Benro
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Fresh legs The new Rhino tripod collection by Benro promises the best from the brand to date – upon first glance, there’s plenty to fall head over heels for
BENROHAS NOT long launched its Rhino collection, consisting of four new tripods and three heads. It’s already becoming a user favourite and the features alone speak volumes. So much so, in fact, that we’ve nominated one of the pleasing pairings in our PNAwards 2020. The Rhino 34C + VX30 kit is in the running for the Best Carbon-fibre Tripod award. For a well-established brand, it can be difficult to surpass previous beloved offerings, yet the Rhino range really marks some of Benro’s finest work to date. With precision crafting, heaps of ingenuity and a clear user focus, the new legs and heads are a natural hit. One all-important factor is the significant reduction in overall weight without compromising performance,
made possible by a new braided carbon-fibre tube design. Thanks to this stroke of engineering skill, all four tripods can hold roughly ten times their own weight. Another impressive touch is the tripod’s auto-hold trigger, enabling users to lock leg angles in virtually any position. When doing so, the three- step, self-adaptive rubber feet are sure to offer the traction required. Elsewhere, on the tripods themselves, centre column locking mechanisms have been lengthened to improve strength, leading tomore security and stability, even when at maximum extension. Additionally, twisting leg locks have seen an ergonomic redesign that enables smoother operation.
Moving on to the VX ball heads, the three new options are equipped with a range of advanced new features to match the legs. Once again, there’s been a significant reduction in weight, thanks to the simplified design of the new quick-release platformwith an Arca-Swiss compatible plate. A dual panoramic function has also been added, meaning both the base of the head and the camera release platform offer full 360° panning movement. For added security, there’s a safety catch to avoid unpleasant accidents. Those shooting across a whole range of genres can be pleased that there’s a Rhino combination to suit almost any photographic need. Ranging from smallest to largest,
for a sizeable DSLR and a weighty telephoto lens. The largest tripod in the range can be used between 49.1cm and a lengthy 174.5cm, folding down to 49.4cm. At a very carriable 2.06kg in weight, the tripod offers the safe support of systems up to a massive 20kg. Following early access to the Rhino collection, professional landscape and wedding photographer, JimCossey, offers some glowing praise. “Everything about these tripods has beenmanufactured to a high standard, frombeautiful carbon-fibre construction with responsive, sturdy twist lock legs to the newly designed VX ball heads that have a vice-like grip, locking your camera in place. “The Rhinos offer all the flexibility you need and they’ve been a welcome addition tomy photo pack for a day in the hills, keeping weight to a minimum and not compromising on performance,” he says. benroletsgo.lpages.co/rhino
IMAGE Jim Cossey puts one of the new Rhino systems to good use atop the scenic Cadair Idris, Wales
IMAGE Lightweight and compact, Benro’s Rhino systems are the perfect addition to any photo pack
there’s the Rhino 05C + VX20 kit, the Rhino 14C + VX20 kit, the Rhino 24C + VX25 kit and our nominee, the Rhino 34C + VX30. The models step up incrementally inminimum andmaximumheight, folded length, weight andmax load. At the lower end, the 05C + VX20 operates between a minimumheight of 35cm and a maximumheight of 139.5cmwith the column extended. Thanks to the reverse folding design it shares with the others in the range, it packs down to just 35cm and, while it weighs 1.24kg, it can support 10kg. That’s comfortable accommodation
IMAGE Jim Cossey captures the stunning vista from Cadair Idris. Find more of his work at jimcosseyphotography.co.uk
Issue 83 | Photography News 47
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