Feedback on Gitzo and Benro CF tripods for travel?

[MachIII]

Hi fellow gurus,

I would like to get a CF tripod soon. I am looking at these 2 models.

1) Gitzo GT1541 (4 sections, 0.9kg weight and 8kg load)

2) Benro CF Travel Angel M8 (5 sections, 1kg weight and 8kg load)

Any users care to share their valuable experiences? Also, any close competitors of this range are welcome.

Thank you.

[xm105]

hi im using the benro Carbon Travel Angel C-169M8(5 section 1kg/8kg), note that the C-168 is 4 section 1kg/8kg. its mounted with the benro B-0 which is 0.285kg/8kg. the setup is really compact when the legs are folded 180deg up such that the ballhead is not protruding. it straps to my lowepro backpack very well. the thing can take way more thn 8kg, my heaviest setup is d2x w/ 80-400 and then i hang the backpack at the bottom. dont be too concerned that the 5 sections = unstable, stick to the 8kg limit and you'll be ok. its compact size matters alot when travelling, i specifically choose this 5 section 1 as opposed to the 4 section C-168. i got it and the ball head for RMB1300 in china.

[MachIII]

Originally Posted by xm105 hi im using the benro Carbon Travel Angel C-169M8(5 section 1kg/8kg), note that the C-168 is 4 section 1kg/8kg. its mounted with the benro B-0 which is 0.285kg/8kg. the setup is really compact when the legs are folded 180deg up such that the ballhead is not protruding. it straps to my lowepro backpack very well. the thing can take way more thn 8kg, my heaviest setup is d2x w/ 80-400 and then i hang the backpack at the bottom. dont be too concerned that the 5 sections = unstable, stick to the 8kg limit and you'll be ok. its compact size matters alot when travelling, i specifically choose this 5 section 1 as opposed to the 4 section C-168. i got it and the ball head for RMB1300 in china.

Hi xm105,

That is the same model which i am eyeing for including Gitzo 1541T. I am torn between these 2 models. Both specifications are rather similar but the price does differentiates.

[Randius]

Although their weight and load may be similar but their normal and maximum height are not. You will need to compromise between deployed normal/max height and folded length. Consider which factor is more important to you.