I'd initially phoned Harrison Cameras to purchase a Benbo tripod, but this Benro was highly recommended. It is both lightweight & incredibly flexible - low level angles can be achieved, far shallower than the minimum height - as described by the manufacturer. Integral, twist lock sections (of which there are four to each limb) allow easy set up. What I do like particularly, is the vertical to horizontal orientation (& all degrees between) of the main stem - just the press of a button at the base of that central column affords a superior flexion - without even fully disengaging same from the tripod collar - ideal for off centre mounting of a camera body. The payload of 14Kg is more than adequate for some of my weightier lenses (I tend to use large aperture optics). A nice touch, is the spirit level, integrally situated on the collar plate - perfect for accurate line of sight when photographing architectural structures. Extras include, metal spikes that may be screwed into the lower limb sections - for that assured extra stability on undulating Terra Firma - just remove the rubber feet. As for splaying the tripod's limbs, each leg has a triple-position locking mechanism - & again, operated via depressing buttons at the top of each leg ( & hence, the low level angles that may be achieved for those, close-to-earth shots). On a related matter of low level photogrpahy, it would be nice to be able to purchase a shortened central column (say, 10cm ?) - the leg splay at full extension, to the collar top is only 14cm - but clearly, the column supplied is too long.
For me, this is an award winning design - & quite honestly, whilst I may venerate the similar sounding, Benbo tripods - this lightweight unit far outstrips the contemporary Benbo model, &, at a fraction of the price.
I should also mention that the central column is a 'D' shape, which furthers the rigidity of the whole - there are integral markings too, if you want to gauge exact height off the deck. It's all simply brilliant !!
NB: I did purchase a 'B1' Benro head as an adjunct - a shorter review of that, follows.
Purchase & never be disappointed.
