Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us
Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network
PhotoKB Home
Discussion Groups
Digital Photography
Digital PhotoDSLR CamerasZLR CamerasPoint & Shoot Cameras
Film Photography
35 mmLarge FormatMedium formatDarkroomFilm and LabsOther Equipment
Photo Technique
Nature PhotographyPeople PhotographyTechnique General
General Photo Topics
General TopicsAustralian PhotographyUK Photography
DirectoryPhoto Clubs

Photo Forum / Digital Photography / DSLR Cameras / June 2006

Tip: Looking for answers? Try searching our database.

Benro tripod products

Thread view: 
Enable EMail Alerts  Start New Thread
Thread rating: 
G.T. - 03 Jun 2006 20:03 GMT
I've read a couple of reviews on Benro equipment and I've yet to read a
negative one.  I'm in the market for a decent tripod but there's no way
I can afford one of the name brands if I go carbon fiber.

Does anybody here have something like the Benro M-228n6?
Signature

"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

Angus Manwaring - 03 Jun 2006 22:11 GMT
On 03-Jun-06 19:03:32, G.T. said
>I've read a couple of reviews on Benro equipment and I've yet to read a
>negative one.  I'm in the market for a decent tripod but there's no way
>I can afford one of the name brands if I go carbon fiber.

>Does anybody here have something like the Benro M-228n6?

I use a Benbo tripod, which I guess is something entirely different - but
I love it.

                 All the best,
                       Angus Manwaring.       (for e-mail remove ANTISPEM)

I need your memories for the Amiga Games Database: A collection of Amiga
Game reviews by Amiga players http://www.angusm.demon.co.uk/AGDB/AGDB.html
Tony Polson - 03 Jun 2006 23:26 GMT
>On 03-Jun-06 19:03:32, G.T. said
>>I've read a couple of reviews on Benro equipment and I've yet to read a
>>negative one.  I'm in the market for a decent tripod but there's no way
>>I can afford one of the name brands if I go carbon fiber.
>
>>Does anybody here have something like the Benro M-228n6?

The Benro tripods and ball heads I have seen look like unashamed
copies of Gitzo items.
G.T. - 04 Jun 2006 03:03 GMT
>>On 03-Jun-06 19:03:32, G.T. said
>>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> The Benro tripods and ball heads I have seen look like unashamed
> copies of Gitzo items.

Exactly.  And I'm not ashamed to use one if their quality is decent.

Greg

Signature

"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

Randy Howard - 07 Jun 2006 18:25 GMT
Tony Polson wrote
(in article <j23482lf46dp9g99c736husvjk72ifcq2p@4ax.com>):

>> On 03-Jun-06 19:03:32, G.T. said
>>> I've read a couple of reviews on Benro equipment and I've yet to read a
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> The Benro tripods and ball heads I have seen look like unashamed
> copies of Gitzo items.

Never realized Benro existed until now, but if they do a good
job of copying Gitzo, then they are probably ok.  Gitzo makes
outstanding products, and I for one don't mind paying their
prices for something that I know will work well and be durable.

Signature

Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it."  - George Bernard Shaw

G.T. - 08 Jun 2006 00:04 GMT
> Tony Polson wrote
> (in article <j23482lf46dp9g99c736husvjk72ifcq2p@4ax.com>):
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> outstanding products, and I for one don't mind paying their
> prices for something that I know will work well and be durable.

I have a Benro m228n6 (copy of a G1228) and a KS-1 (44mm dia) ballhead
coming.  I'll post a review but since I'm a tripod newbie I don't know if
the review will worth much.  I can post closeups as far as the visual
quality goes but operationally I don't have a good frame of reference since
I'm still using a cheapo Slik I got as a gift awhile back.

Greg
Signature

"Up in the clouds
ah up in the clouds
down in the dirt
it's so good
so good it hurts" - The Mekons

ian - 09 Jun 2006 01:27 GMT
> I have a Benro m228n6 (copy of a G1228) and a KS-1 (44mm dia) ballhead
> coming.  I'll post a review but since I'm a tripod newbie I don't know if
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Greg

how well does it compare with your cheapo stuff would be a start.
G.T. - 09 Jun 2006 02:05 GMT
> > I have a Benro m228n6 (copy of a G1228) and a KS-1 (44mm dia) ballhead
> > coming.  I'll post a review but since I'm a tripod newbie I don't know if
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> how well does it compare with your cheapo stuff would be a start.

I should have the tripod today, and the ballhead some day next week.

Greg
G.T. - 09 Jun 2006 06:38 GMT
>>>I have a Benro m228n6 (copy of a G1228) and a KS-1 (44mm dia) ballhead
>>>coming.  I'll post a review but since I'm a tripod newbie I don't know
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> I should have the tripod today, and the ballhead some day next week.

Tripod arrived today.  It seems very solid and the construction looks
great.  The the 4 section legs lock solid with a light twist of the
locks, but the center column seems to take a harder twist.  The upper
part of the legs are padded and spread out to one of 3 positions, it's
got spikes at the bottom of the legs or rubber feet if they are
extended, a worthless compass, tiny bubble level, and carrying bag
(which appears to be designed for the longer 3 section leg model since
this one comes nowhere near to filling its length).  It's definitely
worth the money.  We'll see about the ballhead when I try out my Kenko
1.4x on my 70-200 f/4 L lens.

Greg

Signature

"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

ian - 09 Jun 2006 12:28 GMT
and carrying bag
> (which appears to be designed for the longer 3 section leg model since
> this one comes nowhere near to filling its length).

try it again once the ball head is fitted.
G.T. - 09 Jun 2006 17:38 GMT
> and carrying bag
>
>>(which appears to be designed for the longer 3 section leg model since
>>this one comes nowhere near to filling its length).
>
> try it again once the ball head is fitted.

Yep, I remembered that after my post.

Greg
Signature

"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

Randy Howard - 09 Jun 2006 13:12 GMT
G.T. wrote
(in article <128i29qr4eqd399@corp.supernews.com>):

> Tripod arrived today.  It seems very solid and the construction looks
> great.  The the 4 section legs lock solid with a light twist of the
> locks,

I'd be curious how those locks hold up after hundreds of cycles.

Signature

Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it."  - George Bernard Shaw

G.T. - 09 Jun 2006 17:41 GMT
> G.T. wrote
> (in article <128i29qr4eqd399@corp.supernews.com>):
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> I'd be curious how those locks hold up after hundreds of cycles.

Actually, I'm not concerned about the legs at all.  The tolerances seem
exceptional and the locks tighten up smoothly and firmly.  The center
column is another matter.  If I'm having to tighten it that tight I'm
worried that the pieces will get deformed after awhile.  We'll see.  If
I'm still on r.p.d.s-s. in a year I'll post another review.

Greg
Signature

"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

Jeremy Nixon - 09 Jun 2006 22:48 GMT
> Actually, I'm not concerned about the legs at all.  The tolerances seem
> exceptional and the locks tighten up smoothly and firmly.  The center
> column is another matter.  If I'm having to tighten it that tight I'm
> worried that the pieces will get deformed after awhile.  We'll see.  If
> I'm still on r.p.d.s-s. in a year I'll post another review.

I haven't seen a tripod with a center column where the center column wasn't
the weakest link in the system, even when not extended.  Center columns
should be removed.  I can't comprehend why companies insist on including
them in the first place.

Signature

Jeremy  |  jeremy@exit109.com

Randy Howard - 09 Jun 2006 23:40 GMT
Jeremy Nixon wrote
(in article <128jr5ktdntd03d@corp.supernews.com>):

>> Actually, I'm not concerned about the legs at all.  The tolerances seem
>> exceptional and the locks tighten up smoothly and firmly.  The center
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> should be removed.  I can't comprehend why companies insist on including
> them in the first place.

I Agree completely.

Signature

Randy Howard (2reply remove FOOBAR)
"The power of accurate observation is called cynicism by those
who have not got it."  - George Bernard Shaw

Tony Polson - 09 Jun 2006 23:44 GMT
>> Actually, I'm not concerned about the legs at all.  The tolerances seem
>> exceptional and the locks tighten up smoothly and firmly.  The center
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>should be removed.  I can't comprehend why companies insist on including
>them in the first place.

Because they allow height adjustments to be made almost instantly?

Because they allow a light and easily portable tripod to extend much
higher than would otherwise be possible?

Because they can be fitted transversely to some tripods, vastly
extending their versatility?

By all means ask a tripod manufacturer to make you a bespoke tripod
with no centre column.  But don't ask me to buy one.  

I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
things that would not otherwise be practicable with a tripod, which I
think is a sign of their strength.
Rebecca Ore - 10 Jun 2006 00:18 GMT
> I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
> columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
> things that would not otherwise be practicable with a tripod, which I
> think is a sign of their strength.

You can't use a tripod flat to the found with the lens only the head
height above the surface if there's a center column in the way.

(Plans to get a carbon fiber Gitzo without a center post some day).

Signature

Rebecca Ore

J. Clarke - 10 Jun 2006 04:25 GMT
>> I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
>> columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> (Plans to get a carbon fiber Gitzo without a center post some day).

Not a problem with any of several Manfrotto models.

Signature

--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Tony Polson - 10 Jun 2006 07:52 GMT
>You can't use a tripod flat to the found with the lens only the head
>height above the surface if there's a center column in the way.

Manfrotto (Bogen) make several models where the centre column can be
removed and replaced in a horizontal position.  These tripods are
excellent for low angle work.

>(Plans to get a carbon fiber Gitzo without a center post some day).

Gitzo and Manfrotto are now made by the same company (Manfrotto).
Rebecca Ore - 10 Jun 2006 10:52 GMT
>>(Plans to get a carbon fiber Gitzo without a center post some day).
>
> Gitzo and Manfrotto are now made by the same company (Manfrotto).

Whatever.  One without a center column, in carbon fiber.

I've already got a Manfrotto/Bogen 3001.

Signature

Rebecca Ore

Robert Brace - 11 Jun 2006 20:49 GMT
> Gitzo and Manfrotto are now made by the same company (Manfrotto).

Methinks you have confused "Distribution" and "Manufacture" Tony.
Care to provide a verifiable reference for that claim.
Bob
Alan Browne - 23 Jun 2006 14:26 GMT
>>I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
>>columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> You can't use a tripod flat to the found with the lens only the head
> height above the surface if there's a center column in the way.

It depends on the tripod.  Two of mine allow the column to be reversed
(upside down) or mounted horizontally.  In the upside-down position you
can get the camera down to (even below) ground level.  (Hole required
and sold seperately).

Cheers,
Alan

Signature

-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
--        r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
--      [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
--                   e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.

Rebecca Ore - 23 Jun 2006 14:32 GMT
>>>I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
>>>columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> you can get the camera down to (even below) ground level.  (Hole
> required and sold seperately).

Working a camera between tripod legs doesn't strike me as a really
good way to go about it.

Signature

Rebecca Ore

J. Clarke - 23 Jun 2006 16:25 GMT
>>>>I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
>>>>columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Working a camera between tripod legs doesn't strike me as a really
> good way to go about it.

Depends on what you're doing.  Manfrotto gives a plethora of options--you
can mount the post upright, reversed, horizontally, or remove most of it
leaving just a stub.

Signature

--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

Alan Browne - 23 Jun 2006 17:25 GMT
>>>>I am very happy with my tripods just as they are.  Their centre
>>>>columns have never been a sign of weakness, rather they allow me to do
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> Working a camera between tripod legs doesn't strike me as a really
> good way to go about it.

There are compromises to get some macro shots.  Having the camera below
the head is one of them.  Working that close to the ground is always a
pain, this at least allows you to work that way if needed.  Working with
the camera data upsidedown is the real pain.

Signature

-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
--        r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
--      [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
--                   e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.

Alan Browne - 23 Jun 2006 14:24 GMT
> I haven't seen a tripod with a center column where the center column wasn't
> the weakest link in the system, even when not extended.  Center columns
> should be removed.  I can't comprehend why companies insist on including
> them in the first place.

I'm happy they do.  While I avoid using them when possible, there are
situations where having the additional foot or so of height is better
than nothing at all.  If the locking bolt is secured they are as rigid
as a tripod without a column.  My 58B, fully extended and locked is
probably more rigid than the lower end "good" tripods as long as the
weight is not too high.

For studio shooting, with strobe, I'd rather keep the legs shorter so I
don't run into them all the time as I'm futzing around and use the colum
for height.

Cheers,
Alan

Signature

-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
--        r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
--      [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
--                   e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.

 
Sign In
Join
My Latest Posts
My Monitored Threads
My Blog
My Photo Gallery
My Profile
My Homepage

Start New Thread
Enable EMail Alerts
Rate this Thread



©2009 Advenet LLC   Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.