2013-07-01T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
great value
This is a knock off of the Manfrotto 561 monopod (sorry Manfrotto), which I have been considering for a long while. However, after reading reviews of both the Benro and Manfrotto monopods, I decided to try my luck with Benro. I like the quality of my Manfrotto heads and tripods, but on-line reviews suggest that there were some issues with the Manfrotto monopod. I wasn't sure how the Benro quality would stack up, but after receiving this monopod I am confident that this Benro product is as good as my Manfrotto products.
Naturally the video head adds some weight, so expect that this will weigh more than a monopod with just a quick release plate or simple mounting bolt. BTW, I saw one video showing a carbon fiber version of this monopod, but haven't seen them for sale.
Benro offers these monopods with either twist locks or flip lever locks. I don't care for the twist locks, so I'm glad Benro offers the choice.
Benro includes a padded bag that accommodates the monopod and head. I don't believe Manfrotto includes one with their monopods.
The fit and finish is top notch, the flip locks are nice and secure, the three footed leg thingy works as expected and the video head is really nice. I believe the Manfrotto's video head does not pivot, but there is a fluid pivot at the foot. The Benro monopod's head AND foot swivel. I think having both the head and foot swivel on the Benro will provide more overall fluid movement.
I was pleased to discover that the Benro S4 video head's quick release plate (Benro part QR6) fits onto my Manfrotto 502 video head. The QR6 part is available for $25, while the Manfrotto quick release plate (504 PLONG) cost around $65.
Feature for feature, the Benro has Manfrotto beat. The quality seems just as good, so the lower price and more features make this monopod a better value. Time will tell, but for now I am pleased with my decision.
Dave
2013-06-20T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
good value
I use monopods for both still and video work, when a tripod is impractical.
This is a knock off of the Manfrotto 561 monopod (sorry Manfrotto), which I have been considering for a long while. However, after reading reviews of both the Benro and Manfrotto monopods, I decided to try my luck with Benro. I like the quality of my Manfrotto heads and tripods, but on-line reviews suggest that there were some issues with the Manfrotto monopod. I wasn't sure how the Benro quality would stack up, but after receiving this monopod I am confident that this Benro product is as good as my Manfrotto products.
Naturally the video head adds some weight, so expect that this will weigh more than a monopod with just a quick release plate or simple mounting bolt. BTW, I saw one video showing a carbon fiber version of this monopod, but haven't seen them for sale.
Benro offers these monopods with either twist locks or flip lever locks. I don't care for the twist locks, so I'm glad Benro offers the choice.
Benro includes a padded bag that accommodates the monopod and head. I don't believe Manfrotto includes one with their monopods.
The fit and finish is top notch, the flip locks are nice and secure, the three footed leg thingy works as expected and the video head is really nice. I believe the Manfrotto's video head does not pivot, but there is a fluid pivot at the foot. The Benro monopod's head AND foot pivot. I think having both the head and foot pivot on the Benro will provide more overall fluid movement.
I was pleased to discover that the Benro S4 video head's quick release plate (Benro part QR6) fits onto my Manfrotto 502 video head. The QR6 part is available for $25, while the Manfrotto quick release plate (504 PLONG) cost around $65.
The only issue I have with this monopod is that the tube stages bind a bit when fully extended. This may become less of an issue over time, but it does slow down the process of collapsing the monopod.
Feature for feature, the Benro has Manfrotto beat. The quality seems just as good, so the lower price and more features make this monopod a better value. Time will tell, but for now I am pleased with my decision.
DAVID P.
