Benro Updated Combination Series Carbon Fiber Tripods

An updated version of Benro's top series of Combination Tripods has reached some on-line stores after their announcement and display at the recent China P&E Show in Beijing (April 25-28, 2014).

The updated version seems very influenced by the latest Gitzo® Systematic Series from which it has "borrowed" many characteristics both optically and functionally especially on the top platform and leg spider design.

New Sunwayfoto MAC-14 Manfrotto RC2 and Arca Compatible Clamp

Sunwayfoto has recently become the second player in the Manfrotto® RC2 / Arca-Swiss® dual compatibility game, with their new 60 mm quick release clamp.
As you may recall from older reviews and update posts Desmond was the first with their Desmond DBA-1 QR Clamp more than a year ago, followed a few months ago by the lighter Desmond DBA-2 .

New Desmond DBA-2 Manfrotto RC2 and Arca Compatible Clamp

A little over a year ago I made an introduction to Desmond Photographic Distributors, USA and their mostly innovative products by reviewing the Desmond DBA-1 QR Clamp the first ever clamp accepting both Bogen® / Manfrotto® RC2 and Arca-Swiss® compatible quick release plates.

A few days ago, Desmond released the DBA-2 QR clamp not only with enhanced characteristics but with a lower price tag as well.

Triopo GX-1328 Carbon Fiber Classic Tripod Review

For the past six months, I have been engaged in the process of preparing and testing the structure of a new Heavy Duty Panorama Head.
Among other findings, I reached the conclusion that the tripod used as a support up to now would not be capable of holding the excess offset load. The bending in the center column hub, under full load, indicated that it had reached its limits.
Off we go again for the quest of a new tripod.

Desmond DBA-1 Bogen/Manfrotto - Arca Clamp Review

Having been a Manfrotto® fan myself, for quite some time in the past, I can understand the dilemma of numerous Manfrotto gear users that would like to taste the freedom of an Arca-Swiss® compatible system, but on the other hand are very thoughtful of their investment. By jumping to an Arca-Swiss compatible system changing only a clamp or the ball head will not be enough. All extra camera and lens plates purchased will be useless.

Benro C3770T Combination Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

by Jan Kyster

My story...
A little over a year ago I came across a Nikon D70s with the 18-70mm kit lens. Less than $300 for a mint camera with 2000 shots in the bag... couldn’t resist and thought it would be a great training kit before buying my "dream" camera. After all I hadn't touched photography since around 1978...
For night photography I needed a tripod and got a Vanguard Alta+ 263 with a PH-32 pan head. Fine kit for the D70s.
In February this year I was finally able to purchase both the Nikon D300s and the carefully selected Nikkor 16-85mm lens.
Also found a Manfrotto ball head - again for practice - before handing out the $500 I (back then!) thought one would have to pay for a quality ball head.
I then learned you will need a nodal kit for making "perfect" panoramas and besides that, I also found the Vanguard tripod was a bit too small for the new camera.
So I found a Gitzo tripod and a Markins ball head with a RRS pano-kit...at $1900... I was in shock!