Benro Go Plus Classic TGP17A

£205, $300

The Benro Classic has a more traditional design than the Benro Travel tripod that’s also on test, with three-section legs that fold away in the timehonoured manner. This makes it a little quicker to set up if you’re in a hurry to grab a shot.

You can unscrew one of the legs from the tripod and screw it into the removable centre column, for use as a monopod with a maximum height of 178cm, complete with the small yet sturdy ball head. Like the tripod, the head is beautifully crafted and sports an adjustable friction damper, panning release, bubble level and ArcaSwiss compatible quick-release plate. There’s another bubble level on the tripod column, so getting everything level should never be a problem.

The legs have three separate locking angles, and the mechanism for pivoting the head is straightforward and simple, based on two locking clamps for extension and pivot angle. The latter enables 180 degrees of vertical rotation, in incremental steps to avoid sagging. Everything’s supplied in a padded soft case, including a set of screw-in spikes that you can swap with the rubber feet.

Performance

The leg-section twist locks enable smooth extension and solid clamping. It’s quick and easy to switch between any of the three available leg angles, and overall rigidity is excellent.

Verdict

Features Build/handling Performance Value for money

Overall

It’s a brilliant tripod, although the ball head feels a little small for its load rating.

Classic by name, conventional by nature Specs Maximum operating height: 168cm Folded height (with head): 69cm Weight with head: 1.9kg Max load (legs, head): 8kg, 8kg Leg section diameters: 25mm, 22mm, 19mm Pivoting centre column: 180º stepped Ball head: Benro B0 Head mount diameter: 49mm Locking leg angles: Three angles Feet: Pads + spikes