Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is my review of the A169M8 with B-0 Ballhead. I tested this with a D80, D40, Sigma 10-20, Sigma 50-150, Nikon 18-200, Nikon 18-55 and SB600 flash.
When lock downed properly, the tripod can handle the combined weight of a D80, Sigma 50-150 and Sb600 flash (about 3.8 lbs). I thumped it and do a light tripping motion to the legs and it supported the weight. It feels pretty rigid and subjectively, vibration seems to stop within the second.
I compared it with the Manfrotto 190XDB and I liked it better, the vibration seems less severe. The 190XDB vibrates like a ringing metal, while the A160M8 feels like its damping the vibration.
I do not have a heavier setup, so I do not know if it can hold the 17.5 lbs weight. I did try to slightly lean on the tripod with the camera on and the tripod can handle the weight.
While the tripod legs is pretty good, the ballhead is not very impressive. I have no experience with a ballhead, so my expectation might be too high. I will know better when I get my Markins Q3 traveller.
I have a light setup, my heaviest len, camera and flash combination is 3.8 lbs. With 3.8 lbs the tripod can be tighten so that creeping does not occur. However at this weight the tension control, does not work at all. If you take your hands off the camera, it will slowly creep.
With just the D80 and Sigma 50-150 (3 lbs), tension control works in all but the point down and pointing up position. In those position, creeping will occur.
With a D80 and Nikon 18-200 (2.7 lbs), the tension control works as long as the lens barrel is not full extended. With the lens fully extended creeps starts when you point the lens down.
With a D40 and Nikon 18-200 (2.3 lbs), the tension control works, when lens is fully extended, it will start creeping but not as badly as the above D80 setup.
With a D40 and Nikon 18-55 (1.73 lbs), tension control works in all direction.
With regards to panning, the ballhead does it smoothly with all the setup that I placed on it.
So summary if you want a ballhead that just lockdown your camera then this ballhead will do. Up to about 3 lbs, it was not difficult to position the head. Just remember that you have to lockdown, so that creep will not occur.
So is the $200+ worth the price? Probably not, the Tripod legs work great, and is extremely lightweight and portable, however ballhead is only suitable for the lightest load.
Its a shame that they do not sell just the A169M8, if you can wait I suggest you go for the C169M8 tripod legs and start looking for a better ballhead.
Additional comment on quick release plate for Benro B-0 ballhead. The quick release plate is not compatible with the Markins Q3 traveller. The Markins can hold it down, however when you attached it does not sit well on the head. Kind of scared that with a strong enough bump. The whole things will pull off.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Benro TRAB169 Travel Angel Tripod Kit
The Benro TRAB169 Travel Angel Magnesium Alloy Tripod with B-0 Ballhead is a professional-quality tripod that has lightweight, highest quality aluminum alloy legs for top performance at an economical price. In addition, magnesium is used for all die-cast parts. Despite its lower weight, magnesium is more rigid than aluminum, and has the same strength per volume. Travel Angel tripods are easy-to-carry so you\'ll want them with you at all times. Travel Angel\'s unique 180 degree foldover design allows them to be folded into a compact package that can easily fit into backpacks or luggage. However, when you need quick setup, excellent maximum height and a rigid, stable support, Benro Travel Angels are impressive performers!Travel Angel tripods feature individual leg angle adjustments, anti-rotation leg design, a reversible center column with spring loaded weight hook, anti dust and moisture rubber leg lock grips, and reversible 1/4"-20 to 3/8" mounting threads.LEG SECTIONS 5 MAXIMUM HEIGHT 58.5 NORMAL HEIGHT 51.3 FOLDED HEIGHT 14.1 LOAD CAPACITY 17.6
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