The Benro A-168M8 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod with B-0 Ballhead is a professional-quality tripod that has lightweight, highest quality aluminum alloy legs for top performance at an economical price. In addition, magnesium is used for all die-cast parts. Despite its lower weight, magnesium is more rigid than aluminum, and has the same strength per volume.
Travel Angel tripods are easy-to-carry so you'll want them with you at all times. Travel Angel's unique 180 degree foldover design allows them to be folded into a compact package that can easily fit into backpacks or luggage. However, when you need quick setup, excellent maximum height and a rigid, stable support, Benro Travel Angels are impressive performers.
Travel Angel tripods feature individual leg angle adjustments, anti-rotation leg design, a reversible center column with spring loaded weight hook, dust and moisture resistant rubber leg lock grips.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 17.6 lbs (8kg) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 3/8"-16 |
| Maximum Height | 55.9" (141.9cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 47" (119.4cm) |
| Minimum Height | 15.6" (39.8cm) |
| Folded Length | 15.6" (39.8cm) |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs (1.440kg) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 2/4 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Optional |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
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Comments about Benro A-168M8 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod with B-0 Ballhead:
I bought this for travel, particularly a trip to Italy. I haven't used a tripod very often so I don't have much to compare it to. I have 2 other tripods one is a very light Slik and the other is a monstrosity for a view camera, both are over 20 years old. First off, it is much sturdier than I expected and it folds compactly, which are both good things, but it is also a little heavy. I have a D90 and my biggest lens is the 70-300 but I hope to get a Bigma for my next trip to Alaska so wanted something sturdy enough for it, which I feel this tripod will do the job. The leg hinges are very stiff and it takes 2 hands to unfold them. It would prefer if it had lever locks on the legs which in my view are much faster, but the rotating locks work better than I expected since the legs don't rotate you can grab and loosen all of them at the same time. It just takes a little longer to tighten them up when extended. This is my first ballhead so I don't have a comparison. It works smoothly and the panning is a nice feature. I ended up NOT taking it to Italy because of the weight, took the Slik instead, which was a mistake. The Slik was too light and pretty much useless, mostly relied upon resting upon railings, etc. 3 stars may seem unfair because I haven't used it much but that is my overall impression. If it had lever locks on the legs and was a tad lighter it would be a 5. Maybe I am not patient enough to be a tripod photographer.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Benro A-168M8 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod with B-0 Ballhead:
I had a Bogden/manfrotto 055XPROB and 488RC2, but it was too large and heavy to take anywhere. I got this one and surprisingly it is pretty sturdy and small. Preliminary results seem to show that it holds my D300 and Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 fine as well as with my Sigma 100-300 f4. Leg locks do need to be tightened well so it doesn't collapse when you're shooting.. especially the last leg. CF version is a bit lighter but this one is much cheaper. I'm 5'3" and it's a perfect height without the center column extended. If you are much taller, it may not work well. Comes with a very nice case too!
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