The Perfect Travel Tripod: Benro Cyanbird Tripod Review
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Are you an avid photographer who loves to capture stunning images wherever you go? If so, a travel tripod is an essential accessory to add to your photography gear. The perfect travel tripod provides stability and versatility, allowing you to take sharp, professional-looking photos in various lighting conditions and challenging environments. This comprehensive guide will explore the key features, benefits, and considerations to help you choose the perfect travel tripod for your needs.
Following a recent residential workshop in the Lake District with a lovely group of clients, plenty of discussions and opinions were shared about tripods, their use, need, cost, weight, and matching individual needs to the right tripod. One particular client, not normally a landscaper photographer, has particular needs to suit them. Mainly travel photography, often in urban areas rather than rugged landscape terrains and essentially for them small, lightweight and it had to have flip lock rather than twist locks. They wanted the perfect travel tripod so having been and advocate of the Benro Rhino series for most of my clients and also the combination of the Benro GD3WH geared head on the C3770TN tripod legs - I accepted the challenge to find an alternative for them.
After a bit of research and with the kind support of Benro UK, I received the new Benro Cyanbird to put to the test in the field, and the following weekend, I was able to provide a client with its use for the weekend to put it through its paces in Snowdonia.
Their verdict after two days of extensive use was;
“it’s great that it’s lightweight and makes carrying it when walking up ascents etc, much more manageable. Generally speaking, it's perfect, but the legs are a little flimsy and had to use the centre column to get the height needed to avoid crouching, making the whole set-up a little more unstable and susceptible to camera shake in the wind. I also found that the base plate reguarly slipped in vertical camera position mode despite tightening as much as i could by hand.”
My own view of watching someone use it was not dissimilar to theirs but would add that I needed to intervene a few times to make sure everything was tightened up securely - maybe being brand new out of the box it wasn’t quite tightened on all the connection points. It was fine once the head was secured tightly and base plate onto camera tightly but i’d suggest that a larger camera and lens may find its just a touch to lightweight for their set-up. The official max weight load is 4kg and that’s probably fine in horizontal axis but with a max height of 155cm and vertical framing part and parcel of landscape photography you may find this just a little short and difficult to support a heavier camera body and lens.
Why You Need a Travel Tripod
Capturing beautiful images requires stability, especially when shooting in low light or using long exposure techniques. A travel tripod provides a sturdy base for your camera, minimizing camera shake and enabling you to take sharp, blur-free photos. Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or portraits, a travel tripod is a valuable tool that allows you to unleash your creativity and capture stunning images.
Key Features to Consider for the Perfect Travel Tripod
When choosing a travel tripod, several key features should be taken into consideration. Let's explore these features and understand their importance:
1. Portability
Portability is a crucial factor when selecting a travel tripod. As a travel photographer, you need a tripod that is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in your backpack or camera bag. Look for tripods that fold down to a small size without compromising on stability or functionality.
2. Height and Stability
Consider the maximum height of the travel tripod to ensure it meets your shooting requirements. A taller tripod allows you to shoot from different angles and perspectives. Additionally, stability is essential to prevent your tripod from wobbling or tipping over. Look for tripods with robust construction and reliable locking mechanisms to ensure stability in various shooting conditions.
3. Material and Build Quality
A travel tripod's material and build quality determine its durability and weight. Carbon fibre tripods are lightweight and sturdy, making them an excellent choice for travel photographers. Aluminium tripods are also durable but may be slightly heavier. Consider your needs and preferences when choosing between these materials.
4. Leg Locking Mechanism
The leg locking mechanism plays a vital role in a travel tripod's ease of use and stability. Flip locks and twist locks are the two most common types. Flip locks are quick and easy to operate, while twist locks offer a more secure and compact design. Choose a leg-locking mechanism that suits your shooting style and preferences.
5. Head Type
The tripod head is responsible for holding and adjusting your camera. There are different types of tripod heads, including ball heads, pan heads, geared heads and gimbal heads. Ball heads provide flexibility and ease of use, allowing you to adjust the camera position quickly. Pan and geared heads offer more precise control over horizontal and vertical movements. Consider your shooting style and preferences when selecting the tripod head type.
The Benro Cyanbird Perfect Travel Tripod: A Closer Look
Now that we have explored the key features to consider when choosing a travel tripod, let's take a closer look at the Benro Cyanbird Travel Tripod. The Cyanbird is a lightweight, compact tripod that offers excellent stability and versatility, making it an ideal companion for travel photographers.
Portability and Design
The Cyanbird features a sleek ocean blue design and a combination of carbon fibre and aluminum construction, resulting in a lightweight tripod that weighs just 1.05kg (2.31lbs). Its compact size allows it to fold down to just 46cm (18.1 inches), making it easy to carry in your backpack or camera bag. The arch-profile legs ensure a snug fit and minimize wasted space, providing a space-saving design without compromising stability.
Height and Stability
Despite its compact size, the Cyanbird can reach a maximum height of 155cm (61 inches) when the centre column is extended. This allows you to capture unique perspectives and shoot from various angles. The robust aluminum flip locks ensure a fast and secure setup, while the weight hook at the end of the centre column adds stability, especially in windy conditions.
Versatility and Ease of Use
The Cyanbird offers excellent versatility thanks to its 5 leg sections and 3 alternative locking leg angles. This allows you to adjust the tripod to different heights and adapt to various shooting situations. The included N00P photo head is a double-action ball head with a lock knob for easy operation and precise positioning. It also features a 90-degree notch for vertical shooting and a camera plate with a 3-way screw for quick attachment.
Additional Features
The Cyanbird travel tripod comes complete with a padded carry case that features an open-faced design, providing easy access to your tripod and other gear. The case also includes additional pockets for storing accessories. With a 3-year warranty, you can trust in the quality and durability of the Benro Cyanbird.
Conclusion
The perfect travel tripod is an essential accessory for any travel photographer. It provides stability, versatility, and the ability to capture stunning images in various shooting conditions. When choosing a travel tripod, consider portability, height, strength, material, leg locking mechanism, and head type. The Benro Cyanbird Travel Tripod perfectly balances these features, providing a lightweight, compact, and versatile solution for your photography needs. Upgrade to the Benro Cyanbird Tripod today and take your photography to new heights! This lovely little tripod is the perfect travel tripod for the casual photographer who may need to reduce the size and load for travel abroad. Yet, the camera still needs that essential stabilisation when doing extended exposures, sunrise and sunsets.
Direct from Benro UK - £235