Benro Slim Travel
£125/$156 This tripod is slim by name, slim by nature
Although it predates the new Rhino, Bat and Tortoise series of Benro tripods, the Slim Travel is ultracompact and excellent value for a carbon-fibre kit. The tripod is based on five-section legs and a two-section centre column, with swing-up legs for reduced folded height, and the ability to use one of the legs and the centre column as a monopod.
The tripod folds down to just 32cm, although the maximum operating height is a little restrictive at 130cm. The monopod is similarly short at 133cm, but least a monopod configuration is available. The compact ball head performs well, but lacks an adjustable friction damper and an independent panning lock.
Performance
Rigidity is good for such an ultra-light tripod, but not as impressive as in the heavier tripods on test. There also tends to be a little more sag in the tripod head, after tightening the clamp and releasing your grip on the camera.
Digital Camera verdict
The Benro Slim Travel isn’t particularly new, yet it’s the outright smallest and lightest tripod in the group, and offers outstanding value for a carbonfibre based kit.