Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 at a glance:
- Capable of supporting up to 14kg
- Maximum height of 155.5cm with centre column extended, and packs down to 52.5cm
- Twisting leg locks
- Price: around £119
- Website: www.benroeu.com
Benro has expanded its already broad range with the TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 Aluminium tripod. As the name suggests, the legs are constructed of strong, lightweight aluminium. The spider and upper leg locks are made of durable magnesium alloy. It weighs 1.76kg which, while not particularly heavy, isn’t especially light, either. Benro quotes an impressive maximum payload of 14kg.
Packed down, the tripod measures 52.5cm. That’s reasonable, especially when you consider its maximum height is 155.5cm with the centre column extended.
Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 key features
Weight hook
A small hook on the bottom of the centre column allows users to add weight to the tripod for extra stability. This hook can be unscrewed to flip the centre column upside down.
Monopod leg
One of the legs features foam padding. It can be unscrewed completely to double up as a monopod.
Spirit level
A bubble level on top of the tripod spider allows you to check if the tripod is level.
Foot spikes
For shooting in muddy conditions, Benro has included ground spikes. The rubber feet unscrew and the spikes can be screwed in.
Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach verdict
With some tripods, the leg locks can be easily broken. Twist-lock legs are often reliable, though, and the Benro TMA28A’s appear to be very good. They’re rubberised and easy to twist open and closed. They also boast a feature that stops particles jamming them, which is a big bonus.
The leg angle locks have three positions in which the tripod can be spread out. The last is very wide, making it well suited for uneven locations such as a rocky beach.
While the centre column can be turned upside down for low-level shooting, there is an additional small centre column that comes inside the tripod bag. This is intended for ground-level shooting.
It’s not the lightest or most compact tripod, but it holds the middle ground in practically all areas, making it a solid all-rounder. What’s more, it’s steady, well made, has lots of extras as standard and does more or less everything an enthusiast photographer could ask of a tripod – all at a very affordable price.
SCORE 5 out of 5
You may also wish to consider:
Manfrotto 190 Go!
Price: £159
Website: www.manfrotto.co.uk
One of Manfrotto’s best tripods, the new Manfrotto 190 Go! is similar to the Benro tripod, but has a 90° tiltable centre column. It is, however, more expensive.
3 Legged Thing EVO3 Punks Rick
Price: £199
Website: www.3leggedthing.com
If you’re looking for something a little smaller and lighter, the 3 Legged Thing Evo3 Punks Rick is just 34cm when collapsed. It’s made of carbon fibre and has a maximum height of 140.6cm.
Vanguard Veo 204AB
Price: £100
Website: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
Although at 135cm maximum height the Vanguard Veo 204AB isn’t as tall as the Benro tripod, it packs down to just 38cm and weighs 1.3kg, so is ideal if you plan to travel.
