Induro Tripods and Induro Ball Head Experience

**stl09** · 05-05-2009, 10:34 PM

Hi,

I'm hoping to find out from anyone that has had positive or negative experiences with Induro Products.

I need to get a tripod for an upcoming trip. I would like to keep it under $200.00 for the complete package.

My criteria is that it not be too heavy but still sturdy. It needs to hold a K200D with various lenses such as 80-320 lens. It needs to fold up to less than 20" if possible, first to fit in suitcase and then in a backpack while on day trips.

I went to a local camera shop but got a bit overwhelmed with all the choices.

I have also gone thru the threads here as well but did not see a lot mentioned on this brand. While at the local camera store this line stood out, seemed to get a lot of product for the money. Comes with a nice case plus a mini tool set to make adjustments. I was looking at the A013 tripod and the SA01 Series Ball Head.

I also noticed that there was one brand that several had purchased off Amazon and to be honest it looks like a good deal as well. I think it was called Dolcia?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Kevin

Dom · 05-06-2009, 02:42 AM

Me to.

Entropy · 05-06-2009, 08:22 AM

I have a Benro tripod and ballhead, which, as far as I can tell, are the exact same design as some of Induro's tripods and ballheads, and probably come from the same factory.

Mine is a Benro C-158n6, which matches with the Induro C114 exactly in all specifications and looks identical in all photos.

I love my Benro, it's a wonderful tripod.

I am about 90% certain that Induro and Benro's tripods are a match to some of the entries in the Amvona line (except the Amvonas seem to be the factory rejects that Induro and Benro won't take). Similarly, I think Adorama's Flashpoint series tripods match some of the Induro and Benro models as well.

I think (based on price and reputation) that the Induro units have the strictest quality control standards, although the Benro has done very well for me. From what I've heard older Benros had a very bad reputation but their current generation (which mine is a member of) are vast improvements.

stevebrot · 05-06-2009, 08:30 AM

My daughter has the AB1 (courtesy of dad) and is pretty happy with it. It handles her K10D with Tamron 28-200 without any issues. The only complaint is that it is a three section unit and therefore a little longer than most travel tripods. It would have been nice if the short column had been included as well.

Steve

stoge · 05-06-2009, 05:31 PM

I have the Induro Cx214, I really like it. Although I'm using manfrotto grip action ball head on it, which makes it a little heavy. the tripod is very light,sturdy and durable. I've been using it for about 8 months, so far, no problems. It's been on several hiking trips in all types of weather. It's lighter than my monopod. I hope this helps you.

stevebrot · 05-06-2009, 07:25 PM

I almost forgot that I actually did a review of the AB1:

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/f...ro-ab-1-a.html

Steve

Entropy · 05-07-2009, 09:54 AM

I don't like the flip-lock style of that AB-1.

One other poster said he has the C-214, which is basically the next weight grade above the C-114, which is Indur's equivalent of my Benro C-158n6

Ratmagiclady · 05-07-2009, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by Entropy

I am about 90% certain that Induro and Benro's tripods are a match to some of the entries in the Amvona line (except the Amvonas seem to be the factory rejects that Induro and Benro won't take). Similarly, I think Adorama's Flashpoint series tripods match some of the Induro and Benro models as well.

I'd concur, there, ...I got a set of Amvona legs and an Arca-style ballhead, while trying to re-equip *everything* in a hurry: (The prices they ask these days just don't seem very competitive with just getting your Benro or Induro, though. They used to fill Ebay with auctions, a couple years back.) The ballhead is beautiful: just one of the knobs has a bit of not-so-well-fitting rubber grip. (I'm weeping.

) The legs came with some loose screws and nuts (And also weren't the color I won, but I wasn't willing to go longer without camera support when after turning a couple screwdrivers, I had good camera support. Still, I find their service kind of blows, despite the browser-crashingly-fancy site. Gave up trying after a while, getting more plates to fit the proprietary safety catch that I think is the same as Benro.

What I did was get one of Adorama's Flashpoint Arca plates and grind it out to fit the funny catch. (Since these are not the same, Flashpoint, as a rule is not the same as what Amvona sells, I'd think, unless as I suspect, Amvona has a hodgepodge of suppliers they put their name to, themselves. ) If I end up getting like an RRS plate or anything fancy, I can yank the proprietary safety catch (it's just a roll pin) or just install a better QR clamp on the same head and be more compatible.

Anyway, for the OP, "Light, steady and cheap" as requirements are one of those three way tradeoffs.

You may have two.

Usually, for me, it's 'light' that has to go. Some may just find it worth it to spend the extra money the first time.

One way to cover for it, though, if you must have the lightness to carry and can't afford the real good stuff, is to get one of those canvas bags you can string between the legs. You can get to your site and put rocks (or maybe your camera bag) in there or whatever, ...as long as the tripod ain't *too* cheaply made, that's a help.

stevebrot · 05-07-2009, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

...What I did was get one of Adorama's Flashpoint Arca plates and grind it out to fit the funny catch...

I had to grin when I read the above. Just last week I was sitting at the counter in my kitchen grinding away on a couple Smith-Victor Arca-Swiss style plates so that they will fit my Giottos clamp. At about $10 per plate, I was happy to expend the effort!

Steve

Ratmagiclady · 05-07-2009, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I had to grin when I read the above. Just last week I was sitting at the counter in my kitchen grinding away on a couple Smith-Victor Arca-Swiss style plates so that they will fit my Giottos clamp. At about $10 per plate, I was happy to expend the effort!

Steve

Dis is dat ratty magic.

(I know I'm always up on Adorama, but I can't particularly recommend those plates: whoever makes em, the screw threads were really not that well-made. Nothing wrong with the plates themselves, but someone hadn't sharpened the machine tools in a while, looks like. But, I was in the middle of nowhere and it was mostly only going to go on a bridge camera anyway.

)

Mind you, if you have decent screws that'll fit, or for whatever reason aren't worried, you can make those fit (and function) mostly with a straight file at the appropriate angle.

05-05-2009, 10:34 PM	#1
stl09 Site Supporter	Induro Tripods and Induro Ball Head Experience Hi, I'm hoping to find out from anyone that has had positive or negative experiences with Induro Products. I need to get a tripod for an upcoming trip. I would like to keep it under $200.00 for the complete package. My criteria is that it not be too heavy but still sturdy. It needs to hold a K200D with various lenses such as 80-320 lens. It needs to fold up to less than 20" if possible, first to fit in suitcase and then in a backpack while on day trips. I went to a local camera shop but got a bit overwhelmed with all the choices. I have also gone thru the threads here as well but did not see a lot mentioned on this brand. While at the local camera store this line stood out, seemed to get a lot of product for the money. Comes with a nice case plus a mini tool set to make adjustments. I was looking at the A013 tripod and the SA01 Series Ball Head. I also noticed that there was one brand that several had purchased off Amazon and to be honest it looks like a good deal as well. I think it was called Dolcia? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

05-06-2009, 07:25 PM	#6
stevebrot Pentaxian	I almost forgot that I actually did a review of the AB1: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/f...ro-ab-1-a.html Steve

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05-06-2009, 08:22 AM	#3
Entropy Veteran Member	I have a Benro tripod and ballhead, which, as far as I can tell, are the exact same design as some of Induro's tripods and ballheads, and probably come from the same factory. Mine is a Benro C-158n6, which matches with the Induro C114 exactly in all specifications and looks identical in all photos. I love my Benro, it's a wonderful tripod. I am about 90% certain that Induro and Benro's tripods are a match to some of the entries in the Amvona line (except the Amvonas seem to be the factory rejects that Induro and Benro won't take). Similarly, I think Adorama's Flashpoint series tripods match some of the Induro and Benro models as well. I think (based on price and reputation) that the Induro units have the strictest quality control standards, although the Benro has done very well for me. From what I've heard older Benros had a very bad reputation but their current generation (which mine is a member of) are vast improvements.

05-06-2009, 08:30 AM	#4
stevebrot Pentaxian	My daughter has the AB1 (courtesy of dad) and is pretty happy with it. It handles her K10D with Tamron 28-200 without any issues. The only complaint is that it is a three section unit and therefore a little longer than most travel tripods. It would have been nice if the short column had been included as well. Steve

05-06-2009, 05:31 PM	#5
stoge Forum Member	I have the Induro Cx214, I really like it. Although I'm using manfrotto grip action ball head on it, which makes it a little heavy. the tripod is very light,sturdy and durable. I've been using it for about 8 months, so far, no problems. It's been on several hiking trips in all types of weather. It's lighter than my monopod. I hope this helps you.

05-07-2009, 09:54 AM	#7
Entropy Veteran Member	I don't like the flip-lock style of that AB-1. One other poster said he has the C-214, which is basically the next weight grade above the C-114, which is Indur's equivalent of my Benro C-158n6

05-07-2009, 11:40 AM	#8
Ratmagiclady Pentaxian	Originally posted by Entropy I am about 90% certain that Induro and Benro's tripods are a match to some of the entries in the Amvona line (except the Amvonas seem to be the factory rejects that Induro and Benro won't take). Similarly, I think Adorama's Flashpoint series tripods match some of the Induro and Benro models as well. I'd concur, there, ...I got a set of Amvona legs and an Arca-style ballhead, while trying to re-equip everything in a hurry: (The prices they ask these days just don't seem very competitive with just getting your Benro or Induro, though. They used to fill Ebay with auctions, a couple years back.) The ballhead is beautiful: just one of the knobs has a bit of not-so-well-fitting rubber grip. (I'm weeping. ) The legs came with some loose screws and nuts (And also weren't the color I won, but I wasn't willing to go longer without camera support when after turning a couple screwdrivers, I had good camera support. Still, I find their service kind of blows, despite the browser-crashingly-fancy site. Gave up trying after a while, getting more plates to fit the proprietary safety catch that I think is the same as Benro. What I did was get one of Adorama's Flashpoint Arca plates and grind it out to fit the funny catch. (Since these are not the same, Flashpoint, as a rule is not the same as what Amvona sells, I'd think, unless as I suspect, Amvona has a hodgepodge of suppliers they put their name to, themselves. ) If I end up getting like an RRS plate or anything fancy, I can yank the proprietary safety catch (it's just a roll pin) or just install a better QR clamp on the same head and be more compatible. Anyway, for the OP, "Light, steady and cheap" as requirements are one of those three way tradeoffs. You may have two. Usually, for me, it's 'light' that has to go. Some may just find it worth it to spend the extra money the first time. One way to cover for it, though, if you must have the lightness to carry and can't afford the real good stuff, is to get one of those canvas bags you can string between the legs. You can get to your site and put rocks (or maybe your camera bag) in there or whatever, ...as long as the tripod ain't too cheaply made, that's a help.

05-07-2009, 01:44 PM	#9
stevebrot Pentaxian	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady ...What I did was get one of Adorama's Flashpoint Arca plates and grind it out to fit the funny catch... I had to grin when I read the above. Just last week I was sitting at the counter in my kitchen grinding away on a couple Smith-Victor Arca-Swiss style plates so that they will fit my Giottos clamp. At about $10 per plate, I was happy to expend the effort! Steve

05-07-2009, 01:59 PM	#10
Ratmagiclady Pentaxian	Originally posted by stevebrot I had to grin when I read the above. Just last week I was sitting at the counter in my kitchen grinding away on a couple Smith-Victor Arca-Swiss style plates so that they will fit my Giottos clamp. At about $10 per plate, I was happy to expend the effort! Steve Dis is dat ratty magic. (I know I'm always up on Adorama, but I can't particularly recommend those plates: whoever makes em, the screw threads were really not that well-made. Nothing wrong with the plates themselves, but someone hadn't sharpened the machine tools in a while, looks like. But, I was in the middle of nowhere and it was mostly only going to go on a bridge camera anyway. ) Mind you, if you have decent screws that'll fit, or for whatever reason aren't worried, you can make those fit (and function) mostly with a straight file at the appropriate angle.

05-06-2009, 02:42 AM	#2
Dom Guest	Me to.