Starting out in the industry, and this is one of the best review videos I’ve seen...
I'm so glad to hear it! Glad you're here and good luck on your journey!
Thanks! Will keep this is mind if Im looking for a tripod!
I broke my back a few years ago and have used mono pods for a walking stick in Europe to Las Vegas. When traveling I was able to walk further without the hassle of having a cane. The fact that the monopod can collapse makes it easy to put into my backpack when I don't need it. I actually purchased a knob that screws onto the monopod which makes it a better walking stick. This is the feature that I have been looking for in a travel tripod to combine a monopod/walking stick in one instead of taking both the tripod and monopod with me.
Thanks for a thorough and excellent review.
Wow, this sounds like the perfect tripod in your case! What a wild story. I hope you're feeling much better now.
@@tombuck Thank you. Keep up the good work!
Amazing video!! Thank you for sharing it ✈️
I'm all at sea in a world of seemingly infinite tripod choice pain, but your enthusiasm for this one tips the balance. I found one for $150. Ordered!
Congrats! I’ve been using mine constantly for two years and I still love it. It’s sitting next to me right now, in fact.
@@tombuck Tripod just arrived today. Not been out in the field with it yet but it looks like it will do the business nicely for me. Thanks for taking the time to film your review - made my research a bunch easier & quicker! :)
Great presentation ! I appreciate your passion and expertise. Thank you for taking the time to create this informative and enjoyable video. I'm looking forward to seeing more ! Cheers
So glad to hear it! Thanks for the kind words!
this review is super helpful thanks a ton :)
is this the light weight can be use for mobile tripod
This is the exact comparison I was looking for as I have been contemplating the Peak aluminum travel tripod with 3 days left to order.
You know your needs best, but I’m clearly biased towards the Benro!
The most honest review I have ever seen, not only that you r so passionate about it i can see it in ur eyes....and yaah I was consider buying but after the walking stick feature DEFINITELY IM BUYING!!!
I’m glad to know my passion for tripods isn’t gone to waste! 👊
@@tombuck doe sit allow for a fluid head to attach? the peak design doesnt
i realize it's kind of randomly asking but does anyone know a good website to stream newly released movies online?
@Heath Erik I would suggest FlixZone. Just google for it :)
@Augustus Michael yea, I've been using FlixZone for months myself :D
Great review mate! I think this tripod was what I was looking for. Cheers
You’re welcome! 👋
Really love your genuinity!
Been browsing around for tripods for a while now and finally found this vid lol. Really great vid, thanks!'
Makes me miss those podcast episodes with you and peter too... :D
Don’t worry- it’ll come back!
@@tombuck Take ur time! ♥️
Hey Tom, thank you for the video, it is really helpful. just a quick question. Will I need an extra plate or L-Bracket while using this tripod with 5d and a heavy telephoto lens 70-200?
You shouldn't need anything extra. It's just a standard area Swiss plate, which I would mount on the heavy lens 👍
Great demo of this tripod! Thank you so much for making this video. I was considering the Benro FGP18A System Go Plus, for iPhone photography. But, WOW!, what a great video. I think you just sold me on getting the Travel Angel, instead. You’re laughing now about the walking stick, but trust me, in a few years you’lI think it’s a very thoughtful, cool perk. 🤔
Honestly, I’ve used the walking stick a few times over the years and it’s really helpful 😁
Hey, Phenomenal video! This has really helped me narrow down which travel tripod i'd like to pick up. At least, down to the brand. Highly appreciate this in-depth video.
Was wondering, any idea how this Travel Angel tripod compares to Benro's Slim series? I'd like to go as small as possible, while also being as reasonable as possible and not getting something that's too small and flimsy because i've got a Fujifilm XT3 coupled with their 16-80mm lens, so definitely not the lightest of setups. Naturally, i'd assume the slim series isn't as stable as the travel angel but have no way of verifying that and wanted to know what your thoughts were?
The Slim series is news to me! From the looks of it and the specs, it seems similar except, well...slimmer 😬
This tripod is still going strong for me and I use it all the time. I've used a few other Bento products over the years and they've all been great, so as long as the Slim tripod is rated for the weight that you'll be using, I would bet it's trustworthy.
Nice review but to disagree with most comments below that suggest “a $600 PD is overpriced I’ll buy this one”, you can’t compare a $600 CF peak design tripod to this one. First off the CF peak design is $479 right now, not $600. And you need to compare the aluminum peak design tripod to this one. Which is $289 right now. Which means it’s $90 more. So for $90 more you’re getting what? a lighter, more compact (shorter when folded and the folded up circumference is less) and a bigger load capacity. PD also gives it a life time warranty. This tripod does give you the monopod ability. The PD gives
You the phone holder. CAM locks vs twist. but those aspects are quite subjective and arguments can be made on both sides as to which of those design features are most useful to you (personally I prefer CAM/lever locks rather than twist) Anyway, that’s the comparison that should be made here. Apples to apples. So is less weight, smaller and more compact worth the $90? If I’m going to own the tripod for the next 10 years and do a lot of traveling...Probably.
These are really good points, and I definitely agree that a lot of points are subjective. But to be fair, the current Peak Design prices are for the Kickstarter, and won’t be the retail price once it’s available. I also mentioned the $600 to compare that with the price of the carbon fiber Benro, which is more apples to apples.
We’ll really know for sure once more everyday people start using it and marking their judgements.
Ryan Chernochan i agree . i have this benro tripod and this same style tripod can be bought for around 80 bucks with similar build quality all over amazon . for 80 bucks i would recommend this type of tripod. i actually went to the peak design flagship store and tried both the aluminum /cf version of their new tripod. after physically using it the ball head design is revolutionary albeit no panning. can support much more weight than i originally thought . the weight difference between the two versions is about .5lbs . for a run and gun shooter like me i rarely take out the benro because it doesn’t integrate well with the backpacks i have. also after using pd’s ballhead the click in mechanism is much more assuring for me and my equipment . the hex wrench is something i didn’t like but my dring arcs swiss plates fit on the pd tripod just as well. overall the build quality /innovation / lifetime line warranty / convenience is why i may end up getting the aluminum version . i do think the carbon fiber price is a bit much but again quality cf cost range varies a lot . the gitzo ones are over 1000. i understand their is an optimal point for what people can afford but i don’t agree with saying peak design is all hype or overpriced . on the other hand i do believe gucci lv prada are
You can get a CF (10 layers) tripod Leofoto LS-254C + LH30 +252C for less than an aluminium version of peak design. The same 79 mm diameter when folded for transport, strong ball head that you can pan, lighter than peak design, 10 years warranty, free spikes and only 80 mm longer. I got one and it's amazingly well made
I decided to join the kickstarter for the PD CF version tripod. Its serious money, but I want a tripod that doesnt feel like I am carrying a tripod around. And I was finally sold on the lifetime guarantee. I think PD has been around long enough for me to give this a try, and they seem like they are on the same level of build quality as Gitzo and Manfrotto.
I agree here, Ryan. There are some good points made in the video but there are a lot of vague comparisons made without actually comparing specs/models. I agree things can be overpriced but the PD tripod solves some of the frustrations I have with the MeFOTO Roadtrip, which from what I can see, is nearly the same thing as the unit in the video. I've had mine for just over a year and will probably still use it in some scenarios but for a quick stroll or moderate shooting session, I need something better. I often leave this strapped on my pack because I don't want to take the time to deal with it every 200ft when I find another subject. I don't think it's fair to say there's absolutely no reason to spend the additional money but then follow with unless you have specific needs. There's a fair amount of different functionalities and styles between this tripod and PD's tripod. Stack them up and break down the differences and why that would matter to some people. If I ignored the hype, I likely wouldn't have found a solution to a lot of my frustrations. Would have liked to see an apples to apples breakdown but this really felt like a bias promo for Benro.
Love the review. I ordered this tripod yesterday from B&H. I think I made a good choice. Thanks again!
Thanks, I just started looking at travel tripods and now I'm finished 😁
Glad it helped! This video is older, but I still use this same tripod constantly. It's over two years old and works like new 👍
Haha - exactly the same for me. Great review - thank you
Great review, thanx a lot. Is it possible two use the short center column instead of the default long one? The minimum working height seems very high.
I guess that’s a drawback, it doesn’t get ultra low. BUT, you can “reverse mount” the center column, putting your camera upside down underneath the tripod.
I’ve gotten some great low POV shots doing that.
Hi Tom. Great video. just wondering: As one of the legs come off, can that monopod be used as an external microphone boom arm? It looks like its a screw thread so technically a Rode Videomic Pro or Rode Videomicro NTG should be able to attach to the end and then that monopod can be used as a boom to??
Yes and no- it totally works to mount a mic, but monopods are "backwards" compared to traditional boom arms, meaning you'll be holding the skinny part while the thicker/heavier section is extended out. A regular boom will allow you to hold the thickest part while it gets skinnier as it extends.
It doesn't mean it wont work, but you just need to be aware of how much weight you're putting on it.
Great vid - Awesome and strait forward with no BS
“You probably won’t buy this tripod because it has a walking stick feature”
Me: OMG a walking stick!!! Adds to cart
Yeah I was definitely wrong about that. It’s a huge selling point! 😁
Hi Tom. Great review! Just wondering if the ballhead can be removed? I was planning to buy a star tracker next year and was thinking of buying a good tripod ahead of it.. Plannign to use the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Pro with this tripod (the 22lbs capacity one: FTA28AB1) . So idea was to remove the ballhead and attach the star tracker to the tripod.. Could you please advice if that's possible? Would really help me!Also, how does this tripod compare to another one of Benro's creation: TAD28AIB2? This too seems like a potential candidate!
Yes! It’s a really nice ball head that can be removed and used anywhere you’d like.
what's the exact weight of this ? I'm confused between this and ulanzi mt-55
Any link where to get that part headball lever locker? You now that lever to tighten so camera aint move. I swear I cant find nowhere
I'm not 100% sure exactly which part you're looking for, but replacement ballheads can be ordered online: www.adorama.com/beb0.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw5auGBhDEARIsAFyNm9Ec-1Jt7SliQvs202t4y-TFnmNazrIbde5CP2k_W3mi2E6feKn-1eEaAqoHEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5auGBhDEARIsAFyNm9Ec-1Jt7SliQvs202t4y-TFnmNazrIbde5CP2k_W3mi2E6feKn-1eEaAqoHEALw_wcB&
i found this for less than one hundred, i didn't know the model but you convinced me, brilliant video
Hopefully you enjoy it! Mine is still holding up great-in fact I used it this morning.
Was searching for tripods and ofcourse Tom has a video on it :D
💪
Thank u so much, good review
Thanks for making this video. I bought this tripod about 2 years ago and the instructions were no so great. Anyway, after watching your video, I learned quite a bit more about this tripod. The walking stick cracked me up. I could not figure out what the wooden ball was for and that is NOT in the instructions either.
Haha, that's true! I had read some reviews so I was prepared for the walking stick, but I can imagine that it'd be super confusing otherwise 🤔
I had no idea what that wooden ball thing was for! The "manual" is completely useless. Thank you for explaining this tripod. It is far more useful than I imagined.
I'm so curious how many walking stick handles are just sitting around because no one knows what it's supposed to be for 😁
Great review! One thing I need to know before I pull the trigger, have you had any issues with water getting in the legs?
So far no, but to be fair I also live in the desert 😁
(but I have traveled with it and used it in rain/storms/etc)
Thank you so much for getting back to me! Again, great review and generally great content 👌!
Really usefull! You've a new subscriber ;) Is it possible to replace the head with the Benro S6 rotule for video? Thanks!
Glad you’re here! And yes, you can use any tripod head you want with it 👍
Tom, I think you can get the legs folded more neatly at 7:47 if you rotate the ball head so the levers sit between the legs. Also not sure why you have trouble fitting and removing the centre column - it only fits one way - you just line up the slot on the column with the ridge inside the housing?
I I do normally fold it a little better, but you know...camera nerves 😬
Not sure what’s up with my center column. We have several of these at work that switch very easily, so mine must just be a bit funky.
Great review! I've been using one of the first gen Benro Travel Angel Carbon Fiber tripod for over 8 years now, the legs flop around and tightening with the allen key doesn't work for me anymore. I believe the magnesium cam that attaches to the leg has worn out. Now I'm looking for a tripod replacement. (Or perhaps a part replacement) But after doing much research, it seems like many other tripods don't last a couple months or even 2 years... Mine lasted until now, and I do use it frequently! I guess I'll be buying a Benro again someday!
8 years is pretty dang good! I’ve got a bigger Manfrotto tripod that’s going on about that number of years and still works great. But it’s not nearly as light as this one n
Talk to Benro, their customer service is superb. They can probably ship you replacements of the worn out parts.
can u please send me a link to buy in japan
This was a pretty good review, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the review it was really great! May I ask if you can fit the little post you show at 9:55 instead of the bigger center column so that you can get lower to the ground with the tripod and do macro photography?
The leg won’t fit, but you can reverse the center column for ultra low shots 👍
@@tombuck Thank you!
What is the model number of this piece?
Benro makes the meFoto A1350, which I bought in Osaka in ‘15. Comes with a case, with both rubber and stake feet. The big thing for me is that the meFoto in the case fits in a Carry-on bag easily. Try that with the Benro big brother. I think the meFoto is the best travel tripod. . . .Unless you’ve got a hasselblad with 400mm lenses.
Does Benro make the mefoto tripods? I didn’t know that!
Thanks for video! Really! I have very very similar tripod from Sirui at home and I like it, but I am in business trip right now and I left it at home because the luggage overweight. I need the tripod. I want to do some city night shots to relax at the evenings after hard work. So, I started to looking into Peak Design tripod and calculating money in the pocket. Your video cured me! I think it will be better for me to by some light and inexpensive table top tripod for my long trip. Thanks for saving me around 500$ :-)
You’re welcome! I’ve used a few Sirui monopods at work, and they make really good stuff 👍
Such a great vid dude - Tripod looks amazing, I’ll likely get it when my current manfroto breaks completely
Definitely. I REALLY love the versatility of a small tripod like this 😎
Thanks for the review! Can't find much about this tripod on youtube, and I intend to buy it
One question though, can I attach my gimbal (weebill s) arca-swiss plate into it?
I need to swap fast between gimbal and tripod shots and I can't test it out before buying, also can't find this information anywhere
You should be able to since the head is just a standard Arca Swiss mount. 👍
@@tombuck Thank you
Does it have a cellphone holder if i want to take a pic from my own phone if I don’t have a camera
It had a regular tripod mount, which would let you attach a phone holder.
I returned my PD Travel tripod last week after a few days of field testing. There were so many things I didn't like and they want to sell you many of the items that come with the Benro you're describing. Oh, the QR register code is hidden under a leg and you have to disassemble the tripod to get to it. I'm tempted to get the IFOOTAGE 65" Aluminum tripod now.
I have this tripod and I don't like the central column because doesn't lock enough tight.
Moreover I'd like ti be able to detach part of it to save weight if I don't need al of its height.
The legs and the ball head B0 perform well.
I still have an Benro Go series and I like that one but its heavier too.
Hi brother, how good it stands when use for vertical shots ?
The ball head can be positioned to 90 degrees for vertical shots (although I think most travel tripods can do this too, so it's not a unique feature to this one).
I've had a Mefoto Roadtrip tripod for years which I love, however I'm noticing when I adjust my camera to a tilt, it slips a little now.
I've heard good things about the Mefotos overall. Bummer it's starting to slip.
Dude on Amazon of my country it is showing legs with clamps
Will there be any difference
I’ve only seen the Travel Angel series tripods with twist locks, so I can’t say for sure.
Is the top an arca swiss top ? need a head with that type of connector
Yes it is! 👍
Great Video Tom, I'm looking for a tripod that allows me to shoot vertical, does this tripod allow this? thanks!
Yes! The ball head makes it easy to position your camera vertically 👍
@@tombuck thanks for getting back. Looks like a decent one for me to get then. Take care!
I have the carbon fibre Manfrotto BeFree travel tripod. It is actually very budget friendly and only cost about AUD$300. Very light and compact. Love it.
Yes! I do love Manfrotto tripods, and that was the other one I was really looking at when shopping for a travel tripod.
Haha, I was actually looking for a travel tripod after seeing Peter McKinnon's latest review. Now your video has me really wanting one!
That was the tripod that sparked this video! Peak Design has spent a fortune on a massive influencer campaign for an overpriced and flawed product that now people are going to think they “have” to get.
@@tombuck I usually love their products, what makes their new tripod "flawed"? Don't get me wrong I agree that its insanely priced and I just bought the tripod in your video but other than the price and needing a key to attach the plate to your camera I think it looks like a good product.
It’s not that it’s terrible, I just feel that there are a lot of sacrifices for extreme portability. Namely the new style ball mount that doesn’t seem very compatible with larger cameras (since they block easy access to controls/adjustments). Peak Design offers solutions- but all for an extra cost.
@@Petrolboi Thomas, IMHO, the BIG Flaw in the PD design is the inability to do a level horizontal Pan!
Love this video but i have few questions.I'm using a Nikon D750 with a Tamron 24-70 lens and my Mantona tripod can't hold this 2 kg.What do you think,if i buy this tripod will hold my gear?and what kind of L bracket can i buy for this tripod?
I’ve used this tripod with a Canon 6D II, battery grip, and 24-105 lens with no issues (pretty heavy setup overall). There is a version that has an upgraded ball head too if you really need it.
I don’t have a lot of experience with L brackets through. It’s got an arca Swiss plate if that’s any help.
The Enthusiasm Project Thank you so much for your answer🤝
Bro.... The walking stick....genius! Ive gotta get one! 🤣👌
The crazy part is that I've actually ended up needing to use it!
I have an Aero 2. I am going to try to get that ball had for the monopod leg. It is a very versatile tripod.
Benro makes some really nice ball heads 👍
Awesome video....thank you!!
You’re welcome 👍
Nice review! I was in the market for a cheap tripod for a second camera angle for interview work. I ended up getting the Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminum Series 1 Travel the other day on the B&H daily deal for $79 in blue. Not my favorite color hence why it's on sale. It's almost the same with a few differences. I'm pretty impressed with the weight and build quality. Of course, I'll see how it holds up long term. I do tend to not abuse equipment. I do video work professionally but my tolerance for schlepping heavy gear is diminishing.
One thing that annoys me about Benro is their product line is a bit confusing and the branding seems to change frequently. Maybe I'm imagining it.
Yes, it is confusing! I don't know if they make this exact tripod anymore, but it's still going strong and I use it constantly. I bought a MeFoto tripod last year which seemed great, but the build quality wasn't the best and the head didn't work right. Every genuine Benro product I've bought has worked very well though.
@@tombuck I'll see if it lasts, mine seems to be pretty decent build quality and I'm usually picky. For the "sale" price I don't think it's bad.
7:42 wuth? How you do that? Mine does not go over the 3rd position (aka lowest and widest one).
There’s the little release tab that keep the legs in place- if you pull it all the way out, you should then be able to fold the legs up into the compact position 👍
@@tombuck I just realized i got different model. Lol.
Lol at the walking stick.. 😆😆
You’re hilarious fo this video. I actually agree with you and I truly own the exact same tripod with me when I travel internationally. Well done. Funny, but well done.
I think I’d like to make “Funny, but well done” a new slogan. Thank you!
I just feel the height is bit less is there any way we can extend the height further with any hack ?
I'm sure someone smarter than me could find something, but I'd personally be wary of making modifications.
Does it come with a ball head and a arca swiss quick plate
Yep, it comes with all the things 👍
Great video. Is the ball head removable? I am looking for a tripod that is light enough and capable to hold a tripod gimbal for long lens like the tamron 150-600. Would you think this tripod can hold that setup?
The head is removable/replaceable. It can definitely support a long lens like you mentioned, but I haven’t really used it with gimbals too much. I did mount my Robin S to it a few times, and it’s been fine.
@@tombuck thats good to know. I really dont want to spend too much money on a tripod. Its not a gear I plan to use all the time. I can handheld my nikon d3 with a 200-500 lens. But after 2-3 hours of doing wildlife, most of the time I end up resting the gear on the ground. So my next option is to have a tripod with a gimbal setup. Thanks for your help. Will check your link on this tripod soon.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you sir. :-)
If you are in college you can get a great deal on one of these through the B&H student program! I think it is around $175?
I've had a M. 055 with a three-way head for a while which is very good but would like something smaller and lighter so I would actually take it out and about. This Benro, one of the equivalent travel Manfrotto's or a small Sirui are on my shortlist but I just don't EVER want one with 'twist' legs, which seems to be the in-fashion thing, for no good reason at all.
I guess it’s personal preference- I’ve personally had more issues with clamp-style legs myself, although everything has pros and cons I guess.
Very intuitive video. Can you do a review on a Yunteng VCT 668 tripod.
I’d love to, but I don’t need another tripod at the moment, and it’s not in my budget.
useful info brother
Yesssss, finally someone with sense, all these RUclips groupies jumping at everything these popular youtubers say to jump at.. great video as always bro 💯💯👏🏾👏🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Thank you! I’ve been bombarded with “influencer” videos lately, and when people started shilling a badly designed tripod earlier this week, it really got to me.
@@tombuck 600 dollar tripod smh, shame on these companies also for trying to exploit on the video and photography trend that going on... but you said it right there!! no need to spend over 200 dollars on a travel tripod...
The peak design saves a ton of space on this. For some people it’ll be worth it, for others it won’t.
My only gripe with this video is the commentary on carbon fiber vs aluminum. Most people, like in this clip, just focus on specs; what he fails to realize is the carbon fiber version of this tripod is significantly stiffer, and the legs don’t flex nearly as much. Vibration dampening is also significantly better with the carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber is definitely stronger, and could be worth it if you have the budget. The main point here is to get what actually suits your individual needs.
Greetings! Nice review of this travel tripod! Yes, I can see that this Benro is a quality tripod, and glad that it works for you! However, I found a Chinese brand called Leofoto, that makes an Amazing travel tripod, AND it includes a fantastic ball head with one feature that I've not found INCLUDED on any other ball head...namely, a panoramic head! This allows the single ball head to function as a pano head, plus, if you swing it into the notch, turns the pano head into a "poor man's " gimbal head! (Max payload = 22 lbs.) Also, another feature of this tripod/head combo, is that the knobs/controls on the ball head each have a different shape and texture (ALL metal, CNC aluminum)! Simply ingenious design, because it eliminates the possibility of inadvertently loosening the wrong knob!! Why ALL ball head manufacturers don't do this is beyond me...actually, probably because of design and manufacture costs! In any case, this Leofoto LN-254CT Tripod is awesome...10X carbon fiber legs, included quality metal spikes (with rubber gaskets), included handy carabiner allen tool, and a very nice carrying case. Well worth $380, and IMHO, vastly superior to that PD "travel tripod", especially as the latter cannot do level horizontal panning. Thank you sir!
Sounds like a good find!
I was swaying between this tripod and another one but I am totally buying this one for the walking stick feature LMAO!!
It’s definitely a selling point 😁
cant find now adays this kind of model
Been considering a new one, saw the PD hype and really liked it... until I saw the price. Thanks for this, Tom.
You're welcome, Gary! There's no reason to spend that much on something like that.
haha loved the walking stick story!! i might just buy it for that, all my benro's didn't have the knob :P
It’s super ridiculous, but I actually really love that it has a genuine wooden knob. It’s quaint.
@@tombuck i was checking for it but i guess they stopped including it now based on amazon's what's in the box list. www.amazon.co.uk/Benro-FTA18CV0-Travel-Tripod-Ballhead/dp/B00YEUA2J6
Is it possible to change the ball head?
Yes, you can swap it out with any tripod head.
Thanks for your help!
2022: No clue how they are now
2019: I have a MeFoto Roadtrip (the original). I bought it in 2015, when I probably spent too much money on photo stuff, but oh well. Overall I'm really happy with it-it taught me a lot about photography, so hope I can get some real/professional use out of it soon!
Edit: I notice it stores the other way, the legs go up instead of down. Other than that, pretty similar at its core.
The stock plate on the MeFoto doesn't have a tab on it. It came with an Allen wrench in the bag, but I lost it, so it's probably better just to get a different plate.
The MeFoto tripods seem pretty good too, I looked at those a lot when buying this one. The allen key is the only downside I saw.
FWIW I hate my MeFoto tripod. I never use it I hate it so much.
Benro bought mefoto I believe
Yikes 3 years feels like an incredibly long time. I have no idea anymore, it’s been almost 8 years
Great review. I'm seriously considering this tripod, as a stand alone without a ball head.
A few questions however.
1. Does the shoulder strap connect to the tripod itself? Or does it connect to the blue pouch or the carrying bag?
2. How is the quality of the ball head for photography uses? Does it have a bubble meter?
3. Is the center column firm and steady enough to be extended all way up with 1.7 kilograms of camera kit attached?
4. Do you think this tripod will last me a life time if I take care of it or is it meant to be replaced after 10-ish years?
Thanks :)
Great questions!
1. The shoulder strat connects to the bag, not the tripod itself.
2. I think the ball head is great! I use it often with a Canon 6DII, battery grip, and microphone (a pretty heavy setup). And there is a bubble meter.
3. Center column is very sturdy. It extends to a good height, but not so much that it sacrifices stability.
4. How long it’ll last is probably up to you. With care, I think it can easily go past 10 years. I’ve had much lesser quality tripods last 15 years.
Hope that helps!
@@tombuck Thank you for the reply. I've heard good tripods can last a lifetime, so I'm hoping this one is one of them. Not a bad starter tripod for me, in any case. Thanks :)
It’s a great one for sure!
its year 2020.. what could you recommend for mobile photography using benro
Hey there! You can use any tripod phone mount without issues. Lots of things are out of stock at the moment, but I often have good luck with B&H Photo, who I believe ship internationally.
@@tombuck thankyou!!
Is it can be use for mobile phone??
Yes, if you have a tripod clip for your phone.
I have the cheapie MeFoto version of this tripod. I used the leg as a walking stick on a 40-mile, 3 day hike.
The bottom section came out. I was able to repair it, but I would not suggest using it as a walking stick
I've been wondering about the MeFoto tripods since they look pretty similar.
I’ll sheepishly admit I didn’t know that speed approach to takeout the legs!
Haha, it’s so simple, and you feel super cool when doing it 😎
I have a $1000+ tripod (Manfrotto 057) and it is overkill for most tasks. But it works great for use as a grab and go tripod with 20+ lbs of astronomy gear.
Yep. I've got a big beefy Manfrotto too and it's fantastic. But I much prefer moving around with this one 😁
Hi, the name of that tripod is angel travel? can you tell me the name? thanks
It's the Benro Travel Angel. There's an aluminum and carbon fiber version. I have the aluminum one.
@@tombuck for travel (hiking and trekking) it´s the best collection of benro?
Benro makes a lot of good stuff. I believe this is their most compact series, and I really love it. I still use mine all the time, and it's held up incredibly well over the past 2.5 years.
What i hate about regular tripods is that i always end up using the wrong wheels, or in the case of my current befree, the wheel is on the wrong side like you showed in this video. How are you going to turn the wheel and keep the camera with the right hand in the same time? I'm done with this junks and i ordered the cf pd, as i'm not using it very often it will last a lifetime for sure, and i can find a place on my bike easier. The price on kickstarter is acceptable comparing to others, full price i wouldn't buy it either.
This is cool because it really is about individual/specific needs. In your case, and at the early price, it seems like a good option. That’s probably the most important thing- for people to really be honest about their needs before hopping on any bandwagons.
Very useful but I just wish that YT would convert lb to actual units like kilogram in the subtitles 😵
I have the series two very solid
I just bought this tripod 5 min ago... just for the walking stick! 😂
It should be marketed as a walking stick that turns into a tripod 😬
Thanks for this.
My pleasure!
i was about to buy the peak design after trying it in a store, but have been hesitant. the price seems high, even for the aluminum version... the killer for me is the max height... so I'm still not sure which to get. otherwise, this one seems excellent. but bh shows it at 360 right now. ugh...
Everyone I know who has the Peak Design does really like it, but it's too expensive for me when it comes to a travel tripod. I've now had this Bento for 4 years and it'd help up great! I was literally using it this morning 👍
@@tombuck bh has them both for the same price. so even that tripod is expensive :-P amazon is cheaper, but I'm not familiar with the seller... hmmm
Is benro go system plus also good?
I haven’t used it myself so I can’t say for sure. But all the Benro stuff I’ve used so far has been great 👍
Thank you so much this is a big help for me as a newbie in the world of photography. More power to your career.
Valuable information 👌
Thank you! I'm happy to hear it! It's been a few years, but the tripod is still going strong and I use it all the time 👍
at 5:05 I died LOL
😬😉