DSLRUsers.com

Firstly thanks to Birddog & Poon making available the benro products.

I have never had tripods of this calibre before, i upgraded from an el cheapo velbon.

The real test of the C227 and KB-2 combinations, in my IMHO is over time through use.

so this initial review is really some products images of the C227 and KB-2.

hopefully i would be able to field test this combo soon.

1. C227, detail of compass


2. C227, detail of bubble level


3. KB-2, detail of panning base with degree markers


4. KB-2, ballhead and tripod plate


5, KB-2, detail of tripod plate tightening dail

No4. need way more DOF to be of any use. Having the B in focus and nothing else serves no purpose.

No5. probably needs a bit of the shadow/highlight function in Photoshop CS/CS2.

Beautiful!
-------
regards
Poon

I have also purchased the above combo and have given it a good workout. I can say I am very happy with it....no complaints whatsoever. However, I do think the ballhead requires a gentle touch if it is to give very long service. IE. If the controls are over-tightened by a gym workout freak then things will go wrong. A delicate, but firm touch is required. The head works a treat with the 80-400 VR and 80-200 F2.8 and I am confident it will work with any Nikkor lens regardless of focal length. The tripod is excellent. Even better when the cost is taken into account. I may buy Gitzo when their prices reflect reality.

I noted at the last Mini Meet that the KJ-2, which costing ~$70 more than the KB-2 seems substantially better.

Only two knobs - main and pan.

You have to play to really understand, but basically with the main knob, the first bit is just tension (so you can loosen the ball slightly - it doesn't flop everywhere) then if you turn it more it gets more floppy. Quite neat all in one (Similar to Markins setup I think?).

Links not working so pixspot must be down at the moment. I brought the MP80 monopod and the KB1 ball head and will test it out tomorrow but i was surprised at the size of the monopod as it seemed a bit short for me, just as well i have the ballhead on top as i would be having to lean over a bit. Is a 4 section pod so i sugest anyone that happens to be taller to look into this, as my older pod had plenty of lenght to it.
Will check pics out when link working.

mmm might be interested in a new mono pod.
The one you pick up John, what the weight loading rated at?and whats its cost?

Thai wow is that your header taking up that post? Anyhow i think it was 140 for the pod and 170 for the head, the pod can handle 8.5 kg and think the head was 12kg if i remember rightly.
Pod is nice was just a bit surprised how short it was, but solid as this is the aluminium pod.

BBJ wrote:Thai wow is that your header taking up that post? Anyhow i think it was 140 for the pod and 170 for the head, the pod can handle 8.5 kg and think the head was 12kg if i remember rightly.
Pod is nice was just a bit surprised how short it was, but solid as this is the aluminium pod.

John

Thai has hotlinked a site that don't like it hence this result.

Thanks Peter seem to be ok now maybe he ditched it, i am on go slow shaped for a few days.

hi,

i would just like to know a few questions. Whats the benro's minimum height and if its possible to adjust the centre column for lateral movement.

Basically so it functions the same as an 055ProB.

Basically asking if it can do this:



If it can't do that, i still would like to know what the minimum height would be, from the website it says 59.6 cm, but that just doesn't seem right for a set of legs of this calibre.

edit: also, does it come with a short centre column? (thought they might gives us something extra), would all gitzo accessories for the 1227 work with the c-227?

thanks.

I can't answer those questions officially, but this is the A328 tripod spread eagle.

gleff,
You've done a damm good job! no more spots of red cordial on the floor

Birddog114 wrote:gleff,
You've done a damm good job! no more spots of red cordial on the floor

hehe.. different part of the carpet actually

Is there a comparison chart of the various Benro tripod features? The website has purty pictures, but I couldn't see precisely what each tripod offered. I can figure out a little from the product code, but not everything.

Cheers,
- Rog

Best place is a Sydney Mini Meet were you can see and play with them in the flesh. They are held regularly and are a rewarding experience, great people, great food and lots of toys to lust over.

yeah i think thats the best place to check them out, i have locked in the fact that i'll be getting one, just need one more tripod to sell

surely there are users out there that can compare to that pic, it would be nice to have, but i guess its not that essential.

Also would like to know if it'll fit the gitzo extra low column accessory.

mR_CaESaR wrote:Also would like to know if it'll fit the gitzo extra low column accessory.

Yes, it's, but I don't think you'll need it.

Birddog114 wrote:

mR_CaESaR wrote:Also would like to know if it'll fit the gitzo extra low column accessory.

Yes, it's, but I don't think you'll need it.

Alright so it will fit, but why do you say i wont' need it?

If http://www.gleff.com/spreadeagle.jpg that image is something to go buy, having something lower would probably be needed for macro work (but i guess like what you said, i probably wont' need it, i have any of my tripods that low )

mR_CaESaR wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:

mR_CaESaR wrote:Also would like to know if it'll fit the gitzo extra low column accessory.

Yes, it's, but I don't think you'll need it.

Alright so it will fit, but why do you say i wont' need it?

If http://www.gleff.com/spreadeagle.jpg that image is something to go buy, having something lower would probably be needed for macro work (but i guess like what you said, i probably wont' need it, i have any of my tripods that low )

Hi,
Gleff got the A327 similar to the C327 or equivalent with the G1327 and you're after the C227 = G1227.
The center column on C227 is shorter, and perhaps it's what you need.
The best ways are:
1/ make up your mind.
2/ Have yourself at one of the mini meet with full wallet of cash
3/ Play with all in all setup
4/ Buy or walk away without any regrets.
5/ Go out and shoot with the new setup.
6/ Be a happy camper

Birddog114 wrote:

mR_CaESaR wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:

mR_CaESaR wrote:Also would like to know if it'll fit the gitzo extra low column accessory.

Yes, it's, but I don't think you'll need it.

Alright so it will fit, but why do you say i wont' need it?

If http://www.gleff.com/spreadeagle.jpg that image is something to go buy, having something lower would probably be needed for macro work (but i guess like what you said, i probably wont' need it, i have any of my tripods that low )

Hi,
Gleff got the A327 similar to the C327 or equivalent with the G1327 and you're after the C227 = G1227.
The center column on C227 is shorter, and perhaps it's what you need.
The best ways are:
1/ make up your mind.
2/ Have yourself at one of the mini meet with full wallet of cash
3/ Play with all in all setup
4/ Buy or walk away without any regrets.
5/ Go out and shoot with the new setup.
6/ Be a happy camper

sounds like a great idea only wish i could walk in with all the cash in the world

hopefully i can come to the one on the 12th i've managed to scrounge together enough for the ballhead, now i need more for the legs.

Just a reminder to remember the GST, I have previously forgotten to calculate it into the total price when trying to get it approved by the wife, this is not a wife move

it seems the c-227 doesn't do what i want it to do (like the 055ProB), with lateral movement.

I wonder how long it'll take benro to make the Explorer Series of Gitzo

Nevertheless, i'm still keen on purchasing the c227, but the Gitzo 2227 would be nice

just received my c227 and kb-2, well what can i say, i'm blown away, although i seem to have a "older" revision of the c227 as i dont' have a compass on my one

no dramas there, i'm not wrorried about that.

great stuff the benro, i'm now a believer