Our New Favorite Tripod, Benro TMA38CL

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[@AnnSark]

I have had a carbon fibre tripod from Benro for atleast 7 years. And it has never failed. I used in fresh/sea water, sand, mud, snow etc and it never failed. I never clean it and it still easy to pull out. I will buy benro again without a doubt.

[@MingCai]

I have three Benro tripods and never had any complaints :)

[@jessiemoore4897]

Thanks for the post. I've been looking to replace my old manfrotto for a few months now, and this is exactly what I was looking for. Very helpful!

[@jimhasapis197]

I had to chuckle at your manfrotto tripod. I have the exact same one that I've retired to just beach use here in Chucktown because of all the same reasons

[@AndrewWisler]

Mine is currently a stand-in for when I need a good cudgel.

[@joelcleare]

I bought the induro carbon tripod years ago. Still works great after water and sand abuse. The Benro seems to be a more refined version of the Induro. Thanks for the review.

[@MiniatureCookingwithChing]

* I love your channel ! The whole family is watching this. Please keep posting videos like this my friend . Thanks

[@whitey211]

I've had my Benro for around 10 years now, carrying around a 600 f/4. Many trips in luggage, sand, and salt water. Still works like new. I was really worried that I was going to waste $400 by not getting the Gitzo but it turned out that I saved $400. Love it so much I bought a smaller Benro for backpacking.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

You just earned a sale for Benro ! Thank you.

[@1603shadow]

I have a Benro A3580F Mg-Aluminum Tripod with the clasp lock extensions. I've had this tripod for a few years & I've taken it everywhere & used it in all weather conditions, the legs still slide out under its own weight. It's a great sturdy tripod & I love it.

[@ronaldpellettier3473]

Great comparison, thank you

[@lukepo9535]

This is the one I got from B&H last year when there was a few hours sales at 170 or 180$, Its an amazing tripod even at its full price. It feels quality. It can handle 38 pounds. My D500 + Tamron 150-600 on my gitzo ball head love it. Your comments are right on .

[@scotie690]

I also have a couple of 055 and in 4 years of abuse they ate still great, that's why so many use this model. The new ones are as you said... bad. The only con is the weight. So I'm really tempted to go for one of this.

[@antonoat]

I've had many top end tripods, Benro offers top quality at a reasonable price and their quality is real!

[@indigokj]

I bought the Benro TMA18CV1 Series 1 Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod with V1 Ball Head when B&H had it on sale (about $180 for the combo) and was amazed at the quality and performance. I'm not crazy about the ball head, but the tripod and all the little extras they give you are a great value for such quality gear.

[@garyroach2000]

Benro has been my choice in a travel tripod for several years now. I have two of them. I bought the second in case the first one breaks. So far, I've had zero problems with either of them.

[@phonicwheel933]

Wonderful review!

[@ToreHansen]

I have used a Benro Travel Angel (carbon) for over 5 years, no problems so far, also used it in water.

[@thomastuorto9929]

So now that's a little over a year, have you used & abused this tripod in sand , saltwater, etc? If so , how is it holding up?

[@northernimagesphotography]

I decided on the Induro CLT303, I have a little benro travel tripod for hiking. Both amazing pieces of kit and the benro is nuts for a £99 tripod.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

I just bought the Benro FIF28CIB2 Carbon Fiber Transfunctional iFoto Series 2 Tripod Kit from B&H. They had it half off on their daily zone. It’s a amazing tripod. Carbon fiber legs and the IB2 ball head. Best 200 bucks I’ve spent on photography gear.

[@Featinwe]

Thanks for the review, I was considering the TMA38CL and now I made my decision. However - what the hell are you talking about saying that Manfrotto 055 is replaced by 190? this is not true... it is still in production although updated with (unnecessarily) changed design. I've been using this tripod for around 10 years too - it's a tank. You can easily disassembly it and clean it and it will be like new.

[@jamestarry4814]

Great to see this, been having issues finding a new tripod. I'm fed up to the back teeth of the Manfrotto's falling apart and the new clips while were horrid before and are even worse now. I had a 3leggedThing for 2 weeks before bits of that started falling apart, becoming loose and falling off-so that went back. Will go and have a better look at the Benro

[@angadrekhi388]

The glue/ Grease you mentioned that benro has is a silicone grease... Good stuff

[@thesharpercoder]

I like Benro, too. I have a pair of Benro Combination Series 3 XL tripods.

[@bikechain1]

We have two Benro tripods, they're my favorites.

[@catmonkey6826]

I went for Benro over Manfrotto a month ago. Amazing build quality.

[@neXib]

Loved my Benro that was quite similar to that. Got a bit too big for my current setup though.

[@spiderwayne]

Have you ever worked with the Benro 75mm Hi-Hats? If so, what do you think of them?

[@stvsanders]

Pro media Gear Tripods seem excellent value for the money and top quality. Love the fact they are made in the USA.

[@orlandonoa]

How is it holding up after a couple of years ? They have this version in aluminum, do you think it will resist the elements any better ?

[@hongjie5764]

Try this !!!!!! Benro GC358T , its same with tma38cl but with centre column. must try

[@Keyoung44]

I recently bought the manfrotto 290, aluminum not carbon fiber, and it seems solid. I bought it for the horizontal bar you mentioned, so I hope I don't have the issues you did. Benro B2 head which is absolutely awesome.

[@VictorZubakin]

Would've been good to hear your opinion on the other tripods that you tested.

[@MichaelLaing71]

Been using the 3 Legged Thing Eric for years and their newer tripods are even better. Pity they didn't test that as well.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

I have the aluminum version and I absolutely love it. (A little heavy tho)

[@chrissnyder4439]

Of course if one of your complaints is that it doesn't have the lateral center column, you could always get one of them that does have it.

[@frogprince1128]

Sounds a like my old tripod which literally crumbled to bits...although I was so amazed by the Sirui T-005 (lightweight, usability, 5 years of torture) so I bought the exact same thing to replace the previous tripod.

[@alanalain4884]

Cool review, thank you. Did you by any chance compare this Benro with Artcise/Inorel alike (but 100/150 less) ?..

[@josephasghar]

That Manfrotto 190 is an absolute dog. I had one. Briefly. I’ve got a Benro head, bag and filter system - I’ve no doubt this is an excellent tripod.

[@simongreen6814]

Following on from the collapsing lower legs of my Benro A4570T I was supplied with another new tripod after returning the faulty one. I was initially pleased when the first 2 legs I checked locked perfectly well but found that the last leg I checked once again failed to hold when not fully extended. This is just with the lower legs sections, btw and does not seem to be a problem with the upper legs.Whether or not this was just a "bad batch" of tripods or if all Benro aluminium tripods have the same problem, I really have no idea.I now see that others have previously commented on tripods with twist legs locks often having similar problems so I will definitely avoid them in the future.

[@Fessoid]

why do you use it so inverted? first take all lower legs, than higher. Its much cleaner and comfortable to fit the vertical level

[@MrSchrig]

...oh for the love of God, please oil the Manfrotto.

[@KaReEdCa]

I recently purchased a Benro System Go Tripod. Looked at many from Manfrotto, to Vanguard, Off brands, but could not find anything that beat the value of the this system, Specially with the tiltable (it is a word ;) ) column. Mine is the Aluminum version but it's not too heavy for the stability you get. Excellent quality product.

[@GermanKorb]

How does it stand in windy conditions? Is it sturdy enough to be perfectly sill in 20km/hour wind?

[@ChameleonzDream]

@5:50 do you think the substance is along the lines of Gitzo Tripod Twist-Lock Grease? have you used gitzo when cleaning your tripods?

[@LeoMayrinck]

for travel i use the Tycka 58'' very good

[@Ranger7Studios]

Benro is making some of the best equipment nowadays. Even better than Manfroto. Pretty surprising when you look at the price difference. I've actually been looking at this tripod. Thanks for the review!

[@Crewchief227]

I use a Benro TMA48CL the big brother to this one, and I was shocked when I first got it on how well built it does feel, and I have yet for it to ever let me down, also have the B1 ball head on it. I wanted the big brother because I'm 6'4", and it is hard to find a tripod that truly fits me. I wanted the RRS, but this is just as good IMO.

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Nice review, I always appreciate your opinions! I agree with you on the twist locks..not a huge fan but they have their pros and cons. Any insights as to customer service from Benro? I always value a company that stands behind their products.

[@PhotographyByLenny]

I'm a real estate and architectural photographer. I have an older Benro tripod and I use it on every shoot. It is a workhorse. I love it!!! It is aluminum and very inexpensive. I believe I spent less the $125 for it about 4 years ago. It also has the spiked feet and carry bag. I have little use for either. My tripod has a 90 degree center column that can be angled like the Manfrotto. It has come in handy from time to time, but very seldom. What I have heard is that Manfrotto has a patent on the 90 degree center column and Benro had to stop producing it. Mine also has the flip leg locks. I prefer those over the twist leg locks. I use them to change camera heights during the shoot. I had a Tiltall tripod with the twist type and they were good at first but thru age they became temperamental. I've been using this tripod for over 4 years and it works like new. I probably will not be buying another tripod for many years to come. But, if I needed another tripod, I would probably buy another Benro.

[@ericburke3223]

Can you do review the tripod heads also?

[@haiderabbas96]

How is this tripod holding up?

[@evelasq1]

I do own a Benro Carbon Fiber Tripod and I had it for a few years. I had taken it all over New York City and down in Atlantic City for photos. It has not let me down and I always wanted the Gitzo tripod but those tripods keep skyrocketing their prices towards the ceiling. I could not afford it. Gitzo used to be midrange prices years ago. I had to look for a tripod at a great price and it could hold a lot of pounds of camera gear. Since this holds over thirty pounds and at maximum height with the camera on top, it is taller than me. I am 73” tall. It is somewhat heavy when it compact but when the legs are extended than it comes light and I could carry it over my shoulders with the legs extended. It is true that it does come with a lot of accessories. For the price, it has great value. I am still using the tripod. One day I will try the lowest angle for my photography but yet I have to sit down while I am doing so. Peace, Flood!

[@simongreen6814]

Based on this review I purchased Benro A4570T late last year.Now I realise that yours was carbon fibre and mine is aluminium but, in essence they are much alike, except for the lower price of course.Everything you say about the Benro tripod is true and, for the most part I love it.It does however have one major flaw which very nearly ended in disaster.It happens that if you extend the lower legs any less than 100% the lock will fail and your tripod will collapse.It took me some time to work out exactly what was happening but I've now discovered that a lower tripod leg that's ,say 1 inch short of being fully extended, won't hold at all in this position and will just slowly collapse.In my case it dumped a Nikon D500 and a new Sigma 60-600 Sport lens onto concrete from some 6 feet high.The local distributor insists that it's just mine that's faulty and they are sending me a replacement ; however,I'm not totally convinced, and tend to believe that the coefficient of friction (or whatever it's called) is so different with aluminium as opposed to carbon, that the twist locks become a very risky proposition if the lower legs are not fully extended.

[@InMotionStudios]

I'll attest that it is a really nice tripod, I own it as well. Feels very sturdy and strong, quick setup and breakdown. Not a huge fan of the Benro head though, I go with a Manfrotto for film/video.

[@TomasRamoska]

I hate screw locks as well..

[@77TickTockTime]

100% with you. I've seen and have had too many cameras tumble as a result of mediocre design.

[@richardallen08]

Yup, and for run & gun scenarios (ie: weddings) screw locks are a pain.

[@C00ltronix]

takes only 3 Seconds to fix them, times 9. My next will have clips too.

[@TheGregWallace]

Will you sell the Manfrotto tripod that you like and is discontinued?

[@juancarlosayala4580]

Any thoughts on the best heads to use for video and photography for this tripod?

[@Barbatian]

Hey Lee, Just one questio from my side. I own a cheap tripod with center column and after a while the column started to be loose(2-3mm) and it’s not rigid any more even fully collapsed. What about this tripod, how do you feel the center column holder, is it stable and solid? This makes huge difference in Landscape so I would like to avoid tripod loose in tripod pieces.

[@bthemedia]

With the issues from salt water in the clamp-lock tripod, that will be much worse of a problem in the twist-lock legs due to the in the fine tolerances in the screw threads and washers. I have had to disassemble and clean all the segments in my carbon fiber tripod and it is not fun... so that's why I went to a Ries wooden tripod (not as compact though).

[@mikezupancic2182]

I love my Sirui and Induro products but always treat the CF a little better than aluminum ones. Aluminum legs seem to work better with flip locks and the CF legs seem to work fine with the screw locks. Maybe it's just the stuff I've tried/bought.

[@metals2546]

I freakin love it. Who doesn't want to go to the next level. I always wonder though, how many freakin levels are there?

[@catmonkey6826]

How is that Benro after a year? I was about to buy a Manfrotto with a horizontal column, much as I'd love a Gitzo or RRS it just isn't possible on my budget. The Benro came up in a few reviews as having great build quality so my decision has been delayed a few weeks until I know if the Benro will last longer. Just subscribed, great channel guys.

[@MLC48]

Thanks for the review! Just ordered one. I had the carbon fibre version of the Manfrotto 190. Don't like the clip as they pinch my fingers and hands all the time; don't like the mechanism for releasing the legs to pivot out; they stick and are either very stiff or too loose. Anyway, it'll be a backup tripod. I can't wait to use my new tripod with the Benro geared head.

[@mistycrowimages1875]

Mary I also bought a Manfrotto 190 and after one use 1 leg would not close, I also agree that the lever clips had the ability to give you blood blisters and for nearly £300 it has to be the worst Tripod ever made, I sent it back and WEX were good enough to replace it with a new Benro Macc3 TMA38CL, I'm finished with Manfrotto gear.

[@markharris5771]

I’ve been using Manfrotto 055 for about 25 years, I also have a 190 which I also like. However, in fairness I think I might possibly treat mine a little better than yourselves. I have a Benro sidekicker gimbal head which I love, as I can load my lens on my knee then push it up with my mobility scooter. I’ve been told that the Benro filters are excellent and a lot cheaper than others on the market. I’m really sorry to hear that Manfrotto aren’t making the O55 anymore but the 190 isn’t a replacement as it’s been out for about 3 years. I’m not a videographer in any way but I’m having some major problems with the sound.

[@Ooshton]

What's the thoughts on the Sirui tripods?

[@antonoat]

I have one of these, it's amazing quality for the price, comes with all the extras you need too! I've owned Gitzo in the past but I won't be buying them anymore, Benro literally surpassed my expectations and continues to impress, everytime it's used. cheers

[@FStoppers]

Glad to hear!

[@gachaclubgirl9436]

So how's it now

[@thinktank8389]

Uses a coating over threading and female threads too. It's costly because of time, but well worth it. They thought about it. Good engineer with freedom to work. I'll buy one due to this.

[@discopotato675]

Nice Triumph hat

[@ericharrisonjr.510]

Quick question. Does this tripod have the monopod conversion feature where you can remove one of the legs and turn it into a monopod? Thanks

[@pizzafroth1521]

Whats the problem with the new Manfrottos? I've never had the first issue out of mine and I've had it for over 2 years. I have the MT190CXPRO4.

[@adriangrizzly]

Hey FStoppers, thank you for the Review. The Benro is now on my list while I am looking for a ballhead. Is there anything you would recommend? I was looking through the benro website but most of the times I couldn't see a real difference between most of the heads. Thank you for your help! :-)

[@owengee7415]

"Comes with a bag, I did not expect this at this price" "Comes with a short centre column, really nice how they just give this to you". Its $400, that's a lot of money. It should come with these.

[@AndrewWisler]

True, but RRS makes you pay for all of that, even a toolset and foot spikes. And, you have to locktite the feet on yourself!

[@AndrewWisler]

To be fair, RRS is selling to a completely different market. Their stuff is top notch, and comparing them to Induro or Benro is like Toyota vs Porsche. The spike feet they sell for their tripods are milled out of billet stainless and are pieces of art. I think they are significantly more expensive to make. If you need the Porsche, you're probably willing to pay for it. But sometimes you need a dependable Toyota (or in this case, 5), and there are some great values out there. FWIW, Induro doesn't (or didn't used to) include a short center column -- I had to pay $50 for one -- so that's a nice plus by Benro.

[@nielsdam90]

Andrew Wisler Wrong! With RRS and Gitzo you’re paying the extra 400 dollars for the brand name. Benro delivers the same great quality, just at a normal price range.

[@AndrewWisler]

Well, I own both RRS and Induro (very similar to Benro), and have used and traveled with both extensively shooting landscapes, and I can tell you there is definitely a quality difference. Now, one could argue that for you the difference in quality is not worth the increased price, but for someone else it may be. I have never used Gitzo and likely won't based on some of the quality issues I have heard about. But if Benro is a good fit for you, good on ya.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Andrew Wisler my Benro is far better than my last Induro. Had my Benro for 3 years now, still works like new.

[@sven-olafrogowski6096]

You Should have tried the german bilora perfekt pro carbon. IT is very similar built, has integrated Spikes and also Tools and a shorter Center Column that comes in the package. For far less money.

[@johnconklin5180]

I cheaped out with the aluminum version of the Benro Mach 3. But did I really? The tripod is amazing! As stable as anything. 6 ounces heavier than the carbon model for $244. Sign me up!

[@andybycz]

Re: legs that slip down into place under their own weight, I have a Sirui T-025x as my "With Me Wherever" tripod. Carbon fibre. 4 twist locks per leg. Grab all the locks with one hand, give them one twist, and lo! they all fall to into place. It is a thing of beauty. Nothing is lighter than this BTW. With a tiny FLM CB-18 head and a cheap arca lever clamp it still weighs less than 900g. For micro four thirds mind, but the quality of the engineering of the legs is a joy to be appreciated whenever I set-up.

[@360MIX]

MANFROTTO TRIPODS, You can hose down the Manfrotto lets to get rid of the sand and salt water.. and then apply alittle silicone spray on the latches and it will work just like new.... I have had mine since 1996 and still rock solid... Just got to give your gear alittle maintenance and cleaning every few years... the legs I have are "Manfrotto 3021PRO....

[@samhaney6434]

That cheap tripod is worth nearly just as much as my camera 😂

[@m77ast]

😂😂😂😂😂 it’s way cheaper one eBay.

[@charlesdavidson4815]

My aluminum Benro is GREAT.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Charles Davidson mine too. It’s amazing

[@CramerGallimore]

Which model aluminum Benro is the equivalent?

[@brendanfishh2576]

I don't have anything constructive to say, other than its pretty cool that your shirt matches your couch!

[@jaredmciverimagery]

i have the TMA47AXL and love it. people sleep heavily on the brand. PS: their CS is awesome, too. i had a decent experience with a strange situation and Manfrotto CS too, but apparently that isn't the norm.

[@logic0905]

Your Benro tripod is VERY similar to my old 1127 mk2 carbon fiber Gitzo. Everything you describe and the general view, all the mechanisms are almost same. Only the color of aluminum parts is different :)

[@momchilminkov5722]

In your opinion what head would fit best these legs? Still photos and occasional video in terms of typical use.

[@justinschmidt3917]

Bought a carbon fiber Benro...wish I could return it. Legs are hard to adjust when all set up, I have to completely lift the tripod to adjust the legs to become level. The weight is nice but I still use my manfrotto 95% of the time.

[@shanevenem3965]

Funny thing about this video is that the 055xprob is extremely easy to clean. Just take a star bit and pop off the upper leg. Run some water down it, which will rinse both the upper and lower legs together. Turn the tripod over and rinse where the leg is detached. Put it back on and you're done. It takes less than 10 minutes to clean the whole tripod.

[@bsmukler]

I have the same RRS tripod (the 24L), and love it, although I understand your point about their cost- especially if you need several of them and if you tend not to clean them and take care of them. I think a significant factor in the RRS prices is that they are made in-house in California and thus reflect our (USA] higher wages. I noticed throughout your videos that Elia Locardi uses the RRS travel series as well as their tripod heads. That makes sense given that he and his wife are “location independent” and that they have to travel as light as possible.

[@FStoppers]

Elia loves his RRS tripod and we liked using ours too. But for $1k, you're right, you're paying for a hand made tripod that was built in the US. I can respect that and if I only needed one of them, it wouldn't be a hard choice. But for what we do, I can't justify spending $5k on tripods after the way we treat them.

[@bsmukler]

That's completely understandable. Thanks for your reply and congratulations on your channel and web site: excellent content!

[@guamization]

Lee what ballhead are you using for this Benro or can you give me a link to the ball head you're using on this video for the Benro? Thanks

[@ranjanajaiswal5982]

Can we attach a head like benro s2 to the benro slim (tslo8anoo) ?

[@viviennefotomaker9223]

So after 5 years, how is the Benro holding up?

[@ColinZwirner]

I had a benro for a year and the thing was so unstable. Tolerances between the legs were low so everything was loose. You don’t want the legs to fall back into place while holding it upside down. That shows gaps where sand and water can get in. You ever been to a cold climate and had your tripod freeze solid? That is why it happens. All the loose crap on that tripod signifies a failure point. The cast head will break in cold weather if dropped. Sand will absolutely make its way into your legs. The cheap fasteners attaching the legs to the center piece will loosen. You should have taken all four of them out into les than ideal conditions consistently and then made a comparison. How easily the legs collapse and how soft the bag it came with is not a good assessment of quality.

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

How is this tripod holding up now? :)

[@reelsportrd]

I feel you about the practicality of legs falling down by themselves. However, I'd gladly sacrifice that for a lighter tripod!

[@GA-ju7hf]

will this work with common DSLRs?

[@DCuerpoJr]

Funny. I made the exact same switch. Benro's tripods and monopods are of comparable quality (sometimes better), functionality and durability to Manfrotto or Gitzo, but cost significantly less. You gotta check them out in a camera store.

[@royandescartes]

that bug on the lens got his 7 sseconds of youtube fame at 0:10

[@EstebanBustos]

what is the video head that he uses on top of the tripod?

[@MultiStevelewis]

I think that Benro and Induro are made by the same company. The induro is known to be the higher tripod of the two.

[@photog1529]

Of course the Benro's going to be shorter when collapsed...its a 4-section design. I've had a Gitzo 2540 for close to 10 years now, and its still going strong...I make sure to clean the legs and locks after it has been used in salt water. Twist locks are much better than lever locks...you can twist all three at once with a quarter turn, and they don't get caught on things like lever locks do. Gitzo also uses a retractable foot spike design...much better than having to take one set out and thread another set in. I'd like to see the Benro in ten years.

[@MultiStevelewis]

Benro tripods are made by the same company that builds the Induro. Induro are considered to be the better tripod and a little lighter and a slightly more expensive.

[@devinray]

Love your old tripod . . . I believe a sacrificial death is in order. How about a 12 gauge blast to the midsection. Nice review by the way I ordered the Benro TMA48CXL.

[@prasand]

Although Manfrotto discontinued that specific tripod, they did not discontinue their 055 line, nor did they replace it with the 190. They updated their 055 line before discontinuing that model. You unfortunately downgraded to their 190 line, and experienced an appropriate quality decrease. When you could’ve stayed with the more stable and taller 055 (updated version), which the 4-section carbon fiber compares price-wise and size (closed) to the Benro. Manfrotto’s lines in order of quality (least to highest): Compact, Element Traveler, Befree, 190go!, 190, 290, 055 / 057 (057 has a geared center column), and Black. Ultimately, there’s no need to accept Benro’s twist lock legs, and limiting center column. But whatever you’re happy with is all good, just setting it straight for those that would encounter this video.

[@86Tinyt]

The 190 is designed to be a lighter tripod than the 055, but it is not a downgrade in terms of build quality. Yes, it is less stable due to being lighter in weight, but build quality is equal. In fact, the 190 is actually more expensive than the 055 here in the UK

[@prasand]

@@86Tinyt our perceptions of what constitutes build quality, differs. Personally, I think build quality is also determined by materials. Lighter materials of the same class inherently cannot handle the same level of abuse as the heavier versions. So, it's less stable, can handle less abuse, and also can't reach the same heights. In my eyes, that's a solid downgrade.