Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I took my new tripod on a trip to The Netherlands. It worked well on uneven ground, in buildings and everywhere I went. Was sturdy enough so I didn't worry about my long lens tipping. I am tall and this was the exact size for me. Not difficult to learn how to set up and use. Really liked the Travel Angel Alum tripod with ballhead.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

Although this is my first tripod, it works wonders! This is very useful when taking long exposure pictures and it helps in situations that require a steady hand.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

Very pleased with the 269 stand however after 9 months the head + plate was simply inadequate and problematic. Trying to get the camera with plate assembled onto the clamp is a hassle. There are better balls heads out there and after much research I replaced the BH-1 with the much higher quality Gp-s Ballhead from Acratech. It's a night and day difference and fits on the travel angel like a hand in glove. The Gp-s uses the Arca Swiss Type Clamp. The Gp-s also has a dual security system so that camera won't slide off the head unlike the BH-1 ballhead that comes with the Travel Angel.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

Folds small but extends to eye level (and I'm 6'-1"). Ball head took a bit of getting used to as my other tripods are pan heads. Glad I bought it!

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I have a Manfrotto CF tripot with the head, but this is a lot smaller, lighter and does an excellent job for 1/3 the price. Benro had done an excellent job with this.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

So far I have been impressed. I was concerned that something so small would be flimsy when expanded but this unit is very stable.

I have used it for fireworks and severe macro work and have not had any reason to question it.

The controls for the ball head will take some getting used to. That is not meant as a criticism of the controls, just a warning that if you are used to an old fashioned pan head there will be a comfort/learning curve.

I am not sure how I would take a horizontal series of pictures for eventually stitching into a panoramic with this unit.

Of course, I would prefer if it was a little lighter though the weight is not that bad. If weight is a major concern for you, they do make a carbon fiber version that is about half the weight. In my case, weight was not important enough to me to justify the additional cost.

I understand that there is another version of this tripod that can convert into a mono-pod. I didn't select this version because I already have a mono-pod but if you are not in that situation, the other version is worth considering.

Take care,

-J

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I selected this tripod based on the reviews. I have to say I was surprised at how lightweight and sturdy the tripod is. I bought it to shoot a job overseas, and had no problem fitting it into my carry on, and after only slight grumbling from the TSA agent in Munich, I was able to take it on board. I think the compactness, and the nice, snug case made it seem less threatening than my previous heavy Bogen, which I have been made to check at the last minute. I shoot naturally lit interiors with a 5D, so these are long exposures, and I had no problems. The only complaints would be the height is not quite enough at times, but I can compromise. Also, the quick release is not quite as intuitive as I'm used to, but I'm just getting used to it.
Because it is so light, I've taken to using it on jobs locally when I don't have an assistant to haul gear.
A very good product for the money.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I purchased this model online from B&H, [...]it came assemebled inside it's own carrying bag. It also comes with rubber end tips or metal spikes for providing stability to suit any surface!The tripod is very sturdy, easily folds/unfolds, and provides a hook at the bottom of the frame for additional support to prevent shaking from varying conditions. Also, the legs are indpendently adjustable for setting up on uneven surfaces with no problems.The A-2690 and BH1 ballhead supports my rebel body/70-200mm lens with ease. The quick release plate secures the gear in place, for added security and frame of mind, the quick release plate cannot be removed unless both levers are pressed.It folds up well for transporting on my lowepro flipside 200, it is a bit heavy(weighs similar to a zoom lens)but not bothersome!This should be your first tripod, you will spend twice as much if you're considering on purchasing a less expensive tripod.enjoy

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

This tripod is sturdy. It unfolds to over 5 feet. The best thing is that it folds up to 16 1/2 inches and fits in my backpack. The only fault I have with it is the weight. It's pretty heavy but it has to be to hold a heavy medium format camera

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

used it for night shooting

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

This should be your first tripod. Very easy to carry around and very strong and sturdy to hold up to mid-range photographer's need. I have NIKON D90 with Sigma 17-70 mm lens- which easily holds on to this tripod. There is nothing I don't like about it. If you are serious about your photography hobby, this is perfect!!!!!

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I bough this tripod to take with me to Europe this year, for general shots. It is one of the best built tripods I have seen. Strong, holds a lot of weight and dose break down quickly. Has a storage bag, but a little on the heavy side . I would buy this tripod again.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

When I first got this tripod, it was small. When folded, it can easily fit into a carry on. This was a plus. I was concerned about the height when opened but I was very surprised. It opened easily and to a very respectable height. Another plus!

The BH1 ball head is good but not fantastic. It does the job. I have a 7D and 24-105L and the head was solid enough to hold it in place.

Great travel tripod. It may not be as light as the carbon fiber model but it is also half the price! Love this purchase.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I use this tripod for traveling to remote locations ( hiking / backing ) and around town. It packs down so small it will fit into a carry on or a backpack style camera bag and weighs just barley 3 lbs.(not much more than the carbon fiber mod. that cost much more) The included head is quick and smooth and comes with one quick release plate.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

I bought this model because its only $20 more than the next model down. It was larger and heavier than I expected, and setup takes some time since it has so may short legs, but its sturdy and worked well.

Just remember the best equipment is the kind you have with you, so if you don't want to carry a 4.5 lb tripod, don't carry it. If you have a larger sized SLR like a Canon 7D, you'll probably want a tripod like this. If you have a smaller camera, get a smaller tripod.

Comments about Benro A-2690 Travel Angel Alum. Tripod W/BH1 Ballhead:

This tripod has perfect height, folds up to an extremely small package so is great for taking with you, has easy to use latches, and seems very durable. It comes with a case with shoulder strap and optional spikes for feet. Highly recommended. Heavier than expected, but weight seems due to having 5 leg sections and being constructed very well.