Photography Thailand Forum

[antonie]

I recently imported a RRS Full-Sized Ballhead:  Now I would like to buy a Gitzo Tripod, was thinking of buying a Gitzo 1325.  I would appreciate views on this tripod as well as where I can buy it since the Gitzo website listed supplier in Thailand does not seem to have any stock.

[gregoire]

You don't want to get a Benro? They are Chinese made copies of Gitzo that are nearly as good and much cheaper. They're available at lots of places now, including Fotofile at MBK. I have a carbon tripod by Benro and been using it intensively for 8 months now. It's been in mud, sand, and a river. It's still like new.

[antonie]

Thanks a lot Gregoire, I did not even know of Benro, I wonder if this is the same Chinese company that makes BenQ. I have used their flat screens for quite some time and they are great.  Thanks once again, I will try and get to MBK in two weeks time since I will be off to China and Johannesburg on Tuesday for a week.
Antonie

[David Procter]

I got a benro - very well made and great value for money. Fotofile has them in abundance. Hightly recommended.

[antonie]

Hi Gregoire and David, thanks a lot, you guys have really helped a lot, things like this makes belonging to forums 1000% worth while.  I read various good reviews on many different websites globally after your recommendation and will definitely be buying a BenRo when back from my trip.
Thanks
Antonie

 :)

[David Salmanowitz]

Antonie--I recently imported a RRS Full-Sized Ballhead? Do you like it as much as all the reviewers have? I have some assorted gear from Really Right Stuff and like it, as it is well designed and manufactured. The last 5 years I have been using an Acratech ballhead, but I think I might like the RRS one better, if it is the same caliber as their other products. I have had a Gitzo CF tripod for maybe 4-5 years, had a heavier aluminum one for many years before that. Have had a Gitzo monopod for over 12 years--better than nothing but even a monopod and the user's own 2 legs cannot do all a good tripod can.

Gregoire and David--thanks for the Benro advice, as when I recommend tripods to people the price of a CF Gitzo usually leaves them speechless or running for the door.

[gregoire]

I have a Gitzo from my dad! So they never die, that's for sure.

[David Salmanowitz]

Gregoire-- Yeah, those Gitzos do seem to last forever--must be that fine French design, n'est ce pas? 

[antonie]

Hi David, I tell you, I just could not believe the quality of the RRS Ballhead, I bought the BH-55 pro, you can see more detail on it at the following url:  http://reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html.    I live in Nichada Thani, Nonthaburi area, if you want to see it, you are more than welcome. On Friday I am going to purchase the BenRo at Photofile, if I am not mistaken they are on the 3rd floor of MBK??  I was in China this week but could not find one there to buy, strange I assume that it is for export market only.  I also had one of my Chinese staff check the supplier, it is not part of BenQ as I speculated earlier.

[David Salmanowitz]

Antonie--Thanks for the RRS link, I even have the print catalog to drool over.  :) It is not too often you hear a wide variety of people unequivocally say something is the best, bar none--which quite a few people have over this ballhead. Thanks for the invitation as well, but I will be out of the country with work and travel till December. I will take a rain check if I can.

[antonie]

no problem

[antonie]

I went to MBK last weekend, fotofile on the ground floor( 1st floor in Thailand) has very few tripods and not Benro.  Foto Thailand on the 3rd floor has Benro but limited stock due to its popularity, said they should have new stock in December, so this past weekend I tried to buy it in Beijing, no stock at all.

[anna]

Hi, all, thanks for the tripod postings.  I am in the market for it and no idea what to get until I read your comments.  Did my first search yesterday for the Benro.  No luck.  I will try the Lad Phrao camera store stretch.  Antoine, we could be neighbors in Nichada.  Greenville?

[geoff]

Antonie,

Thanks for the update on the Benro at MBK.  I am also in the market for a tripod and I saw a few Benros at a camera store in Fortune Tower (where all the computer stores are).  Sorry I can't remember the name of the shop.  Just out of curiosity, what model of Benro are you looking at?  Also, I know you have purchased the RRS ballhead, but have you heard anything about the Benro ballheads?  Thanks

Geoff

[antonie]

Hi Anna and Geoff
I am looking for the Benro M-258 n6, you can find more detail at the following url;
http://www.benro.cn/Product/1/m228.html
The reason why I am looking for this is due to the fact that the legs consists of 4 parts making it very small when "folded up" and it is strong and light.  These days with VR lens technologies tripods tend to be carried a lot but not used that much, so I want it light and small.  I have seen many other Benro models and the quality is impressive.  I looked at the Benro Ballheads but was not as impressed with it.  The RRS is really impressive. Anna we live opposite ISB in Pine View Place number 39/635 you may know my wife Sonja.  If you want to see the RRS kit I bought as well as the RRS catalogue, please feel free to drop in over the weekend, we should be home most of the time.
Antonie