It's no secret that we've been fans of Benro's recent tripods, with the currently topping our list of best travel tripods. But Benro isn't resting on its laurels and has upped the ante even more with the release of its new Rhino tripod range.
Rhino is positioned as the flagship series in Benro's extensive tripod range, and at launch there will be four size options available. All use new braided carbon fibre tubing, which helps the smallest Rhino tripod (product code FRHN05CVX20) weigh just 1.2kg while also boasting a huge 10kg max payload.
At the top of the Rhino range is the beefy FRHN34CVX30, which can reach a whopping 170cm fully extended and support an incredible 20kg of kit. Extra height can be easily achieved by raising the extendable and reversible centre column, or this can be completely removed and paired with one of the tripod legs to create a monopod. All Rhino tripods have the ability to mount accessory arms via three 3/8” threads - ideal for using a small LED panel or microphone during video shoots.
Portability is paramount with any tripod, so it's no surprise that all Rhino tripods pack as small as possible using reverse folding legs that flip up to surround the head when stowed. Ergonomic twist-lock leg extension clamps further maintain a slim packed profile, and each leg gets three-step self-adaptive rubber feet to improve stability on rough and uneven surfaces. Leg angle adjustment is achieved using a new auto-hold trigger mechanism: simply pull the angle adjuster clamp, move each leg to the angle you want, then press a button on the side of the leg and the angle clamp instantly retracts back to lock the leg angle in position.
Benro VX ball heads
Launching alongside Rhino tripods are a new range of VX ball heads. These have been designed to perfectly complement the Rhino range, with an emphasis on simplicity, light weight and high performance. Each VX ball head also features a dual panoramic function, whereby both the base of the head and the camera release platform offer 360-degree pan movement. The quick release platform and Arca-Swiss compatible QR plate have also been reworked to minimize weight, plus there's a safety catch to guard against accidental camera removal. Fun fact: yours truly once had just such an accident using a cheap and nasty tripod (not a Benro!), destroying a Nikon D5100 as it hit the floor - ouch.
Rhino tripod range specifications:
Rhino tripods are available now, priced at:
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Zero Series Travel Tripod with VX20 Head (FRHN05CVX20) $299.95/£200
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber One Series Travel Tripod with VX20 Head (FRHN14CVX20): $349.95/£230
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Two Series Travel Tripod with VX25 Head (FRHN24CVX25) $399.95/£250
Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Three Series Travel Tripod with VX30 Head (FRHN34CVX30) $449.95/£290
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