Benro Tripod

[Ding Carpio]

Yesterday, got me a Benro C298n6 from Aperture Trading (Banawe). It's light, sturdy, and looks and feels like a real Gitzo!

After looking at the Manfrotto 055MF4 and considering the Velbon Sherpa Pro, I went for the Benro because I think it's the best blend of portability, stability, features, and price. It only cost me P13k cash (List price is P14.5k). That's about the same as the much heavier Manfrotto magfiber and less than half the price of the equivalent Gitzo.

The equivalent M-series Benro (M298n6) is a bit cheaper than the C-series (C296n6) but a bit heavier but should also be good but was out of stock. I wonder if Benro China reverse-engineered Gitzos and came up with an equally high-quality "knock-off".

Haven't tested it out in the field yet but from reviews I read, it should perform well. When I've played with it, will post my observations. I just thought about posting this premature "review" for now since you guys may be considering getting yourselves a tripod for Christmas.

[Nilo Arribas Jr.]

Hi Ding,

Please post photo of your setup as I'm also looking at possible replacement for my old aluminum tripod if I can no longer use it.

Thanks.

Nilo

[tjparpan]

I vouch for the Benro C298 as well. Quite rigid and supports a good amount of gear. Its legs extend into 4-sections, via twist-lock mechanisms that need half-turns to unlock. Aperture Trading didn't bring in the 3 section model when I bought mine last year. Other pleasantly surprising details aside from the standard compass and sprit level on the top of the tripod were the supplied 3 steel spike "feet" that can replace the stock rubber ones if you need to.

[tina mallari]

Looking forward to your review of this tripod Ding.

Went to Island Photo before going up to Baguio to get me a tripod but was quite disappointed with the carbon fiber tripod I was looking at. Was about to buy one for 13K but as I was playing around with it, the top portion split into 2 parts and so I asked the guy why it split into two and then he said, it's okay - that part broke a long time ago

After he said that, I told him.... Hmmmm I changed my mind, I don't want to get one coz if I were to get one, it might just break too.