Benro Rhino 05C VX20

£199/$215 A compact but sturdy and dependable kit

One of Benro’s newest tripod designs, the Rhino is available in a range of sizes, with a folded size of 35-49cm, a maximum operating height of around 170cm and varying load ratings ranging from 16kg to 20kg. They’re labelled as Series 1 through to Series 3 in the USA. The 05C (Series 0 in the States) is a rather more compact and travel-friendly affair. It folds down to just 35cm – 3cm longer than the other Benro tripod on test – yet stretches 10cm higher, with a maximum operating height of 140cm. The load rating is 10kg, compared with just 4kg for the Slim Travel.

Performance

Although it’s small, the carbon-fibre kit is beautifully built. Despite featuring five-section legs and a two-section extending centre column, the Rhino is remarkably rigid and resistant to flexing and vibrations. It’s noticeably more solid than the older Benro Slim Travel, although it’s also about 25 per cent heavier.

Digital Camera verdict

Very good value for a classy carbon-fibre tripod, the Rhino is extremely compact and very light, but still manages to be impressively rigid and robust.

1 The VX20 ball head has two panning mechanisms. 2 The compact folded size is enabled by 5-section legs and a 2-section centre column. 3 There’s a spring-loaded weight hook on the bottom of the centre column.