This topic is in the 2008 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2008Benro??
p.1 #1Benro??
Any idea about these items?
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Benro-B-1-B-series-B1-Ball-Head-fit-Gitzo-Manfrotto_W0QQitemZ190221445347QQihZ009QQcategoryZ30095QQcmdZViewItem
Thanks!
aF
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Benro-B-1-B-series-B1-Ball-Head-fit-Gitzo-Manfrotto_W0QQitemZ190221445347QQihZ009QQcategoryZ30095QQcmdZViewItem
Thanks!
aF
May 13, 2008 at 03:29 PM
p.1 #2Benro??
You would probably do better with a Feisol. But then, what is your budget like for this item?
Edited on May 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Edited on May 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM
May 13, 2008 at 03:32 PM
p.1 #4Benro??
Benro = junk.
http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm
http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Benro/benroks2.htm
May 14, 2008 at 06:07 AM
p.1 #5Benro??
Yeah, but if you're going to buy junk, you should buy it on eBay.
Edited on May 14, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Edited on May 14, 2008 at 07:09 AM
May 14, 2008 at 07:09 AM
p.1 #6Benro??
My budget is about 600 for the legs/head. And I'm looking for a used g2220 right now. Just thought i'd ask the Fm world...but thanks for the info!
aF
aF
May 14, 2008 at 07:41 AM
p.1 #7Benro??
I would just stump up for a proper Gitzo in the first place rather than these cheap, and I do mean cheap, knock offs. Everyone I know who bought one used it for a few months then sold it and bought a proper Gitzo. No point skimping on support for heavy and expensive gear!
May 14, 2008 at 11:31 AM
p.1 #8Benro??
Boy this topic disappeared fast. This thread ought to answer your question: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/641190/0#5691089
In a nutshell, run, don't walk away.
There are alternatives, you don't have to jump from a Yugo (Benro) to a Bugatti (Gitzo)--there's some decent Fords & Chevys out there.
Those being: Manfrotto, Feisol, Giottos, Velbon, some Slik, and some people like the Amvona stuff. Myself, I use a Giottos & am happy with it so far.
In a nutshell, run, don't walk away.
There are alternatives, you don't have to jump from a Yugo (Benro) to a Bugatti (Gitzo)--there's some decent Fords & Chevys out there.
Those being: Manfrotto, Feisol, Giottos, Velbon, some Slik, and some people like the Amvona stuff. Myself, I use a Giottos & am happy with it so far.May 14, 2008 at 11:57 AM
p.1 #9Benro??
Benro is just chinese copy of Gitzo. What do you expect for that price...
May 14, 2008 at 12:33 PM
p.1 #10Benro??
Benro stuff (Induro = Benro) has very mixed reviews. IMO, they have quite a way to go before they are reliable.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/641190
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=318800
There is a naturescapes thread (can't find it now that they changed their forum software) that has a discussion of the CF in Benro and in Gitzo. Apparently, Gitzo uses much more CF (good but more expensive) in their leg layup where Benro uses much more epoxy in theirs (bad and cheaper). However, the fit and paint job area great - just like in Tom Webster's ballhead teardown linked above.
So, my caution would be that you really don't know what you are getting, but the finish is nice.
Of the two, Feisol is a much better option. they are doing their own R&D, they have been hugely responsive to customer issues, and they seem to be working on making their product better. That said, there have been problems reported with the castings at the top not being as strong as they might be and a few other incidental problems. These are probably good tripods but if you are going to use them in circumstances where you might be concerned with reliability, then ponying up a bit more for Gitzo is probably called for.
J.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/641190
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=318800
There is a naturescapes thread (can't find it now that they changed their forum software) that has a discussion of the CF in Benro and in Gitzo. Apparently, Gitzo uses much more CF (good but more expensive) in their leg layup where Benro uses much more epoxy in theirs (bad and cheaper). However, the fit and paint job area great - just like in Tom Webster's ballhead teardown linked above.
So, my caution would be that you really don't know what you are getting, but the finish is nice.
Of the two, Feisol is a much better option. they are doing their own R&D, they have been hugely responsive to customer issues, and they seem to be working on making their product better. That said, there have been problems reported with the castings at the top not being as strong as they might be and a few other incidental problems. These are probably good tripods but if you are going to use them in circumstances where you might be concerned with reliability, then ponying up a bit more for Gitzo is probably called for.
J.
May 14, 2008 at 08:55 PM