When I am in the studio “messing around” with macro photography trying to use various objects to produce an amazing photo, I often use a tabletop as my platform. The object would be on the tabletop, and I use my DSLR mounted to a full-size tripod. This can be a pain sometimes when I have to drag the large tripod out and then pack it away again. I think the answer to my dilemma would be a strong and sturdy tabletop tripod.
Enter the Benro 75mm Hi-Hat. This tripod is perfect for working with low angles and capturing photos from angles that would be very difficult if not impossible, using a large tripod. Even when I leave the tabletop environment and head outdoors to get those shots close to the ground, this Benro would work.
It is made of aluminum with a 75mm bowl made of magnesium. The combination of these metals allow it to weigh in at only 2.8 pounds, but still have a load capacity of 165 pounds, which is quite incredible. The legs are made up of two sections, and allow the tripod to get as low as 3.1 inches. With 3 adjustable and independent positions for each leg, and included spiked feet, tackling uneven ground is par for the course. While its maximum height is only 11 inches, when you add a tripod head and the camera, it gains additional versatility which would work great for both photography and videography.
The Benro 75mm Hi-Hat is available for purchase at Amazon and B&H Photo Video for the bargain price of $149.
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I’m not sure everyone one knows the term “bowl” in this instance. Maybe you should explain the difference between a tripod with a bowl and with a flat base.
Hi Norm,
The major difference between the two is that the tripod with a “bowl” requires a bowl adapter to provide the flat surface for a tripod head. The bowl adapter allows you easily level the head.
I know the difference, but I doubt everyone does. Also with a bowl you generally adjust and lock it from the bottom. This then takes away how low you can lower this set of legs. There are many choices of short tripod legs without bowl available, including some that go practically flat on the ground.
Basically my point is that I think,it would be helpful if you point out you have to buy another piece if you plan to use this set of legs with standard photo head.
Many film/video heads come with a bowl on the bottom and you buy a legs with the same size bowl that matches your head.
Hi Norm,
I understand your point about the additional information.
I would likely include that kind of information in a review, as opposed to a news story that generally just brings awareness to a product.
Also, to add to the information that you provided, there is a half ball bowl adapter that would allow this tripod to go almost flat to the ground. Here is a link to it for those who are interested: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1290729-REG/benro_bl75s_75mm_half_ball_adapter.html?sts=pi
Got it, but I still think in this case a note about a needed adapter should be included. Again I think your general reader has probably not seen a video set of legs with a bowl. And this set of legs is really for video/film work.
If a normal photographer needs a ball head there are several out there that go between your photo tripod and your photo head.
Hi Norm,
Your point is noted and you are correct. Sometimes as professionals, we take certain knowledge for granted.
For the record, several of the pro photographers that I work with, use this tripod in-studio for macro photography.
I really do appreciate your comments, and I will make sure that future news stories include all of the relevant information.
Thanks again.
Sounds good
How would you compare the Benro 75mm Hi-Hat to the Induro Series 3 Baby Grand Tripod with 75mm Platform & the Really Right Stuff TVC-32G Versa Series 3 Ground Carbon Fiber Tripod? Price wise, RRS is the most expensive and the Benro is the cheapest. Benro requires an additional purchase of a half bowl adapter, the other two has it in the package. Performance wise?
Hi Ozzie,
I have worked with folks that use the Induro and the Benro. One of the other big differences I see, is the ability for the Induro to extend to a full-size tripod, thus the big difference in price. Both are very sturdy. Some in my crew use the Benro for macro photography and “low-to-the-ground” videography. I have never tried the Really Right Stuff tripod.
Hi, I think you mistook my enquiry. I was asking about the Induro baby grand. Max height is only 11″, like the Benro 75mm hi-hat. Unless, I’m mistaken about the Indigo baby grand, in which I case, I apologise for the error.
Hi Ozzie,
It was my mistake. I was thinking of the Induro Grand Series 3. I have not worked with the Baby Grand, but your question is a really good one. I will see if I can get my hands on one to compare. If I am able to, I will write a detailed review on it.
Great, thanks. Would be good to know – tech specs wise, they seem to be similar except that the Benro is aluminum & the Induro is carbon fibre
Hi, Apparently, Benro & Induro are owned by the same company. That probably amounts to why the designs are similar.
Hi Ozzie,
Thanks for the info. I still hope to be able to do a hands-on comparison one day.