I've been considering a couple of travel tripods for my wife and I. I looked at the Manfrotto Be Free, Velbon 43 / 53, models and the Benro 1692 travel angel.
The Manfrotto underwhelmed me for the price, the Velbons we're not bad for the money and very small folded away. However, once we got hold of the Benro it was an easy decision. Even my wife who is not normally concerned with such things commented on what a nicely engineered piece of kit it was. It also doubles as a walking pole and monopod with the detachable leg.
We also have Manfrotto 055 xprob / 808RC4 tripods and heads. Yes they are robust, but more often than not they stay in the boot of the car. At the end of the day, the best tripod is the one you carry with you.
I've not used the Benro in anger yet but so far I'm impressed, even down to the high quality case it comes in. The only flip side to this is was 50% more expensive than the Velbon ut43, but similar to the Manfrotto.
The Manfrotto underwhelmed me for the price, the Velbons we're not bad for the money and very small folded away. However, once we got hold of the Benro it was an easy decision. Even my wife who is not normally concerned with such things commented on what a nicely engineered piece of kit it was. It also doubles as a walking pole and monopod with the detachable leg.
We also have Manfrotto 055 xprob / 808RC4 tripods and heads. Yes they are robust, but more often than not they stay in the boot of the car. At the end of the day, the best tripod is the one you carry with you.
I've not used the Benro in anger yet but so far I'm impressed, even down to the high quality case it comes in. The only flip side to this is was 50% more expensive than the Velbon ut43, but similar to the Manfrotto.
Great little tripod that's become my every day carry tripod. The Manfrotto is a sturdier beast when fully extended, but it's not nearly as easy to carry. This attaches easily to the outside of my bags.