Best Benro Tripods: Reviews & Ratings of Benro TRA168 & 268 Tripods

If you are in the market for some new photography equipment, definitely take the time to consider Benro camera tripods.

For both amateur and professional photographers alike, finding the right tripod is a very important task. In order for you to take the best panoramic or still shots you possibly can (of nature, sporting events, family gatherings, or anything else under the sun), you need to have a tripod that will work for you.

There are a number of factors to keep in mind when you are looking to buy a new tripod. Some of these factors include:

• Price – A good tripod is going to cost you money, but you don’t have to squander away your entire life savings on one.
• Size – You want to make sure that the height of your tripod is going to work with the shots you need and your own body height.
• Weight – Especially if you plan on taking nature shots, you need to make sure that your tripod isn’t too heavy, since you will be hiking with it (and all your other photography equipment) on your back.
• Quality – A good amount of time researching the online consumer review sites on the Internet will be extraordinarily beneficial to you. Sure, everyone has different tastes, but you might not want to think about spending a lot of money on a tripod that thousands of people are openly hating.

Most Benro tripods fare well in each of these categories. This is good news for the company, yes, but even better news for you.

Below, we’ll take a brief look at three different models of Benro camera tripods and then let you in on what the consumers think about these products, both the good and the bad.

Benro Tripods: A Look at the Lineup

Let’s take a gander at a few different Benro camera tripods so that you can get a taste of what their products are like.

• Benro TRA168 – This tripod has a single action ball head that matches the size of the tripod and a single lock-down lever for ease of function. If you are shooting on uneven terrain, you can also take advantage of the two leg-angle settings. The TRA168 also features a 180-degree folding system for a quick and proficient breakdown. (Retails for under $160)
• Benro A-057M8 – One of the cheaper models in the entire line, this model of Benro digital camera tripods has a magnesium die-cast design and three different leg-angle settings. And with rubber leg tips, you can rest easy knowing that your camera is secure. (Retails for under $75)
• Benro TRA 268 – This one also features magnesium die-casting and a 180-degree folding mechanism, but it also has anti-twist leg sections for added support and stainless steel spike feet for fantastic grip both inside and out. (Retails for under $180)

Benro Tripods: What People Are Saying

Now let’s find out what people think about Benro digital camera tripods.

The Pros:

• Great Design – These tripods are built well, with solid frames and above par support systems.
• Ease of Use – Many consumers agree that Benro tripods are super easy to set up, use, and take down.
• Great Ball Heal – The strength of the ball head is often overlooked in other, more expensive brands of tripods. Benro camera tripods, on the other hand, feature tough and durable ballheads.

The Cons:

• A Little Heavy – The trade off for having such a sturdy and well-built tripod is that it may be a tad heavier than other models. Benro camera tripods tend to have a little extra weight.
• Stiff Legs – Some consumers have complained that the legs are rather stiff and take a bit of extra effort to swing into place. This is another trade off for a sturdy design.

Return from Benro Tripods to Camera Tripod Reviews

Return from Benro Camera Tripods to Best Cameras: Reviews & Ratings

What are the Best Feisol Tripods?

As far as Feisol tripods go, the CT-3442 model is a fantastic product. There are consumers out there who don’t like Feisol’s products, and a few that actually have fairly valid claims, but overall, Feisol tripods continue to be highly dependable first rate tripods.

In reading several Feisol CT-3442 tripod reviews on various websites it became clear that many consumers hadn’t even heard of Feisol before. They’d decided to to give it a try after seeing that the specs were equal to Gitzo’s far more expensive line of tripods.

Most were pleasantly surprised with the results.

Especially for taller people who need a tripod that can extend to maximum height that befits their body type, but still want to be able to take shots from six inches off the ground, the CT-3442 model of Feisol tripods is a real deal.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the Feisol CT-3442 tripod and see just what makes it so dependable and well-liked in the professional and amateur photography community.

CT-3442 Feisol Tripods: In Depth

Feisol tripods, while not incredibly well-known by the public at large, are some of the best and most affordable tripods on the market.

The CT-3442 model of Feisol tripods stands out as one of the best of the best.

With a maximum height of over 54 inches and a minimum of 6 inches, this tripod is as versatile as they come.

The Feisol CT-3442 tripod folds down to a size less than 19, making these products highly portable pieces of equipment, perfect for those snappers looking to take great landscape shots on long hikes or day trips.

One of the best words to describe the CT-3442 tripod (aside from versatile) is sturdy. Each section of leg tubing has been crafted to have the biggest cross-section diameter possible. This gives the CT-3442′s structure the ability to bear incredibly heavy loads.

The only negative comment about this Feisol model is in the construction of the aluminum cap attachment of the carbon fiber legs. It has been known, in certain circumstances, to not grip the leg correctly. When this happens, the leg itself comes right out of the tripod. This problem is not widespread and does not actually hurt the tripod itself.

As with all products you spend good money on, it is a wise idea to take special care of the CT-3442. The problem with detachable legs can usually be solved by making sure you keep the tripod safe from harm.

Overall, though, Feisol tripods (and the CT-3442 in particular) are great products that will last. You could definitely do worse than one of these tripods, but you’d have to look very hard to do any better.

CT-3442 Feisol Tripods: The Details

Below is a list of the Feisol CT-3442 tripod’s features and specifications:

• Maximum height of 54 inches
• Minimum height of 6 inches
• Folded length of 19 inches
• Weighs 2.3 lbs
• Maximum load of 22 lbs
• Four leg sections
• Maximum leg tube diameter of 28 millimeters
• 7070 aluminum allow metal construction
• Carbon fiber legs

Return from Feisol Tripods: Reviews and Ratings to Digital Camera Tripod Reviews

Return from Feisol CT-3442 Tripod Reviews to Digital Camera Experts: Reviews and Ratings

Best Sunpak Camera Tripods

If you’re looking to buy a new tripod for your camera, Sunpak tripods offer a wide range of styles and designs at reasonable prices. Sunpak is a brand that is debated for its quality by people in the photography community.

Some consumers really enjoy the ease of use of Sunpak tripods, while others decry their shoddy craftsmanship and bulk.

If you have a small budget for a new tripod and you are willing to take good care of your equipment, then it may just be worth your time to take a closer look at Sunpak tripods.

Following are Sunpak tripod reviews of three different models. This ought to give you a starting place from which to begin your hunt for a new tripod.

The Sunpak Pro 523P Tripod Review

For the serious photographer working with a DSLR camera, the Sunpak Pro 523P is a great addition to the tool box. Made from a carbon fiber, the Sunpak Pro 523P weighs in at just 4.6 pounds, making it fairly easy to transport.

This model of Sunpak tripods comes equipped with leg warmers, a reversible threaded screw, and a removable 3-way ultra-smooth panhead for both still and video cameras. It also features a great quick release.

The Sunpak Pro 523P is an ultra light-weight, full-size standing tripod that is perfect for any condition. It’s a great buy at a great price.

The Sunpak Ultra Pro 777 Tripod Review

This model of Sunpak tripods has been heavily panned by the online community. There are people who do enjoy the benefits of a low price, but mostly consumers are upset at how easy Sunpak Ultra Pro 777 breaks.

Screws coming loose, handles breaking off, quick release turning unreliable: these are just a few of the problems consumers have had with the 777 over the years.

One the positive side, the Sunpak Ultra Pro 777 sells for less than $100 at most retail stores and online you can even find one for less than $80. If you take care of this tripod and treat it gently, then it comes as a great deal.

The 777 is sturdy, able to hold heavier cameras, and it can go up to 71 high, which are all very good features for a tripod.

The question is: are you willing to pay for a tripod that may break on you? If the price is right, you may. But be wary.

The Sunpak Platinum Plus Tripod Review

As far as Sunpak camera tripods go, the Platinum Pus series is by far the most liked by the online photography community.

It is a light-weight tripod, able of standing over five feet tall, that boasts smooth movements. But the best quality of the Sunpak Platinum Plus tripod is definitely the low price.

Here’s a brief overview of the Sunpak Platinum Plus tripod’s details:

• Geared center column
• 2.3-pound weight
• Holds up to 3.3 pounds
• Extends to 52 and closes to 20.5
• Panhead bubble level
• 1-year warranty

Return from Sunpak Tripods to Digital Camera Tripod Reviews

Return from Sunpak Camera Tripods to Reviews of Digital Cameras

Vanguard Tripods: MG-3 and VT-118 Review

Vanguard tripods are some the best tripods on the market today for their value. People choose to buy Vanguard brand tripods not only because they are so affordable, but also because they are great products.

While it is accurate to claim that certain Vanguard tripods break easily, this is true of most camera tripods under $100. If they are cheap to buy, then they are not made of the best materials in the business.

But if you want something quick and easy to use, then you can really do no better than a Vanguard Tripod.

Below is a look at two different Vanguard models: the MG-3 and the VT-118.

Vanguard Tripod MG-3 Review

The Vanguard Tripod MG-3 is an ultra light weight tripod capable of bearing quite heavy loads and standing tall.

It is just about impossible to find a cheap (under $100) tripod on the market today that has a smooth pan. But the Vanguard Tripod MG-3 remains smooth over a wide array of tension settings. It is even smooth vertically.

The Vanguard Tripod MG-3 is ideal for home video use, but doesn’t quite match up to its competitors when used for serious or professional activities.

This Vanguard tripod is mostly made of metal parts, and the very few plastics pieces are well made, so it is one of the sturdiest tripods in its class and price range. It can easily hold up to three and a half pounds, and has been known to handle upwards of five pounds without a problem.

Be aware, though, that with cheaper tripods like this one, you really shouldn’t press your luck when it comes to load-bearing. When a low-end tripod breaks, it is usually irreparable. So take care of it and treat it well if you want it to last.

Here’s a look at some of the Vanguard Tripod MG-3′s specs:

• Maximum height of 59
• Folded length of 22 7/8
• Made to bear 3.79 pounds of weight
• Weighs 1 pound
• Gear elevator with bolt supported legs

The VT-118: Vanguard Tripod Review

The VT series of Vanguard tripods are known as the “work horses. These are larger models with hinged legs that are able support a great deal of weight. The Vanguard Tripod VT-118 is no different.

Although it weighs more other low-priced Vanguard tripods, the Vanguard Tripod VT-118 comes equipped with a carrying handle that makes transporting it fairly easy.

With its sturdy, rhombic-shaped aluminum legs, this Vanguard tripods model achieves one of the highest possible ratios of strength to weight.

The Vanguard Tripod VT-118 is further stabilized by horizontal leg braces with a center lock to keep your shots steady and in focus.

Here’s a brief overview of its features:

• Maximum height of 49 5/8
• Folded length of 19 5/8
• Two way panhead
• Bears maximum load of 6.6 pounds
• Spiked feet

Return from Vanguard Tripods to Digital Camera Tripod Reviews

Return from Vanguard VT-118 and MG-3 Tripod to Reviews of Digital Cameras

An Overview of Camera Tripod Reviews

There are countless camera tripod reviews on the market for any number of specialized activities.

There are tripods for SLR cameras, digital cameras, video cameras, professionals, and amateurs. There are tripods that stand over six feet tall and tripods that stand less than six inches. There are tripods for every camera, every photographer, and every situation.

Following are brief tripod reviews for the best rated professional tripods, mini tripods, and digital camera tripods.

The Three Top Rated Professional Tripods: Reviews and Ratings

• Dolica AX620B100 – Retails for $65
• Slik 615-315 – Retails for $140
• Opteka 70″ Full Size – Retails for $70

The Dolica AX620B100 is the best rated professional tripod for a number of reasons.

The most attractive feature of the Dolica is the price, of course. At nearly half the price of the Slik 615-315, the Dolica is nearly a steal. This product is also frequently on sale, so a good deal is almost always within reach.

The Dolica is made out of aluminum, making it easy to carry around all day. But it’s also sturdy enough to hold up to 13 pounds of weight, meaning it can hold almost any camera on the market. It also features a quick release plate, two bubble levels, a threaded weight hook, and spiked feet for extra stability.

For the price it sells at and the features included, the Dolica AX620B100 is one of the best professional tripods.

The Three Top Rated Mini Tripods

• Vanguard VS41 – Retails for $4
• Joby GP1-EBEN – Retails for under $25
• Sunpak 620-786 Mini Spider – Retails for under $6

Mini tripods are available on every camera shopper website and be purchased for very low prices.

The above three mini tripods reflect the bestselling products on the market today.

Mini tripods are designed for recreational/amateur photographers with small digital cameras. For the professional photographer with a more heavy-duty digital camera, then a professional tripod, which is tougher than mini tripods is necessary.

The Vanguard VS41 is an incredibly lightweight tripod that raises up to 5.1 inches in height. It features a ball panhead and rubber feet. The Vanguard is perfect for amateur photographers with a smaller-sized camera.

The Three Top Rated Digital Camera Tripods

• Digital Concepts TR-60N – Retails for under $25
• Dolica AX620B100 – Retails for $65
• Vista Explorer 60″ – Retails for under $40

These days, most tripods are digital camera tripods. It is rare to find a film or video camera today that is not designed to fit an accessory that a digital camera fits.

The Dolica makes another appearance on this list as a top rated digital camera tripod. But it is the Digital Concepts TR-60N that wins the top spot As the best digital camera tripod.

Extendable to 55″ for taking grand landscape portraits and collapsible to 22″ for storage and transport, the TR-60N is a wonderful tool for both amateur and professional photographers.

Return from Camera Tripod Reviews to Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings

For more than 70 years, Vivitar tripods have been some of the best selling camera accessories on the market.

And it’s for a good reason, too: Made for the masses, each Vivitar tripod is retailed at an unbelievably affordable price.

Perfect for the student taking up photography as a hobby and the amateur photographer already on his or her way to being a professional photographer, these tripods are extraordinarily easy to use and beyond simple to transport.

Below are tripod reviews for the Vivitar VPT 1200 Tripod and the Vivitar VPT 360 Tripod for your shopping convenience.

Vivitar VPT 1200 Tripod: Reviews and Ratings

The Vivitar VPT 1200 is one of the best-selling tripods by Vivitar on the market.

The Vivitar VPT 1200 Tripod is a light weight (only three pounds) and attractive accessory. The aluminum structure has a platinum finish that gives a professional look to your photography equipment. A geared central post gives you exact control of the device when using the 3-way panhead for a fluid effect.

The tripod’s three channel legs are built in multiple sections, allowing for accurate and specific adjustments. Whether you’re taking pictures on a sidewalk, sand dune, or rocky slope, you can modify the legs so that your pictures are always level and perfect.

Each tripod by Vivitar comes with its own nylon carrying case.

Bottom line: An excellent tripod at an affordable price.

Vivitar VPT 360 Tripod: Reviews and Ratings

Another great Vivitar product is the Vivitar VPT 360 Tripod.

This aluminum tripod stands over five feet tall at its maximum height and comes with a built-in bubble level so that you are one hundred percent sure your pictures won’t be crooked.

The quick release mount makes it easy for you to remove your camera from the tripod quickly for any hand-held photos you may need to take.

Like the Vivitar VPT 1200, the Vivitar VPT 360 Tripod has adjustable legs and is collapsible. It also comes with its very own nylon carrying case for easy transport.

Vivitar Tripods: Reviews, Benefits and Drawbacks

With so many products on the market, it is often difficult to make the right decision about what is best for you. Ultimately, it comes down:

• Ease of use
• Professional grade quality
• Special features
• Affordability

You need to decide what you need to get the job done and how much you’re willing to spend for it. The above tripod reviews are a starting point for you to make such a decision. Vivitar is a company that has been making camera accessories for more than 70 years. In that time, this company has found an even balance between value in price and excellence in performance.Some people will say that the most expensive product is always the best. But those people may not know what it means to be practical with their wallets.

For function, quality, and a price that just can’t be beat, Vivitar tripods are the best way to go.

Return from Vivitar Tripods to Camera Tripod Reviews

Or go back to Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings

Ambico tripods are sturdy and lightweight pieces of camera equipment that are made for both amateur and professional photographers and videographers alike.

Maybe their biggest selling point, however, is their price.

Tripods by Ambico are very affordable compared to other tripod products. And they certainly are lightweight, which is a positive thing for consumers on the go.

But sturdy? That may be a bit of a stretch.

Following is a brief tripod review of the Ambico Mini Tripod and a list of some pros and cons for the consumer looking at Ambico Tripods.

Ambico Mini Tripod Review: A Closer Look

The Ambico Mini Tripod extends up to 4.5 inches off of a surface. Perfect for taking family photos, steady family videos, or other activities of a more professional nature.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of the Ambico Mini Tripod is that it is able to hold fairly large cameras without being losing its balance.

This tripod gives a complete 180-degree pan so that you can find the perfect angle for your photographs. Although it doesn’t come with a carrying case, the Ambico Mini Tripod is small enough to fit right inside your camera case.

On the negative side, these tripods break easily. If not carefully handled, the legs will snap off and the axel that pivots the leg will come loose.

Bottom line: The Ambico Mini Tripod is a cheaply made product. But then again, its greatest appeal is the cheap price. So, the trade-off is fairly even.

Ambico Tripod Review: The Pros and Cons

In general, these products will get the job done, , but will also fall apart if you don’t take special care of them.

A product sells cheap for a reason: they were incredibly inexpensive to make. However, the pros and cons will speak for themselves. Here they are:

PROS:

• Low-cost
• Lightweight
• Moveable Head
• Built-in bubble level (on some models)
• Professional looking
• Highly portable

CONS:

• Weak
• Easily broken
• Frame dents easily
• No built in level (on some models)
• Spare parts are hard to come by
• Lifetime Warranty doesn’t cover enough

All in all, Ambico Tripods are definitely not the best photography gear, but for the price, they are certainly not the worst either.

If you are looking for a tripod that you will use on any sort of regular basis, then these may not be the right product line for you. If you want a tripod for the occasional family reunion or vacation, then you’ll want to pick one of these up. A low price means a lower expectation of quality. If you can live with that, then pick up an Ambico Tripod.

Return from Ambico Tripods to Camera Tripod Reviews

Return from Ambico Mini Tripod Reviews to Digital Camera Expert Reviews

While there are many cheap, lightweight tripods on the market, the selection and purchase of a serious tripod deserves some thought and research as it can be a lifetime decision if done right.

There are several factors to consider when selecting and purchasing a tripod, but the main two are sturdiness and height, with the other variables either contributing to these two, or being secondary to them. These other factors include weight, leg spread, adjustability, center column options, and head selection.

Sturdiness and stability are clearly the most important factors as they are the main reason for using a tripod to begin with. If the tripod is going to rock when the wind blows, or vibrate when the shutter clicks, you’re better off foregoing a tripod and just shooting hand-held. A good tripod should feel sturdy and substantial, and not vibrate or rattle when properly adjusted. It should be able to take some drops and bumps without sustaining structural damage.

The tripod should be tall enough to bring the camera to eye level without fully extending the legs. This gives you extra room when setting up the tripod on a hill or anywhere the terrain is very rugged. Between the maximum height from extending the legs and cranking up the center post, if any, you will want to be able to get the camera above head height to gain some altitude on your subject when needed.

As far as construction material goes, carbon-fiber will give you the best stability and strength for the weight. If weight will not be a consideration, you can save some money with aluminum, but as this should be a long-term investment, carbon-fiber should be the material of choice. You will also need to make sure the tripod is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your camera, your longest lens, and your choice of head.

Other options include how the center post operates, cranked or smooth. The cranked ones can be raised with one hand, but on many smooth ones, you can reverse the post to get the camera closer to the ground. Another variable is in the feet. Some are for inside use and some for outside. You may want to look for a tripod with rubber feet that can be unscrewed to reveal metal spikes for use outdoors.

Finally, and almost as important as stability, is the head choice. There are two basic models and which one is right for you is a matter of personal choice. These are pan-tilt heads and ball heads. In addition, there are two types of pan-tilt heads – one handle and two handle. Pan-tilt heads are best for landscape work where you will primarily want to move horizontally and vertically. If you prefer the pan-tilt, the two handle version is more versatile as this allows adjustments in both directions.

The ball head allows infinite adjustment in all directions, but may be harder to adjust precisely in horizontal and vertical directions. Many bird and wildlife photographers prefer this model as they can slightly loosen the head and move quickly to follow their target.

The last option on the head is the quick release. This refers to a part that can stay attached to the camera to allow quick mounting and un-mounting of the camera to the tripod.

by Darryl Brooks