Benro - any experiences with the lighter tripods/heads?

[losfp]

I'm looking at getting a new tripod in the near-ish future. Seems to be that the most popular benro models here on dslrusers are the 227/228 or 327/328 series, coupled with the KB-2. Has anyone tried out the 127/128 tripods? Are they sufficiently steady with the D70?

The most weight I'm likely to hang off the tripod would be a D70s, 80-200/2.8 (a lens that I haven't even got, and won't have for a long time - more likely to have a 18-70 or Tokina 12-24). Maybe an SB800 with LSPJ

All that shouldn't add to more than about 3.5kg, but that's getting awfully close to the supposed 4.5kg limit of the 127/128 tripods.

How about the KB-1 ballhead?

I guess I'm asking because I really would like to do a lot more bushwalking/hiking tomfoolery (see my wentworth falls thread in the images forum for related hilarity), and each extra gram of weight, and each cm of length really adds up when you have to strap the tripod to your back for 5 or 6 hours!

[birddog114]

losfp,
My question for you:
How often will you thinking of using the 80-200 AF-D with tripod collar (Other old version of this lens doesn't have the collar).
Other than the above, all the series 1 or 2 will do the job for you with KB-2 or KB-1.

[losfp]

Hi Birdy - the answer is "not often"!

I don't have the 80-200 (.... yet!!), and I prefer taking landscapes to bird etc shots, so I am most likely to have the kit lens, or a tokina 12-24 on the camera.

I think even when I get the 80-200, I would probably use it with a monopod for sports.

[huynhie]

Out of curiosity during the Mrs Macquaries Chair meet a while back, I mounted my D2x and 70-200mm lens on the smallest Benro tripod (the one that looked like the Gitzo 1027). I was quite impressed with the legs and thought it would be very handy for travelling given it's size and weight.

I would not say that it was sturdier than my Gitzo 1325, but it was quite good with the camera mounted horizontally and vertically (it will be less sturdy if you have the camera mounted at different angles, if you know what I mean)

[losfp]

Thanks for the feedback Huynhie

I reckon the 80-200 would probably be highly usable on the smaller tripods, as long as the conditions weren't terrible, and the camera wasn't mounted at strange angles (and you can probably help it by hanging a decent weight off the tripod's centre column to stabilise it)

[huynhie]

I'd say if you are strictly using it for hiking or travelling with the restriction of size and weight, the smallest Benro tripod would be very suitable.

It should be fine with your camera and lenses, you just have to be more careful with how you mount your camera than with a bigger tripod.

[wendellt]

i'm not sure what model benro tripod i have but it's carbon fibre 3 section and about mid height int he niddle form the smallest to the biggest

with my RRS BH55 it seems light for the first 5 minutes of carrying around but after that it is darn heavy

I would go for the smallest mini bero tripod weight is everything and if you keep it low (not fully extended) the more stable it is, especially is all your using is the kit lens on a d70

[birddog114]

i'm not sure what model benro tripod i have but it's carbon fibre 3 section and about mid height int he niddle form the smallest to the biggest

with my RRS BH55 it seems light for the first 5 minutes of carrying around but after that it is darn heavy

I would go for the smallest mini bero tripod weight is everything and if you keep it low (not fully extended) the more stable it is, especially is all your using is the kit lens on a d70

Your tripod and the RRS BH-55 Pro is not an ideal for walkaround gear.

[radar]

Hi losfp,

I have the 1227 with a kb-1 and find it a good compromise of weight and stability. Not sure what you are using for a backpack, but that is probably more important then the extra 400g you may have to save/carry with a lighter/heavier tripod.

I got the mini-trekker recently and find it very comfortable carrying all my gear and the tripod and a couple ltr of water. I haven't been for a 5-6 hour walk yet, but judging how comfortable it has been for a couple hours, it should be fine.

HTH,

André

[losfp]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

I'll be checking out the various models at Birddog's at the next minimeet (and no doubt walking away with a tripod and a lighter wallet)

[birddog114]

at the next minimeet (and no doubt walking away with a tripod and a lighter wallet)

That'll balance in both sides

[Mj]

losfp...

I'd recommend looking also at the corresponding Gitzo legs in the smaller, lighter models. When I did a good comparison last time at Birdies my conclusion was that with these models the Gitzo quality starts to make more significance. Of course that also comes at a price.

Just suggesting you compare side-by-side so you make the most informed decision !!!