Feedback on Benro Travel Angel Series.

[entropy_h]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase the Benro Travel Angel series, specifically model number A-068M8, which is a 4-section aluminium tripod.

There are only a few other reviews online, and I wanted to get some direct feedback from any users here in CS.

My setup is typically not more than 2kg, usually a D80 coupled with a WA lens. I don't have any telephotos in my lens range.

What is your overall take on this tripod? I'm very inclined to getting this tripod due to it's length when it's folded, as well as it's weight. I'm currently using a Manfrotto 190CLB coupled with a 486RC2 ballhead, but fancy that this overall setup is a bit too heavy and big, especially for traveling.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Synergyworld]

I would advise you to go for Benro C-169M8, more stable and foldable height at 35.3cm only, weight ard 1.2kg. Go to Benphoto at Penisula Plaza to try it out.

Originally Posted by entropy_h Hi, I am looking to purchase the Benro Travel Angel series, specifically model number A-068M8, which is a 4-section aluminium tripod. There are only a few other reviews online, and I wanted to get some direct feedback from any users here in CS. My setup is typically not more than 2kg, usually a D80 coupled with a WA lens. I don't have any telephotos in my lens range. What is your overall take on this tripod? I'm very inclined to getting this tripod due to it's length when it's folded, as well as it's weight. I'm currently using a Manfrotto 190CLB coupled with a 486RC2 ballhead, but fancy that this overall setup is a bit too heavy and big, especially for traveling. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[hjbyeo]

I have 1. It's ok in quality (cannot compare to Gitzo) and probably a tripod that you'll not feel too heart pain to trash about, e.g. sea water, river beds, mud, etc...

[oeyvind]

Originally Posted by Synergyworld I would advise you to go for Benro C-169M8, more stable and foldable height at 35.3cm only, weight ard 1.2kg. Go to Benphoto at Penisula Plaza to try it out.

how much is this?

[DeadEnd]

Since you already have the 190CLB, go for the A-068M8 especially if you are going to bring it along overseas. The A-068M8 weights less than 1kg and it is more than enough to support your D80 and lens.

Trust me, every 100 grams count if you are going to lug around for the whole day. Every extra 100grams weighs like 1kg at the end of the day.

If you are going to China or HK, get it from there. Did a price check in Shanghai last month, it is cheaper by 20%-30% from the price here.

[entropy_h]

Originally Posted by Synergyworld I would advise you to go for Benro C-169M8, more stable and foldable height at 35.3cm only, weight ard 1.2kg. Go to Benphoto at Penisula Plaza to try it out.

Yes, that I'll definitely do: go down and check it out. That one just happens to be quite out of my budget though. But if I'm blown away by the quality, I might just fork out the extra cash. And a 5-section tripod might be a bit too much trouble to deploy. I think the max I'll go is 4 sections.

Originally Posted by hjbyeo I have 1. It's ok in quality (cannot compare to Gitzo) and probably a tripod that you'll not feel too heart pain to trash about, e.g. sea water, river beds, mud, etc...

Agreed. You pay for what you get of course, can't compare to Gitzo. Then again, regardless of how much I spend on a tripod, I would still trash it about, as that is the purpose it serves.

Originally Posted by DeadEnd Since you already have the 190CLB, go for the A-068M8 especially if you are going to bring it along overseas. The A-068M8 weights less than 1kg and it is more than enough to support your D80 and lens. Trust me, every 100 grams count if you are going to lug around for the whole day. Every extra 100grams weighs like 1kg at the end of the day. If you are going to China or HK, get it from there. Did a price check in Shanghai last month, it is cheaper by 20%-30% from the price here.

Thanks a lot for your feedback. I've lugged around the 190CLB together with the heavy 486RC2 on many vacations already, and it can be rather cumbersome. I agree, every 100 gms saved is important, especially after a day of lugging it around.

Do you have the A-068M8 tripod yourself?

[entropy_h]

Originally Posted by oeyvind how much is this?

Well, the C-068M8 costs $380 based on a quote from Jack. So my guess it's thereabouts, or slightly more.

[Synergyworld]

Got it without ballhead at $430.00.

Originally Posted by oeyvind how much is this?

[Junye]

was lookin at the c-069m8 .
6kg is enuff to support d700 + sb900 + 70-200 + extender i suppose?

... hmmm was thinking of travelling light.

[ortega]

go to the shops and check it out
then go to the other shops and checkout the original

[hjbyeo]

Originally Posted by ortega go to the shops and check it out then go to the other shops and checkout the original

The original cannot be compared. 1 look, 1 touch can be really poisonous.

[hjbyeo]

Originally Posted by entropy_h Well, the C-068M8 costs $380 based on a quote from Jack. So my guess it's thereabouts, or slightly more.

If you are willing to wait for a good deal, check out BnS. Sometimes have good price. I got mine there.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by hjbyeo The original cannot be compared. 1 look, 1 touch can be really poisonous.

IF you are not poisoned how to buy...

Best to bring yr equipment and test out the tripod stability before buying. else later you'll regret and ended up selling as loss and buying another 1 again. How many times you can afford to buy and sell till you get a suitable one in this financial crisis situation?

[Junye]

hmm what do u mean by the original?
benro is a duplicate model of another brand?

[creampuff]

Originally Posted by Junye hmm what do u mean by the original? benro is a duplicate model of another brand?

The original - Gitzo Traveller
The copy - Benro Travel Angel

[entropy_h]

Originally Posted by creampuff The original - Gitzo Traveller The copy - Benro Travel Angel

A pretty darn decent copy though one has to admit. Especially for those who can't afford the Gitzo Traveller series.

[ortega]

Originally Posted by hjbyeo The original cannot be compared. 1 look, 1 touch can be really poisonous.

been there, done that

kena poisoned big time

[ortega]

Originally Posted by entropy_h A pretty darn decent copy though one has to admit. Especially for those who can't afford the Gitzo Traveller series.

i don't think so, if i am paying hundreds of $$$ i would at least expect Manfrotto quality
and durability

after numerous hands on testing at the shops, (went to different shops just in case there was a difference on the display sets.) and finally decided that i did not have the confidence that the tripod could last me at least 10 years.

BTW i still have a good working condition manfrotto 055B from almost 20 years ago.

[jnet6]

Originally Posted by ortega i don't think so, if i am paying hundreds of $$$ i would at least expect Manfrotto quality and durability after numerous hands on testing at the shops, (went to different shops just in case there was a difference on the display sets.) and finally decided that i did not have the confidence that the tripod could last me at least 10 years. BTW i still have a good working condition manfrotto 055B from almost 20 years ago.

Do you mean the benro/current manfrotto/gitzo or other brands of tripod that can't last 10 yrs in yr opinion?

[YSLee]

I myself couldn't quite place confidence into Benro products either; there's something about them that didn't want me to plonk down $300-400 on their products.