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Message: <blockquote data-quote="hark" data-source="post: 564502" data-attributes="member: 13196">I decided to post a few comments on this tripod here since I bought one of the four that B&H advertised for their one-day sale. The one I ordered was the most expensive (carbon fiber) at $169.95.<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157880-REG/benro_fvy28cib1_velcty_8x_carbon_fiber.html" target="_blank">Benro FVY28CIB1 Velocity Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod FVY28CIB1</a>I haven't mounted a camera on it yet so my observations are simply from setting it up. The very first thing I noticed is ALMOST everything was especially tight on this tripod. Did I say tight? REALLY tight! Trying to unfold the legs, I felt like I was prying them apart. Granted, I can use an allen wrench to make adjustments, but they were very difficult to move. When I unscrewed the twist leg locks, I failed to notice one of them was already partially unscrewed. So when I unscrewed it more, that section of the leg came right off in my hand. The white piece of vinyl slider fell out onto the floor, but I was able to reassemble the leg without any trouble.The tripod stores in the carry bag differently than any tripod I've ever seen. Usually the center column is down with the legs folding closed against the center column. On this model, the legs fold upward completely and the center column is fully extended. This makes the tripod shorter in length instead of storing it with the center column down with the legs down. It won't fit in the carry bag unless the legs are up. Just an observation--not a problem.The tripod has the usual 3 height adjustments like many tripods offer. Since it isn't an overly tall tripod, when the center column is fully extended and the legs at its tallest setting, the height is okay; however, since it isn't an overly tall tripod, the footprint is smaller than others I've used...meaning the legs aren't open a great deal and it could tip under the right circumstances. BUT the legs do open wider--the problem when that happens is the height becomes lower than a comfortable eye level. For me, it isn't a problem as I wouldn't use this tripod with a really heavy lens. I have 2 taller tripods that are better equipped for long telephoto lenses.The one thing that wasn't tight on the tripod was the head. It was loose, and a few turns had it coming off in my hand. I snugged it down so hopefully it won't be a problem.At $169.95 for a carbon fiber tripod, this was a great price! It will work in many situations. The legs were larger/thicker than other carbon tripods I've looked at, and it does seem to be sturdy. Let's be realistic here...I own an aluminum Gitzo tripod that goes to almost 70" tall. It was an excellent price, and coupled with the head I chose, it meets my needs. I also own a Bogen/Manfrotto that is very heavy and durable and extends to about 70", too, but its weight (10 pounds with the head) is more than I want to lug around. It works well as an indoor tripod now. But this Benro tripod will be convenient for many of my outdoor photos. Normally I either take my 24-70mm f/2.8, the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, and/or the 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5. It will easily accommodate all of these lenses. The only lens I'd be hesitant to use with this is my 70-200mm f/2.8. To be comfortable with it and to keep it from tipping, I'd have to open the legs more making the height of the tripod lower. Other than that, it should be fine with all my other gear.So who else took advantage of this sale? :cheerful:</blockquote>

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