Travel Video Tripod Recommendations at DVinfo.net

Sean Seah · April 2nd, 2016, 08:52 AM

Looking for something lightweight for my A7s2. I have noticed the Benro, does Manfrotto have something to offer?

Rainer Listing · April 2nd, 2016, 06:19 PM

There's travel and there's travel and there's tripods and there's tripods. I have the Benro Aero S4 as a grab tripod, I like it, but it's action doesn't compare to a pro tripod. My mate has, apart from you can't convert it to a monopod, a nearly identical Manfrotto. Sorry, don't know the model, but yes, Manfrotto does make one. The QR plates between the Manfrotto and the Benro are interchangeable. The Benro still weighs 3kg, OK for car travel, but heavy for what I consider real travel, which is buy your second t shirt when you get there. Been looking for long time for a hiking or biking tripod, don't think there is such a thing, Gorillapod comes closest.

Craig Seeman · April 4th, 2016, 08:17 AM

You should define what your travel needs are.
I looked at Benro and bought the S4 with carbon fiber legs. Doesn't fold as small as the Aero but it's 1 lb lighter (4.8lb / 2.2kg) compared to the Aero S4 (5.8lb / 2.6kg)

Basically you need to determine what combination weight and fold down size are good, what sacrifices you're willing to make with the head (higher end fluid drag and tilt controls add weight). Of course the camera you're using will be a factor in what the head/leg needs are.

Manfroto is good but they seem to be a bit more expensive and a bit heavier than their Bogen competitors. If, for example, you want a taler tripod, Monfoto might be a better choice but it will cost significantly more money.

April 2nd, 2016, 08:52 AM	#1
Sean Seah Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 1,498	Travel Video Tripod Recommendations Looking for something lightweight for my A7s2. I have noticed the Benro, does Manfrotto have something to offer? __________________ Firewerkz Films SGP

April 2nd, 2016, 06:19 PM	#2
Rainer Listing Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Nowra, Australia Posts: 440	Re: Travel Video Tripod Recommendations There's travel and there's travel and there's tripods and there's tripods. I have the Benro Aero S4 as a grab tripod, I like it, but it's action doesn't compare to a pro tripod. My mate has, apart from you can't convert it to a monopod, a nearly identical Manfrotto. Sorry, don't know the model, but yes, Manfrotto does make one. The QR plates between the Manfrotto and the Benro are interchangeable. The Benro still weighs 3kg, OK for car travel, but heavy for what I consider real travel, which is buy your second t shirt when you get there. Been looking for long time for a hiking or biking tripod, don't think there is such a thing, Gorillapod comes closest.

April 4th, 2016, 08:17 AM	#3
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Re: Travel Video Tripod Recommendations You should define what your travel needs are. I looked at Benro and bought the S4 with carbon fiber legs. Doesn't fold as small as the Aero but it's 1 lb lighter (4.8lb / 2.2kg) compared to the Aero S4 (5.8lb / 2.6kg) Basically you need to determine what combination weight and fold down size are good, what sacrifices you're willing to make with the head (higher end fluid drag and tilt controls add weight). Of course the camera you're using will be a factor in what the head/leg needs are. Manfroto is good but they seem to be a bit more expensive and a bit heavier than their Bogen competitors. If, for example, you want a taler tripod, Monfoto might be a better choice but it will cost significantly more money.