The Perfect All Rounder?
Having spent many years changing tripods I continually find myself on the hunt for the perfect combination of both size/weight and stability. I have known of Benro as a brand for a long time, but have gone through my photography career alternating between different brands ranging from Manfrotto to Induro.
Having heard such amazing things about Benro and the quality of their products from fellow photographers, I began researching into their Mach 3 range of carbon fibre tripods. With the style of photography I do, looking for a balance between weight and size, whilst also keeping in mind stability have all been key factoring in picking the perfect set up. I can often find myself hiking several miles to a location with heavy kit, but upon arriving can be faced with 20+ mph winds and the stability can really be tested.
The weight of a tripod is a huge part of the decision making process when it comes to choosing the right set up. It was never in doubt for me after using aluminium tripods for the past couple of years, I was going to be looking at making the move across to carbon fibre. I have often come across debates regarding the overall stability of a carbon fibre set of legs verses the more traditional aluminium base, but build and quality of products continues to improve year on year.
Having spent some time comparing the Mach 3 range to my current tripod in relation to its folded length, weight, load capacity and so on. My current photographic set up can range from a Canon 5D IV with a 16-35mm to a Canon 1DX MKii and a 70-200mm f2.8. Sometimes also using a 400mm f2.8 if shooting sport such a cricket. So load capacity can range from 2kg to about 5kg. Taking these specs into consideration I felt a good balance of all the attributes I was looking for were covered in the Benro Mach 3 TMA28C carbon fibre tripod. The full tripod specification and first impressions in the field will be detailed below.
SPECIFICATION
MAXIMUM LOAD 30.9 lb (14 kg)
MAX HEIGHT (24° LEG ANGLE) W/COLUMN EXTENDED 61.22 in (155.5 cm)
MAX HEIGHT (24° LEG ANGLE) W/COLUMN RETRACTED 53.15 in (135 cm)
MINIMUM HEIGHT 12.2 in (31 cm)
MAXIMUM HEIGHT 61.22 in (155.5 cm)
FOLDED LENGTH 20.9 in (53 cm)
LEG LOCK TYPE Twist
WEIGHT 3.4 lb (1.54 kg)
Having now had the Benro Mach 3 TMA28C for a couple of weeks and put it through its paces on a recent trip to the Lakes, I have had a real good chance to test it in a variety of conditions. The first thing that has really stood out from day one is the overall build and quality. I have used 5-10 different tripods and brands over the past decade and the Benro stands head and shoulders above others I have used. From the 9x carbon fibre structure to the tacky, responsive feel to the twist lock mechanism, the overall user experience is a pleasure.
The leg locking mechanism is a very simple function and such a quick and easy process to open the 4 sections in one movement and then a quick turn to lock each leg in position. I combined the TMA28C with the Benro B2 ballhead and the two work in perfect harmony to provide a sturdy, reliable base that I didn’t hesitate with once when hovering camera gear over waterfalls or in windy conditions. The style of photography I do, I often find myself looking for a really low angle to shoot from, whether that be for some low level foreground interest or just to get a little closer to a waterfall.
The issue I have quite regularly faced with previous tripods is I either have to rotate my camera upside down by inverting the centre column or settle for the lowest possible angle I can get, which normally isn’t quite enough. The beauty with the Benro is it comes with a 8cm short centre column provided which enables much lower angles than I have experienced with any other tripod. The short centre column doesn’t have a hook to weigh the tripod down like the standard centre column, but due to such low vicinity to the ground, this was never an issue for myself. This feature alone has been the biggest plus with making the change, due to previous frustrations with not quite being able to reach that certain angle.
The tripod itself comes with an array of different things including a high quality padded full zip shoulder strapped case. Great for when in a rush to catch that sunset to grab on the go. The standard and short centre column as mentioned above. Tools including allen keys and a spanner for tripod maintenance and a set of three spiked metal feet, that can replace the existing rubber feet the tripod comes fitted with. These are especially handy when in wet slippy conditions on grass or mud.
Overall, based on a couple of weeks to put the tripod through its paces I have been very impressed thus far. The set up is everything I had expected having heard such great things about the brand and I am yet to find fault with it. I will continue to test it whenever out on location and will look to do a long term review.
Initial key positives for the uses I require it for:
The combination of weight (1.5kg without ballhead) and stability. The best balance between the two I have found.
The short centre column. A very quick and easy way to reach those lower angles. I have actually kept the short centre column fitted since the tripods first use. As I never really extend a centre column anyway.
The simplicity of the leg locking system. Extremely quick and easy to extend and retract all legs and lock into position.
3 year warranty which extends to 5 years if you register online
