how is benro A2980F tripod?

A

alex001

Contributor
dear members
I am planning to buy a tripod for doing macros,closeups, landscapes and portraits(in the priority order).
I found out that a tripod with a centre column is suitable for doing macros. Then, I zeroed in on benro A2970T for the purpose.however, this model isn't available at any online stores or at gaffarbhai.
now, I have shortlisted A2980F . I would probably be using a manfrotto head on it. my current gear includes canon 500D, 17-50, 70-200f4, 55-250, raynox dcr250 and probably a 100mm macro lens which I would buy ahead.
kindly let me know of your experience with this or similar benro models. Also request to suggest me any other model within the range of 8-9k that you think would be better.
thanks and regards
alex
 
I am using Benro A2970T tripod with BH-02 ball head

Just checked the specs of A2980F.. very similar to mine.
My tripod is quite good. very stable, sturdy at all positions. I used it with 550D and Sigma 150mm macro lens (plus other light lenses). I found the center column option also very sturdy. Had helped me a lot in macros.
I had used it with center column removed and tilted at an angle to get get top view of subject. It acted very stable :)

The only issues I later found in my tripod was that it was too big in folded length. While buying I thought, being tall guy I would need a big, tall tripod. But that wasnt the case. I rarely open the tripod to full length.
Your model is 56cm on folded. thats lesser, but give second thought if U need very portable one.
Weight is another, generally felt when tucked in camera bag, but you can run away from it until u get carbon fiber tripod.

BTW, your model has 4 leg sections. Not sure, but I read somewhere that 3 sections are more stable than 4 leg section. Plz confirm with other people.
Also, read that twist locks are better than flip locks. dont know why.. May be bcoz of less chance of breaking.
 
thanks ashvarybabul for your elaborate reply.:)
even I have been looking for A2970T for last one month but it's not available.I know that A2980F has 4 sections and this is making me a bit reluctant in buying it and even I have heard that twist lock is better than flip lock.
you have also raised an important point regarding maximum height of tripod versus its minmum length including its portability. even I wonder sometimes that whether I would be using a tripod at its maximum length with centre column fully extended or not.
Regarding weight, I think I'll compromise for a 700 odd grams of extra load than spending 10K extra!!!

now, I am considering of either going for a vanguard altapro 263at or benro A1980f/a2980F :unsure:.
what do you think about this??
 
I have been using the A2980F for last six months. Now it has become a standard accessory for me for any outing. Though a bit heavy for my liking, I still don't have much problem with carrying it, except that I find it a bit big to be carried as an attachment to my Camera bag. It's extremely stable and an excellent option for macro photography. My height is 5'8" and still there are very rare occasion when I had to go for all four sections extended (Even then I had to stand on a broken wall to get top the viewfinder of my 550d. With a Rollei ball head, 99% of the time I get the work done with 3 sections.
 
I use a Vivitar VPT 1200. Which is 56" when extended and 23.6" when folded. Weight is 1.07kg.
I have used this with my Sony H-50 and a frnd was using it for last few months with his Nikon D90+18-55 lens.
We both found this tripod very satisfying. We both are not hardcore photgraphers so thr could be many things we dont understand or are missing. But my point is the price range. This tripod cost me 1100 and the one you have mentioned here costs 10 times more. Almost 10k. What is the big diff between these two types?
The Vivitar tripod which I have also has a level bubble.
 
thanks manoja2k!! good to hear that you are happy with A2980F.my only glitch is that it is having four sections and I am a bit inclined towards one having three sections. could you tell me the price for which you bought it and its source.

thanks onlyravi!! even I am not a professional photographer but an enthusiast. My views are that I have invested in my equipment and I want to have amongst the best ( or perhaps very good) tripod within my budget to secure my camera and gear which would give me peace of mind. If you are happy with your vivitar then that is really very good but I doubt its effectiveness wrt to dslr and lenses.perhaps people who have experience can explain this to you.
 
^^ Ya... looking at ur gear its just sensible that you start with a sturdy tripod now rather than having to upgrade later.
One diff could be that the Vivitar I have is a 0.8" in diameter and the others mentioned above have a 1"diameter. which increases both the sturdiness of the tripod and the weight it can hold.
Also my opinion would be to go for a 3legged than 4 leg one coz on un even surfaces its easy to balance properly(get a stable hold) on 3 legs rather than 4.
Let us know which one you finally go for. Which city are you in? If you are in Pune you can check out my Vivitar tripod.
 
thanks onlyravi! you probably mean tripod with 3 leg sections :unsure:. yes, I am inclined towards that and that is the reason I am considering vanguard 263at. thanks for your invitation to check the tripod :), but I am located near delhi so not possible.
 
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