Looking for tripod advice...

[Harley]

yes I have the CF Benro travel angel and I love it it really is a great tripod, the aluminium one isn't a whole lot heavier either. its very solid, even when I use it with a gigapan epic pro, 1D and heavy lens, I think my novoflex head weight more than the actual tripod though

I got mine from here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Benro-C-2691TB1-Carbon-Fiber-Travel-Angel-Tripod-B-1-/330538387722?pt=AU_TripodsMonopods&hash=item4cf59f890a

Got my tripod from China today.  I ordered it on New Year, so shipping to the States was pretty quick.  It appears to be the real deal direct from Benro!  Tags, warranty card, allen wrenches.  Everything was packaged like it came straight from the factory.  So thanks, wickidwombat, for scoring the best deal on a carbon fiber tripod!  (+1)

I haven't tried it out yet -- only took it out of the packaging to inspect it -- but it's super stable, the joints are stiff and smooth.  Large diameter legs.  Loading my 300mm f/2.8 will not be a problem at all for this thing.

The tripod itself (w/o ballhead) is just over four-and-a-half feet tall (1400mm) without the column extended.  It folds to under 18" (450mm) and since the legs fold up around the ballhead, the ballhead doesn't add to the packed length. 

Speaking of the ballhead, it is much better than I would have expected.  Nice extras included like a weight hook under the center column, closed cell foam padding on the leg that turns into a monopod, spikes for the feet, bubble level on ballhead, alfa-swiss QR plate, etc.  Surprisingly, the carrying case is quite nice, too.  I may actually use it. 

Not bad for under $350.  Thanks for the help everyone!  I'll let you know how it works out. 

[Harley]

Finally tried out the Benro C2691T Travel Angel and B1 ballhead with my FD 300mm f/2.8 L and it worked perfectly!  I was worried the ballhead would be undersized, but it held firmly, panned smoothly, and the traction control was easy to fine adjust.  The tripod was rock-solid.  Really happy with the combo and since it's so easy to travel with I will be bringing it along everywhere.

[barrett14]

I was originally looking to buy a used Gitzo 1541T but after someone recommended to me the Benro C2691TB1 I think I am going to go with that. He gave me a contact that can get me an educational discount for $395...  What is the deal with those ebay auctions that sell for even less?

Was glad to read some of you guys that have used this tripod had positive things to say. I think I am going to order one today.

How is the ball head itself? What is the real difference between that and a $300+ markins?

One last thing - the Benro is listed on their site at 3.8 lbs but not sure if that weight includes the ball head. The gitzo was only rated at 2.1 lbs... 

[Harley]

I got mine on eBay after the recommendation from a couple others on the forum who had done the same.  I was nervous about ordering from China, but we all got the real deal.  Mine was $360 including the shipping. 

The ballhead is much, much better than I ever expected it to be.  It's smooth, solid, and works with any alfa-swiss plate (one comes with it).  I put an old, all-metal FD 300mm f/2.8 L lens on mine and it doesn't phase the ballhead or the tripod one little bit. 

I've had mine for a couple months now and I absolutely feel like I bought the right thing.  It's super-easy to take anywhere with me.  The leg diameter is quite beefy.  And it's built to last.  If I remember all my research, the total weight including ballhead is under 4 lbs.  Regardless, the whole package is so much lighter than my Slik aluminum tripod that I simply don't notice the weight.  That telephoto lens weighs more...

[wickidwombat]

Yep the benro is a great tripod although i use a custom novoflex ball head setup instead but the carbon legs are very good quality the benro ball head is good though i gave that away since i use diferent one. I also have the benro gimal and it is really nice with the big lens