Hi all,
I need help from more experienced photographers to choose a new tripod.
I have been using a cheap Sunpak tripod that finally broke down, and want to upgrade to a decent one without spending too much. I want to spend around $250-$300. I do a lot of traveling, so portability is an important factor - I need to be able to fit it in a carry on, so it has to collapse to <19in. Weight isn't that important, but lighter is better.
I have been looking at the Benro Travel Angel series, which cost between $200 to $300, and they seem to have good reviews. It comes with a ballhead that I would replace in the future as funds become available. These are the two I'm considering:
Benro A2691T Travel Angel Transfunctional Tripod Kit with Aluminum Twist Lock Legs with B1 Head
Benro A2690T Travel Angel Tripod Kit with Aluminum Twist Lock Legs with BH1 Head
The other alternative I'm looking at is a Manfrotto 190XPROB (~$120) with the 496RC2 Ball Head (~$70), but that one doesn't collapse as much as the Benro (22.4in vs. 17.7in), even though the Benro is heavier.
The other highly recommended Manfrotto, the 055XPROB, is even larger and heavier.
I use a Canon Digital Rebel and the heaviest lens I have is a Tokina 12-24. The options I'm looking at support over 10lbs, so I should be good even if I upgrade to a better (larger) body and glass in the future.
Are the Benro good enough? Any other recommendations under $300?
Thank you for your advice!
I need help from more experienced photographers to choose a new tripod.
I have been using a cheap Sunpak tripod that finally broke down, and want to upgrade to a decent one without spending too much. I want to spend around $250-$300. I do a lot of traveling, so portability is an important factor - I need to be able to fit it in a carry on, so it has to collapse to <19in. Weight isn't that important, but lighter is better.
I have been looking at the Benro Travel Angel series, which cost between $200 to $300, and they seem to have good reviews. It comes with a ballhead that I would replace in the future as funds become available. These are the two I'm considering:
Benro A2691T Travel Angel Transfunctional Tripod Kit with Aluminum Twist Lock Legs with B1 Head
Benro A2690T Travel Angel Tripod Kit with Aluminum Twist Lock Legs with BH1 Head
The other alternative I'm looking at is a Manfrotto 190XPROB (~$120) with the 496RC2 Ball Head (~$70), but that one doesn't collapse as much as the Benro (22.4in vs. 17.7in), even though the Benro is heavier.
The other highly recommended Manfrotto, the 055XPROB, is even larger and heavier.
I use a Canon Digital Rebel and the heaviest lens I have is a Tokina 12-24. The options I'm looking at support over 10lbs, so I should be good even if I upgrade to a better (larger) body and glass in the future.
Are the Benro good enough? Any other recommendations under $300?
Thank you for your advice!