When it comes to camera tripods, photographers often find themselves torn between various options that promise to deliver stability, versatility, and portability. Two popular contenders in this space are the Benro Travel Angel and the Zomei Z818. In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, build quality, and performance of these two tripods to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Benro Travel Angel is designed with travel photographers in mind, boasting a sleek and compact design that weighs in at just 3.6 pounds. Its magnesium alloy construction ensures durability while keeping the overall weight down. The tripod's legs are made of carbon fiber, which provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The Travel Angel also features a unique folding mechanism that allows it to collapse to a mere 17.7 inches, making it easy to stash in a backpack or carry-on bag.
In contrast, the Zomei Z818 has a more traditional design with a aluminum alloy construction. It weighs slightly more than the Benro at 4.3 pounds, but its sturdy build and robust legs inspire confidence. The Z818's legs are also made of carbon fiber, which helps to reduce weight while maintaining stability. While it may not be as compact as the Travel Angel when folded (it collapses to 21.6 inches), the Z818 still manages to strike a good balance between portability and stability.
Height and Load Capacity
The Benro Travel Angel has a maximum height of 61.4 inches, which is respectable for a travel tripod. Its load capacity is an impressive 22 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of camera systems, from mirrorless to medium format. The Travel Angel's center column is also designed with a unique "angel" shape that allows for smooth and precise height adjustments.
The Zomei Z818, on the other hand, boasts a maximum height of 65 inches, giving it a slight edge in terms of reach. Its load capacity is equally impressive at 26.4 pounds, making it a great option for photographers who need to support heavier camera systems or use longer lenses. The Z818's center column features a traditional design with a smooth and locking mechanism that ensures stable and secure height adjustments.
Head and Panorama Features
Both tripods come with their own proprietary heads, designed to provide smooth pan and tilt movements. The Benro Travel Angel features a BH-1 ballhead, which offers a sleek and compact design with a built-in panorama base. This allows for effortless 360-degree rotations and precise control over camera positioning.
The Zomei Z818, on the other hand, comes with a more traditional pan-and-tilt head that offers separate controls for each axis. While it may not have the same level of panorama functionality as the Travel Angel's BH-1, the Z818's head is still designed to provide smooth and precise movements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Benro Travel Angel and the Zomei Z818 are excellent camera tripods that cater to different needs and preferences. The Travel Angel excels in terms of portability and compactness, making it an ideal choice for travel photographers who need a reliable and lightweight tripod. Its unique design features, such as the "angel" shaped center column, also make it a great option for those who value precision and control.
The Zomei Z818, on the other hand, offers a more traditional approach to tripod design, with a focus on stability and load capacity. Its slightly taller maximum height and higher load capacity make it a great choice for photographers who need to support heavier camera systems or use longer lenses.
Ultimately, the decision between these two camera tripods will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability and compactness, the Benro Travel Angel may be the better choice. However, if you need a more traditional tripod with a focus on stability and load capacity, the Zomei Z818 is definitely worth considering.
