Yes I use both, they each have there own merits. I tend to use the GD for landscape and architecture and the ball head for wildlife and commercial shoots such as food and anything where speed is essential.
I agree It's a great tripod. One advantage of the locks is if sand or grit does get into them they are so easy to clean. It doesn't require tools. All you do is twist to unlock and keep twisting until it's loose then pull off the leg and wash it. Make sure you dont lose the plastic thingys that keep the legs from turning.
I agree. Yes those plastic thingys are a real pain if they come out !!. I’ve used mine in all variations of landscape and as yet no sand or grit in the sections 👍
Just bought my Benro Goplus Travel Series 1 and Benro GH2 Gimbal Head PL100 Plate and just love them. Solid, well made quality pieces and great extra little touches. I agree and like your video. Needed this set up for my Tamron G2 150-600mm lens with Canon Camera.
Hi, any idea if the legs come off this fully? I can’t seem to find any info online to confirm this. My legs keep loosening and I’d like to strip and clean it but can’t get the legs off!
Just purchased this along with Benro B3 ballhead. Shooting medium format film and the set is quite heavy - it just holds! I also love the friction control on the B3 as well as easy setup and light weight of the tripod.
@@LeePengellyPhotography I had a recommendation for it by a man who knows everything about the camera and all the lenses. He experimented a lot and as I'm a beginner I just wanted to be sure so 😊
@@LeePengellyPhotography I bought a systematic gitzo + fluid head for my 600 f4 mk2, then ended up selling the lens so now I'm stuck with a tripod nobody wants to buy lol Great tripod though, no issues, sturdy as hell, not sure what tripod to get though, need something with a column and ball head
I have an old Induro tripod of the early 2000 vintage in Alu, that looks very much like this one. I think I bought from Calumet ( when they were still in business ) . I wonder if they are the same as the height, locks, the ball head etc all look exactly the same. A very steady and well built tripod indeed.
@@LeePengellyPhotography Quite possibly. I worked for a short while as ' tech ' for an importer of astronomical telescopes here in the UK, originally US made but sadly no longer. The company was bought out by the Chinese and they manufactured some in China and some in Mexico depending on the model and sophistication. The Chap who imported the stuff told me that actually all the different brands of telescopes and optics were manufactured by only two or three main Chinese manufacturers which were in very close proximity to each other. It was like a supermarket really. A purchaser would go to them with specification and they put the things together accordingly. The more one paid and the bulkier the purchase the higher the specs and lower the price. The lead time for some of the stuff was nearly 4 months as the factory had to rebrand the production for a different purchaser even though the specs were really the same but different cosmetics. Economy of scale but at what price to our manufacturing? After this Covid 19 tragedy the Chinese seem to be up and running nearly as normal but we have yet to see the mass unemployment that is to follow for us and since we are no longer in charge of our own manufacturing, it seems to be a long hard haul. The future is very uncertain for us sadly.
@@LeePengellyPhotography I think that the question that should be asked is why so many companies that were seen to be on solid grounds before the pandemic have turned out to be anything but. No sooner that the lockdown was announced that we started hearing about the inevitable layoffs and redundancies. It seems that they spend more time planning for failure than for success . It sadly appears that we have been led up the path for quite some time and the game is now over.
i am 6'3" and tired of shorter tripods. looking at this one and the larger one (CXL) in carbon or aluminum models. the 38CL just might work for me seeing as how you are about the same height. i have also never had a carbon tripod. i will be mounting a star tracker and aps-c w/ telephoto for the heavier set up which will be about 10 or 11 Lbs i think.
I’m 6’2” and the tripod still has adjustment for height beyond my eye level. I use mine for large and medium format cameras with heavy lenses so should handle your system with no issues
@@LeePengellyPhotography cool. yeah, i was hoping to get one sized Just right that i don't need to use the center column once a head and camera are on the tripod legs!! i think the 38CL just might do the trick. Thanks for replying - I'm about to order one today I think!
@@LeePengellyPhotography I'm having such a hard time deciding between the carbon or aluminum versions! I've never owned a carbon tripod before. Have read can absorb micro vibrations better than aluminum. quite a price difference of course. I think I should get something that will last me years to come!
Do you have any idea if the aluminum version is a good alternative to this? My budget is about $200 and that fits right into that. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Joe Hendrickson Hi Joe, the engineering of them is on par quality wise with their carbon fibre models. The only I can see is in weight, the aluminium models are heavier I think.
BP Traveler Hi, the centre column can be removed and a smaller Adaptor used to convert for low angle work (supplied). I guess you could use it as s mono pod🤔
@@LeePengellyPhotography I have seen on a video from Benro that the padded leg unscrews to be used as a mono pod. Have you used your's this way and what do you think? Also is it waterproof so that it doesn't leak after use?
BP Traveler Hi. That’s a new one on me, no I haven’t used it like this. Must admit I’ve never used a monopod before 😬. In terms of waterproofness, the tripod is sealed on each leg section, I’ve not had any issues with water getting in 😊
Hi Lee: Thanks for providing this video. I am considering this tripod and I was wondering if you are still using this tripod? Has your review of this product changed in anyway? Regards, Keith Pinn (Canada)
Keith Pinn Keith Pinn Hi Keith. I still have the tripod and it’s never let me down. Fantastic bit of kit and so intuitive to use. Nothing has failed or rusted, definitely worth the investment.
you say about the foam on the legs, just buy some foam and stick it on buddy, my manfrotto tripod has only one leg with foam on it but it does not really bother me as a landscape photographer, a really good honest review thank you.
@@LeePengellyPhotography I do exactly that myself funnily enough and the filters hang off the tripod too lol, only because I am lazy and do not want to take a shed load of gear with me, albeit I do anyway as I have the vlogging camera set up to carry as well lol. but I am always trying to find lighter and smaller products to take with me.
Cheers, just what I was looking for. The head on my other Italian brand beginning with an M fractured the other day, so I need something sturdy but reasonably portable. How do you find it for carrying?
Ruairidh Munro hi, it’s a great bit of kit, very sturdy and light. The leg sections are quite big giving it more stability. I’ve travelled with it and it’s great, not cumbersome at all.
Hi Lee.... thanks for a very informative review. I have recently purchased this same combination of head and tripod, however I find the geared head base is too small for the tripod centre column plate. It seems you are using some sort of adapter plate...is that the case?
@LPP This is a great review: as you say we can get the technical stuff on the web, but you describe the practical user aspects which is very helpful for those of us looking for a tripod and head. Can I ask, would the TMA38L carbon tripod/ GD3WH geared head/ Canon D53 DSLR work OK for someone who is only 5 feet 8 inches tall?
Cheers for the review. I'm in South Australia and I've been looking at this tripod a lot. I don't want to spend thousands on a gitzo etc . And I had wondered about the twist locks because I shoot in the water on reefs and things a bit so its good to know they are not open to sand etc. I've only ever used clip locks, but I know bento pretty much don't make clip lock legs anymore. But anyway, good review and its kinda confirmed it for me, think I'll get one . cheers
To be honest I would never go back from the twist locks. As someone who has shot a lot of photography on the ocean and you get sand and salt inside the locking mechanism. They are so easy to take apart and clean. I highly recommend the plastic twist locks, especially for harsher conditions.
@@LeePengellyPhotography absolutely! My first Manfrotto, found out the hard way what salt water does to metal components. Haha. By the way thank you for the video, this is my next tripod investment. I have a carbon fiber Benro right now but I need something a little bigger so when I shoot video I have something a little bit more stable. Also being 6'2" it's nice to have a little bit of height.
Hello Lee, having watched your vlog it convinced me that I need the Benro TMA 38 CL tripod which I ordered and arrives today Wednesday 08.05.19. But as yet I have (not) purchased the Benro Ball Head yet and was thinking of ordering the G3 to accompany it. Would you have any views on that or should I order something else? I thank you in advance. I have has a few disasters in the past with tripods and do not wish to waste any more money...
Allan Davies Hi Allan, thankyou for watching, and good choice 😉. The G3 is great I use it all the time now. I did a review on this too a while ago, here is the link ruclips.net/video/FlTSSbRmDmQ/видео.html
@@LeePengellyPhotographyPhotography thank you, for your reply Lee, but my question was related to G3 Ball head and (not) the geared head one which I did watch thank you...
I am getting this tripod on wednesday from my favourite sweety shop, after owning manfrotto for so many years and legs falling off I am forced to get a new tripod and this one stands out for quality, stability and usability and not forgetting the price that is awesome for this. I am 6'3 and 1" taller than you lol, so yeah height is very important
@@LeePengellyPhotography well that sounds so much better than manfrotto which I have owned many years but not sure why because there is movement all over the joints and you cannot adjust them
Seems to be a 99% copy of my Innorel 80. Well, mght be the other way around they are probaby produced in the same factory. The only things that are clearly different are the price (teh Innorel costed 130 euro incl. P&P from China), the spikes (mine are 40 mm), mine has three foam grips like you wished, mine lacks a centrecolumn so it is just 162 cm high. May be I can get one? My locks are springlocks and on yours it is different (better I think). But the Benro still is three times the price. So for those who dare to take a slight risk, may be buying the Innorel RC80 is a possibility. They even have one with the upperleg being 40 mm in stead of 33 mm and it is still only 220 euro. There are other brands for that onelike Benxi I beleive or whatever….it is all the same. Thanks for the review!
Serenoj69 interesting comments, I’ve used many brands but have had this tripod quite a while now and zero faults, never toppled over like some. I personally think it compares with some of the more well known brands. Thanks for watching 😉
They do appear well made which is reflected in the cost BUT why are Benro Carbon Fibre Tripods so damn heavy. I Hike and climb for my photography and this brand is just to damn heavy. 4.5lbs for this model without a ball head or levelling head
This is a bit of a video production critique as opposed to a tripod comment: 1) Your slow zoom of the tripod was very long. That 50 second look didn’t contribute to the understanding of anything about the tripod. 2) Your intro splash clashes with everything about your video: the pace, voice tone, music, energy. It seems like a mistake. 3) I didn’t see the link that you were pointing to when referring to the head review (I’m actually interested in the geared head). 4) The screw hole that you mentioned is for the strap looks like a place where random tethered support devices can be screwed in. Have a good day.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought this tripod and head thanks to your good, insightful reviews, and I'm so happy with it!
That’s great, mine is still going strong
Lee thanks for the in depth review! I just purchased this tripod. Appreciate it.
Diego McCartney That’s great news and thanks for watching. Great bit of kit
Do you use Benro GD3WH Geared Tripod Head ? just wondering what they are like to the standard 3 way head Benro does for £99
Yes I use both, they each have there own merits. I tend to use the GD for landscape and architecture and the ball head for wildlife and commercial shoots such as food and anything where speed is essential.
@@LeePengellyPhotography Thx Lee. I know that the geared head has a quick release as well so perfect for me and landscapes then.
I agree It's a great tripod. One advantage of the locks is if sand or grit does get into them they are so easy to clean. It doesn't require tools. All you do is twist to unlock and keep twisting until it's loose then pull off the leg and wash it. Make sure you dont lose the plastic thingys that keep the legs from turning.
I agree. Yes those plastic thingys are a real pain if they come out !!.
I’ve used mine in all variations of landscape and as yet no sand or grit in the sections 👍
I use the Mach3 but went with the Aluminum...... the aluminum sits steadier and more of a solid feel using the 1DX3 and my 800mm 5.6L ......
Great combo 👌
Just bought my Benro Goplus Travel Series 1 and Benro GH2 Gimbal Head PL100 Plate and just love them. Solid, well made quality pieces and great extra little touches. I agree and like your video. Needed this set up for my Tamron G2 150-600mm lens with Canon Camera.
trumpygirl1 Great tripods, hope you like them and thanks for watching the video 😊
Hi, any idea if the legs come off this fully? I can’t seem to find any info online to confirm this. My legs keep loosening and I’d like to strip and clean it but can’t get the legs off!
I haven’t stripped mine down the whole time I’ve had it and only tightened up once. It does come with tools and I’m guessing you can
@@LeePengellyPhotography fingers crossed you won’t have to. I’ve come to the conclusion that you can’t remove them meaning mine’s had it
@@richn1751 Have you got sand in the legs ?.
@@LeePengellyPhotography no, I believe it’s just needs regressing. Use a cheaper tripod for the beach.
Benro confirmed you can’t remove the legs on this tripod fyi. Who knew?!
Just purchased this along with Benro B3 ballhead. Shooting medium format film and the set is quite heavy - it just holds! I also love the friction control on the B3 as well as easy setup and light weight of the tripod.
It’s a great combo, good choice 😉
@@LeePengellyPhotography I had a recommendation for it by a man who knows everything about the camera and all the lenses. He experimented a lot and as I'm a beginner I just wanted to be sure so 😊
Better than Gitzo?
Not used Gitzo but been using the tripod for years now and never let me down. A lot cheaper than Gitzo !!
@@LeePengellyPhotography I bought a systematic gitzo + fluid head for my 600 f4 mk2, then ended up selling the lens so now I'm stuck with a tripod nobody wants to buy lol
Great tripod though, no issues, sturdy as hell, not sure what tripod to get though, need something with a column and ball head
@@frostybe3r Ah that’s a pain, maybe will sell after this crazy year is over
Excellent review
Thanks 😊
I have an old Induro tripod of the early 2000 vintage in Alu, that looks very much like this one. I think I bought from Calumet ( when they were still in business ) . I wonder if they are the same as the height, locks, the ball head etc all look exactly the same. A very steady and well built tripod indeed.
lensman57 possibly the same design not sure though. I think Benro are made in China now
@@LeePengellyPhotography Quite possibly. I worked for a short while as ' tech ' for an importer of astronomical telescopes here in the UK, originally US made but sadly no longer. The company was bought out by the Chinese and they manufactured some in China and some in Mexico depending on the model and sophistication. The Chap who imported the stuff told me that actually all the different brands of telescopes and optics were manufactured by only two or three main Chinese manufacturers which were in very close proximity to each other. It was like a supermarket really. A purchaser would go to them with specification and they put the things together accordingly. The more one paid and the bulkier the purchase the higher the specs and lower the price. The lead time for some of the stuff was nearly 4 months as the factory had to rebrand the production for a different purchaser even though the specs were really the same but different cosmetics. Economy of scale but at what price to our manufacturing? After this Covid 19 tragedy the Chinese seem to be up and running nearly as normal but we have yet to see the mass unemployment that is to follow for us and since we are no longer in charge of our own manufacturing, it seems to be a long hard haul. The future is very uncertain for us sadly.
lensman57 Yes I agree I don’t know what the future holds for industry now globally, let alone in the U.K. Huge companies already going up the swanny!
@@LeePengellyPhotography I think that the question that should be asked is why so many companies that were seen to be on solid grounds before the pandemic have turned out to be anything but. No sooner that the lockdown was announced that we started hearing about the inevitable layoffs and redundancies. It seems that they spend more time planning for failure than for success . It sadly appears that we have been led up the path for quite some time and the game is now over.
lensman57 Most big companies rely on credit and aren’t cash rich, everything tied up in assets. Very worrying
I have got Benbo and its good using it when shooting film!
i am 6'3" and tired of shorter tripods. looking at this one and the larger one (CXL) in carbon or aluminum models. the 38CL just might work for me seeing as how you are about the same height. i have also never had a carbon tripod. i will be mounting a star tracker and aps-c w/ telephoto for the heavier set up which will be about 10 or 11 Lbs i think.
I’m 6’2” and the tripod still has adjustment for height beyond my eye level. I use mine for large and medium format cameras with heavy lenses so should handle your system with no issues
@@LeePengellyPhotography cool. yeah, i was hoping to get one sized Just right that i don't need to use the center column once a head and camera are on the tripod legs!! i think the 38CL just might do the trick. Thanks for replying - I'm about to order one today I think!
@@funkyboogiee well worth the investment, you won’t be disappointed
@@LeePengellyPhotography I'm having such a hard time deciding between the carbon or aluminum versions! I've never owned a carbon tripod before. Have read can absorb micro vibrations better than aluminum. quite a price difference of course. I think I should get something that will last me years to come!
@@funkyboogiee Carbon fibre is very strong but also easy on the shoulder to carry too compared to aluminium!
Do you have any idea if the aluminum version is a good alternative to this? My budget is about $200 and that fits right into that. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Joe Hendrickson Hi Joe, the engineering of them is on par quality wise with their carbon fibre models. The only I can see is in weight, the aluminium models are heavier I think.
Does one of the legs come off for a mono leg?
BP Traveler Hi, the centre column can be removed and a smaller Adaptor used to convert for low angle work (supplied). I guess you could use it as s mono pod🤔
@@LeePengellyPhotography I have seen on a video from Benro that the padded leg unscrews to be used as a mono pod. Have you used your's this way and what do you think? Also is it waterproof so that it doesn't leak after use?
BP Traveler Hi. That’s a new one on me, no I haven’t used it like this. Must admit I’ve never used a monopod before 😬.
In terms of waterproofness, the tripod is sealed on each leg section, I’ve not had any issues with water getting in 😊
Hi Lee: Thanks for providing this video. I am considering this tripod and I was wondering if you are still using this tripod? Has your review of this product changed in anyway? Regards, Keith Pinn (Canada)
Keith Pinn Keith Pinn Hi Keith. I still have the tripod and it’s never let me down. Fantastic bit of kit and so intuitive to use. Nothing has failed or rusted, definitely worth the investment.
Thanks Lee for your response. This is very encouraging. Cheers, Keith
Keith Pinn No worries let me know how you get on
you say about the foam on the legs, just buy some foam and stick it on buddy, my manfrotto tripod has only one leg with foam on it but it does not really bother me as a landscape photographer, a really good honest review thank you.
I tend to carry it with the camera attached most of the time holding it by its feet 😂
@@LeePengellyPhotography I do exactly that myself funnily enough and the filters hang off the tripod too lol, only because I am lazy and do not want to take a shed load of gear with me, albeit I do anyway as I have the vlogging camera set up to carry as well lol. but I am always trying to find lighter and smaller products to take with me.
@@ironian24 😂 I know some photographers who would be horrified at carry it this way but touch wood it hasn’t fallen off yet !!
Pipe insulation and Athletic tape. Boom! grips for the top legs. Cost me a fiver and 20 minutes of time.
Thank you for the review, very informative! 👍
Isaias Sanchez Thankyou 😊
Cheers, just what I was looking for. The head on my other Italian brand beginning with an M fractured the other day, so I need something sturdy but reasonably portable. How do you find it for carrying?
Ruairidh Munro hi, it’s a great bit of kit, very sturdy and light. The leg sections are quite big giving it more stability. I’ve travelled with it and it’s great, not cumbersome at all.
Hi Lee.... thanks for a very informative review. I have recently purchased this same combination of head and tripod, however I find the geared head base is too small for the tripod centre column plate. It seems you are using some sort of adapter plate...is that the case?
Cam Smith I use an L bracket on my camera now but the head itself goes directly onto the tripod base.
@LPP This is a great review: as you say we can get the technical stuff on the web, but you describe the practical user aspects which is very helpful for those of us looking for a tripod and head. Can I ask, would the TMA38L carbon tripod/ GD3WH geared head/ Canon D53 DSLR work OK for someone who is only 5 feet 8 inches tall?
Thankyou, I’m glad the video has been useful. That combo would be perfect for you I reckon..
@@LeePengellyPhotography Thanks!
Why wouldn’t it?
Cheers for the review. I'm in South Australia and I've been looking at this tripod a lot. I don't want to spend thousands on a gitzo etc . And I had wondered about the twist locks because I shoot in the water on reefs and things a bit so its good to know they are not open to sand etc. I've only ever used clip locks, but I know bento pretty much don't make clip lock legs anymore. But anyway, good review and its kinda confirmed it for me, think I'll get one . cheers
Hadley Johnson definitely worth the investment, you won’t be disappointed it’s a great tripod.
To be honest I would never go back from the twist locks. As someone who has shot a lot of photography on the ocean and you get sand and salt inside the locking mechanism. They are so easy to take apart and clean. I highly recommend the plastic twist locks, especially for harsher conditions.
Nebulous less metal to corrode too. Never had any problems so far with these 😉
@@LeePengellyPhotography absolutely! My first Manfrotto, found out the hard way what salt water does to metal components. Haha.
By the way thank you for the video, this is my next tripod investment. I have a carbon fiber Benro right now but I need something a little bigger so when I shoot video I have something a little bit more stable. Also being 6'2" it's nice to have a little bit of height.
Nebulous yeah mine too and some nasty cheaper ones too 😐
Hello Lee, having watched your vlog it convinced me that I need the Benro TMA 38 CL tripod which I ordered and arrives today Wednesday 08.05.19. But as yet I have (not) purchased the Benro Ball Head yet and was thinking of ordering the G3 to accompany it. Would you have any views on that or should I order something else? I thank you in advance. I have has a few disasters in the past with tripods and do not wish to waste any more money...
Allan Davies Hi Allan, thankyou for watching, and good choice 😉. The G3 is great I use it all the time now. I did a review on this too a while ago, here is the link ruclips.net/video/FlTSSbRmDmQ/видео.html
@@LeePengellyPhotographyPhotography thank you, for your reply Lee, but my question was related to G3 Ball head and (not) the geared head one which I did watch thank you...
Allan Davies ah sorry my mistake 😬 I use a ball head too but prefer the geared head
I am getting this tripod on wednesday from my favourite sweety shop, after owning manfrotto for so many years and legs falling off I am forced to get a new tripod and this one stands out for quality, stability and usability and not forgetting the price that is awesome for this. I am 6'3 and 1" taller than you lol, so yeah height is very important
Excellent choice. I have been using this tripod now for nearly 4 years now and it’s never let me down. Never even had to tighten anything !
Excellent choice. I have been using this tripod now for nearly 4 years now and it’s never let me down. Never even had to tighten anything !
@@LeePengellyPhotography well that sounds so much better than manfrotto which I have owned many years but not sure why because there is movement all over the joints and you cannot adjust them
Seems to be a 99% copy of my Innorel 80. Well, mght be the other way around they are probaby produced in the same factory. The only things that are clearly different are the price (teh Innorel costed 130 euro incl. P&P from China), the spikes (mine are 40 mm), mine has three foam grips like you wished, mine lacks a centrecolumn so it is just 162 cm high. May be I can get one? My locks are springlocks and on yours it is different (better I think). But the Benro still is three times the price. So for those who dare to take a slight risk, may be buying the Innorel RC80 is a possibility. They even have one with the upperleg being 40 mm in stead of 33 mm and it is still only 220 euro. There are other brands for that onelike Benxi I beleive or whatever….it is all the same. Thanks for the review!
Serenoj69 interesting comments, I’ve used many brands but have had this tripod quite a while now and zero faults, never toppled over like some. I personally think it compares with some of the more well known brands. Thanks for watching 😉
They do appear well made which is reflected in the cost BUT why are Benro Carbon Fibre Tripods so damn heavy. I Hike and climb for my photography and this brand is just to damn heavy. 4.5lbs for this model without a ball head or levelling head
AHB Have you checked out the Benro GoPlus Travel FGP18A ?. A lot lighter although the leg sections aren’t as thick as the TMA38CL.
This is a bit of a video production critique as opposed to a tripod comment:
1) Your slow zoom of the tripod was very long. That 50 second look didn’t contribute to the understanding of anything about the tripod.
2) Your intro splash clashes with everything about your video: the pace, voice tone, music, energy. It seems like a mistake.
3) I didn’t see the link that you were pointing to when referring to the head review (I’m actually interested in the geared head).
4) The screw hole that you mentioned is for the strap looks like a place where random tethered support devices can be screwed in.
Have a good day.
storysupport Thanks for your comments? All noted. I’ve ditched the intro glitch now and will check the link for the head review too.
Thanks for checking and for even reading my comment.
storysupport My pleasure, my channel is a learning curve and always appreciate feedback 👍😊