Mini-review: Benro C128, KB-1 - Now with pics!

[losfp]

Well, I've had a few days to play with the new tripod and ballhead, here are some thoughts:

<b>Benro C128</b>

I went for the Carbon fibre C128 for a few reasons:

It's a 4-section tripod, which means it packs up a bit smaller than the tripod with 3 sections (the 127). This does mean a little more fiddling though, as you need to tighten/loosen 3 things per leg as opposed to 2.

The CF version is a tad lighter than the Al version, which was a big factor for me, as I wanted to carry it around on bushwalks. Costs a bit more though, unfortunately

The 1-series is one of the lighter Benros, but I am finding it to be quite adequate for my needs. It won't stand stock-still in the midst of a gale, but otherwise it seems to be quite solid. The Benro tripods all come with a hook at the bottom of the centre column which you can use to hang some extra weight to add to the stability.

The height fully extended is more than adequate for my needs (I am 5' 10", or about 178cm tall) once you add the ballhead and camera on top of the tripod.

The legs can be locked in one of 3 angle positions (independently), so you can decide if you want extension or stability.

The centre column slides up and down smoothly and is tightened with a twist-collar. It does not rotate, unfortunately even when locked, there is a tiny bit of play in the rotation, if that makes sense.

The leg sections are locked in place by twisty things. I'm still not quite sure whether I prefer them to clips or not. An annoying problem is that the leg sections rotate when not locked, so you have to be careful to hold onto the appropriate sections when trying to lock/unlock the twist locks.

<b>Benro KB-1 Ballhead</b>

Again, I went for one of the lighter ballheads (I understand that the KB-0 is the only KB series ballhead that is smaller) for size/weight reasons.

The KB-1 screws onto the top of the tripod nicely, although the rotation problem mentioned above makes it shift a tad when you go to rotate it using the panning on the ballhead.

There are 3 main control knobs on the ballhead. The first locks the panning (there are degree markings, which is handy for doing panos). The second locks the ball. When locked, it holds the position pretty well from what I can tell. The third knob controls the "looseness" of the ball - going from completely frictionless to decently stiff. I had my heaviest camera/lens combo mounted (Nikon D70s + Tokina 12-24 + Lens Hood + RRS L-Plate, about 1.3 kg worth), and it didn't seem to have any issues at any angles. I don't have any heavy lenses like the 70-200VR or 80-400VR, so didn't test with that amount of weight.

The ball will flop over horizontally to put the camera in a portrait orientation, but I personally prefer using an L-Plate so you can rotate the ballhead around the axis of the lens, plus it is more stable.

The panning base is smooth, but a little goopy and stiff - some on this forum have had success with taking it apart and regreasing it for better performance.

The Arca-Swiss connection is a snap to use, whether it is with the included quick-release plate, or an L-Plate. A single knob tightens and loosens, and it feels extremely solid - I would be confident using the AS system no matter what angle the camera is mounted on. You do have to remove a button that controls a retaining thingie that stops the standard QRP from sliding off the head, if you want to use an L-Plate, but that is easily done.

So in conclusion, the Benro tripods and heads are brilliant for the money. A couple of niggling annoyances, but overall very good. Just some thoughts for people considering the Benro range I'll update this post on the weekend with photos if I get time and could be bothered

[losfp]

Some pics! Click on thumbnail below for larger pics.. Apologies for the crappy quality of the photos, obviously I had to use my small digital p&s as the D70s was mounted on the tripod at the time
<table><tr><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_1_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_2_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_3_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_4_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_5_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="center">C128 & KB-1 with D70s (RRS L-Plate and Nikkor AF 70-210/4-5.6, about 1.4kg in total) - Leg position # 1</td><td valign="top" align="center">Tripod at full extension, with model for rough size comparison.</td><td valign="top" align="center">Close-up of the ballhead</td><td valign="top" align="center">Camera pointed in a weird position</td><td valign="top" align="center">Camera mounted vertically</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_6_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_7_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_8_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_9_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_10_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="center">Ballhead flopped over </td><td valign="top" align="center">Leg position # 2</td><td valign="top" align="center">Leg position # 3</td><td valign="top" align="center">All folded up</td><td valign="top" align="center">With the 80-200/2.8</td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_11_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"><a href="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.thesystemisdown.com/gallery/albums/userpics/new_camera/tripod_12_tn.jpg" border="0"></a></td><td valign="top" align="center"></td><td valign="top" align="center"></td><td valign="top" align="center"></td></tr><tr><td valign="top" align="center">80-200/2.8 tilted </td><td valign="top" align="center">80-200/2.8 in portrait (using the tripod collar)</td><td valign="top" align="center"></td><td valign="top" align="center"></td><td valign="top" align="center"></td></tr></table>

[Alpha_7]

Great work Des! Nice review, and the pictures really add to it!

[mR_CaESaR]

leg position #3 is the reason i want a low level column for my benro tripod.

I've found i've been practicising a lot of macro work lately and have really missed the low level abilities of my old manfrotto 055prob and feisol 3301.

[Alpha_7]

Have some people removed the column all together ? While it doesn't help in all situations it will get the camera lower. Perhaps benro need to off a 1/2 and 1/3 sized centre columns.

[losfp]

Yeah, the centre column can be removed (you need to unscrew the hook and cap at the bottom), and you can slide it back upside down. If you mount the camera on THAT, then you can get it REALLY low

Sorry, I should have gotten pics of that too.

[mR_CaESaR]

Have some people removed the column all together ? While it doesn't help in all situations it will get the camera lower. Perhaps benro need to off a 1/2 and 1/3 sized centre columns.

they do, i just get can get and don't know how to get a hold of them

check this page out

Yeah, the centre column can be removed (you need to unscrew the hook and cap at the bottom), and you can slide it back upside down. If you mount the camera on THAT, then you can get it REALLY low

Sorry, I should have gotten pics of that too.

Yeah although i'm not a fan of working upside down

[Alpha_7]

Can you just removed the centre column and have the head mounted directly onto the legs, ? I thought that was an option, haven't needed to get that low myself.

[mR_CaESaR]

Can you just removed the centre column and have the head mounted directly onto the legs, ? I thought that was an option, haven't needed to get that low myself.

can't say i've actually tried that, but i'm trying it now as i type this

edit: seems its not possible to do, as i need something to screw the thread onto and the plate that the head goes onto needs to rest somewhere.

[Alpha_7]

Bugger, I may have misread the person that I thought said you could do this, or perhaps it wasn't on a Benro but a different model of tripod.

[cameraguy21773]

Nicely Done! Perhaps you could make a note to visit and update this review in, say, a year to see how the tripod and head hold up over time.

When I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a minimeet at Birdy's last fall (that's US fall), my first impression of the Benro heads and tripods was good. I would have bought a head probably but I was concerned about long term wear and tear and I see from your review that there are a few 'niggles'. Let's hope those niggles don't turn into bigger problems later.

Thanks again for the great insights.

[glamy]

I got the KB-2 head and as mentioned changing the grease in the base makes it much easier and smoother to turn. Actually I wiped some of the grease off and applied some light oil. Works a treat.
Cheers,
Gerard

[tasadam]

Some pics! Click on thumbnail below for larger pics..

Hi there
Just wondering whether there is any chance of refreshing these pics - they don't appear / dead link?

I am trying to decide on a tripod / head combination. I am at this stage thinking about the C228 for a bit more stability than the C128, and as for ballheads, I have been trying to decide whether the KB-1 will fit the C228, or whether I have to go for the KB-2.

Can anyone tell me the answer to these points, as well as -
How far out do the legs swing on this tripod - can you span it out to horizontal? I imagine there are lock positions (stepped) but having not seen one here in Tassie, I am not sure.

I assume this ball head allows panning from the base of the ball head and does not rely on the ball for swivel (pan) is that right?
So you can lock the ball nice & tight then pan on the head?

Will the KB-1 and C228 be a suitable combination? Would I be better going for the KB2? If so, why?

I am going to use it by inverting the centre column a fair bit, to get the camera close to the ground for macro. Is it easy to do?

I have done heaps of searches and looked at the benro site but am still unclear on these points / seeking confirmation before buying.

Anyone going to a minimeet where they can get me a deal like this?

edited - yes - a final and good question - can the KB1 / KB2 be mounted directly to the C228 without the centre column?

[radar]

Adam,

Can anyone tell me the answer to these points, as well as -
How far out do the legs swing on this tripod - can you span it out to horizontal? I imagine there are lock positions (stepped) but having not seen one here in Tassie, I am not sure.

they do go to horizontal but you have the centre column to contend with, so your camera will not be close to ground level.

I assume this ball head allows panning from the base of the ball head and does not rely on the ball for swivel (pan) is that right?
So you can lock the ball nice & tight then pan on the head?

correct, lock the ball in and pan the head. Initially it is fairly stiff, but with use, it is a bit softer to rotate now.

I am going to use it by inverting the centre column a fair bit, to get the camera close to the ground for macro. Is it easy to do?

Very easy, unscrew the hook, pull out the centre column, reverse it, but screw back on done.

edited - yes - a final and good question - can the KB1 / KB2 be mounted directly to the C228 without the centre column?

Don't think that it can looking at my Benro here.

You said you are getting the C228 for extra stability, wouldn't the C227 be more stable, one less set of legs? It is also lighter and can extend almost as high, but it is longer folded.

cheers,

André

(edit: fix comment about height)

[tasadam]

Adam,they do go to horizontal but you have the centre column to contend with, so your camera will not be close to ground level.

Excellent - more in mind for difficult positions, like on a steep rocky bank, 2 legs in the "normal" position but one fully retracted but out horizontal so it is against the bank. Thanks for that!

Very easy, unscrew the hook......

Excellent! Useful!

You said you are getting the C228 for extra stability, wouldn't the C227 be more stable, one less set of legs? It is also lighter and can extend almost as high, but it is longer folded. André

I had considered the longer one but most of its portability life it will be strapped to the side of the backpack - see the bottom photo in this post.
Didn't think there was much in the weight difference so will revisit the specs and see.

Think I will cut a board to the length of C227 tripod+ballhead and see how it goes on my pack. Bonus, C227 a fair bit cheaper too!

Thanks for all that.
Any idea on compatibility between C227 or C228 with either KB-1 or KB-2 and whether there is a preference? D200 or D70 and no super-duper heavy lenses.

From what I have read, I suspect the 2 in KB-2 means it goes with the C2xx or A2xx tripods, and the 1 in KB-1 goes with the C1xx or A1xx tripods respectively but am not sure on this point.

[radar]

Adam,

Any idea on compatibility between C227 or C228 with either KB-1 or KB-2 and whether there is a preference? D200 or D70 and no super-duper heavy lenses.

From what I have read, I suspect the 2 in KB-2 means it goes with the C2xx or A2xx tripods, and the 1 in KB-1 goes with the C1xx or A1xx tripods respectively but am not sure on this point.

Best person to ask here is Birddog, pretty sure that he has stock of both, so he will be able to confirm.

There should be no reason, that I know of, why a KB-1 would not fit on a C228. On the photopal web site, they list the KB-1 as being compatible with the C228, have a look at:
http://photopal.co.uk/index.php?cPath=32

Cheers,

André

[losfp]

crappeth - where have my photos gone!!!

I will refresh them tonight for you, so you can have a look.

The KB1 WILL fit onto a C228. How do I know? I tried it at a minimeet As to how appropriate it is... Birddog reckons that the most suitable ballhead for the 2 series legs is the KB2, I suspect more to do with the old "it is only as sturdy as the sturdiest component in the chain" philosophy.

I went for the 128 and KB1 because portability was my #1 priority. Still pretty damn sturdy, even with an 80-200/2.8 and D70s.

Best thing is to get your hands on them yourself and try them out.

[losfp]

Photos updated I added a few more with the AF-D 80-200/2.8

[tasadam]

crappeth - where have my photos gone!!!

Made me laugh!

"it is only as sturdy as the sturdiest (you mean weakest...) component in the chain" philosophy.

Best thing is to get your hands on them yourself and try them out.

Not possible. I'm in Tassie. That's why I have to ask so many questions here. I have visited all but Walshs in Hobart and nothing near as good as a Gitzo so they don't know about Benro. You can get some pretty heavy Manfrottos though. Portability=0.03%
Camera stores in the rest of the state are hopeless for things like tripods.

Thanks for answering my queries here, this link was right up the allley I was looking for, but with a bit more info on the finer details. That's great!

[losfp]

Ah yes.. you knew what i was talking about.. good.. good...

It's a shame you can't get touchy feely with one, that's the best way of working out if it is sturdy enough for YOU.

If you can wait till January, we'll be in Tassie, and you can try out my 128/KB1 combo I suspect you want a tripod sooner though..