2011-09-04T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Almost perfect
I'd give the Benro Travel Angel TRAB-269 at least 3-½ stars out of five. It's compact and light weight - it fits comfortably in a carry on bag - secure and adaptable to uneven terrain. It is, without a doubt, what I expected when I ordered it. I have no complaints.
I do have some observations and even a suggestion.
Setup is slow. Folding down and extending the legs takes time. This is not a complaint - it's to be expected in a compact travel tripod. Once it's set up, the Benro Travel Angel is solid.
The ball head is superfluous. I strongly suspect that most folks who buy a compact travel tripod already have another, larger, heavier tripod. They will probably replace the head with something that's compatible with what they already use … unless they use something with Arca-Swiss style plates. I replaced the head on my Benro with a Manfrotto ball head so that it matches the rest of my gear. Not a big deal, since a friend wanted the Benro head.
Suggestion: offer the aluminum Travel Angel without a head, like the carbon fiber models.
Still, I've no complaints. If you want a full sized tripod to carry on the street or to strap on a daypack or tuck into a carry-on, look no further. The Benro Travel Angel is what you're looking for.
WINTHROP R.
2009-12-17T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Has reversible center column
It isn't mentioned in the description, but the center column is reversible. The column isn't very stable unless it is locked in place, which can make it a little more difficult to frame a shot while moving the column. Usually isn't a big deal. The tripod seems to have a pretty solid and durable build; it may come from China, but this isn't the cheap stuff.
Also included is a carrying case. It also seems durable and includes a nice amount of protective padding. There is a small pouch inside, but it isn't useful for anything but manuals or the shoulder strap (included). There isn't really any extra room in the case, so it isn't any bigger than it needs to be. The handle is a bit off-center. Regardless which way the tripod is put in, the center of mass isn't directly below the handle so the case won't stay level.
The ballhead seems decent, but I don't see it working for a large telephoto lens. Does fine with my Rebel T1i, EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8, and 430EX II. The whole combination is pretty stable.
To make it better, the center column could be made to not wobble around when not locked. A better ballhead would be nice, but that would be larger and heavier. A lighter tripod would be nice, but that more than doubles the cost. Latches to lock the legs instead of twist locks would help speed up the setup of the tripod, especially since there are five sections. That is my biggest complaint, but it is still a fine product.
Jeff
