Benro Tripods? Anyone Using One? - Any other recomendations?

[JLC]

Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a tripod.
I see tons of very expensive ones and like anything else, you get what you pay for (most of the time).

I came across this Benro brand and I'm looking for some input from people who have used one.

Any input on a good model with a good ball head that will meet my requirements?

Requirements for a tripod:
- Would like one that will fold up nicely and can be strapped to the outside of my camera bag - so not something that weighs a ton (obvously CF would be ideal, but would rather not spend that kinda money - Aluminum maybe?) - so maybe more of a travel tripod?
- Around the sub $200 price point as this is the most I would like to spend - the cheaper the better (to a degree)
- the heaviest combo of gear would be the D90, 18-200 VR lens and the SB600 flash - probably not a combo that would be used that much


If not Benro, can anyone else recommend a different setup that meets my requirements? something that wont break the bank?

Thanks in advance

[Meowjin]

feisol carbon tripod

markens q5 head.

GG

[keitaro]

markin's office is based in langley, i was told you can arrange an appointment with them for an in-office purchase.

[JLC]

Originally Posted by MajinHurricane

feisol carbon tripod

markens q5 head.

GG

Carbon would be sweet...but would this setup fall within my $200 budget?
I'm not familiar with those brands so I dont know much about them...

[Senna4ever]

Benro looks like a Gitzo rip-off, like Giottos. Not sure how well they are made. The one thing you need to be careful with the cheaper tripods is the tripos plate screw. They tend to be made from a weaker alloy than Manfrotto or Gitzo. We've seen some Giottos screws break just from the person holding the rig over his/her shoulders. One customer came in pissed off because his broke, demanding we replace his broken camera/lens. He bought the legs from Beau, he claimed. "Yes, you did buy the legs from us, but you bought the (cheap) Giottos head somewhere else, hmm?" "We don't carry Giottos for this very reason."

Apparently, Giottos has improved the alloys used in the screws, but I'll never carry Giottos. I'm not saying the Benro is crap, but do your research. The old adage, "you get what you pay for," applies to tripods, too.

[JLC]

Hey Senna do you work at Beau?
I actually have to come in tomorrow afternoon to rent a tripod for my photo class later on in the evening. What's your name? I'll ask for ya

[Senna4ever]

For rentals you need to talk to Cathy.