Benro A-157M8 Mg-Aluminium M8 Tripod Supports 13.2 lbs with Quick Release, 3-Leg Sections and Magnesium Die-Casting

by Benro

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001XCWLPG
• Item model number: A-157M8
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 1, 2009

Product Description

Compared with Benro Generation ll A-series n6 Tripod, the main components of the M8 Tripod introduces Magnesium material which is 30% lighter yet offer superior stability and unti-vibration capacity. The legs use improved 1.2mm thick aluminum tubing and are integrated into a design which maximizes their strength. Magnesium is used to complete the tripod for a result that's 20% lighter you'll appreciate it when working in the field. Benro Mg-Aluminium M8 A-157m8 tripods features individual leg angle adjustments, Magnesium Die-Casting ,a reversible center column with spring loaded weight hook, foam leg grips, anti dust and moisture rubber leg lock grips, reversible 1/4-20 to 3/8" mounting threads, a bubble level, and mounting set screws. • Improved dust- and rubber-resistant leg lock design prevents dust or moisture from entering the interior of the leg twist-locks. • Magnesium Die-Casting • Top-leg diameter of 24mm. • Three leg-angle settings (24,55 & 80°). • The three set screws in the camera platform can be used to permanently secure the head to the tripod, providing additional security. • Rubber leg tips provide a secure grip both indoors and outdoors. • The retractable spring-loaded hook can be used to add stability with a sand bag or equipment bag.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High Quality Good Features., January 16, 2010

By 

Klaus - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Benro A-157M8 Mg-Aluminium M8 Tripod Supports 13.2 lbs with Quick Release, 3-Leg Sections and Magnesium Die-Casting (Electronics)

The Benro A-157M8 Tripod is part of the A-x57M8 series of Benro Aluminum-Magnesium 3-Leg section tripods rated for up to 13.2 pounds. At this price point the A-157M8 is positioned one or probably two steps above the toy tripods found at Best Buy priced from $50 - $100.

The fit and finish is excellent. Mechanical movement is precise, snug, and yet smooth. The tripod includes useful features such as bubble level, compass, and ballast hook at bottom of center post. The screw stud for mounting the tripod head can be reversed to accept either 1/4" or 3/8" tripod heads. The legs can be locked at angles 24, 55, and 80 degrees.

A good quality tripod case is also included. The padded semi-hard case is vinyl exterior with nylon interior liner. It has a handle as well as detachable shoulder strap. The case is about 5" inches longer than the collapsed tripod to leave room for a tripod head. Also included are two allen wrenches for the head retaining screws and adjusting of leg angle tension. There is a third wrench included for reversing the head mounting screw stud. Contrary to the information on the Benro website, spiked feet are not included.

Fully collapsed the tripod is about 22.4" inches. With maximum leg extension and column height it is about 58" tall. Adding 5 to 8 inches for tripod head and camera, it can probably work for someone up to 6 feet tall without stooping. Weight is 3.2 pounds. People wanting something that folds up shorter than 22" for travel should look at the A-x58M8 series with 4-Leg sections, or the travel angel series.

Please ignore reviewers who complain they don't know how to mount their camera on a tripod legs.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some additional useful comments on the Benro A-157M8..., January 19, 2010

By 

wirelessguy "wirelessguy" (NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Benro A-157M8 Mg-Aluminium M8 Tripod Supports 13.2 lbs with Quick Release, 3-Leg Sections and Magnesium Die-Casting (Electronics)

Much has been covered by other comments so I won't re-hash everything here.

While I like the Tripod I have no clue why the listing mentions 'Quick Release'. The legs are screw locks, so that's not quick.
I had hoped that perhaps the tripod top had some sort of mounting plate that could release but that's not the case.

The Tripod arrived with the wide screw mount, which usually acts as an adapter to various ball heads - sold separatley (I have a manfrotto 3229 which fit nicely).

I don't remember seeing any details in the small instruction manual that was in the box, so it wasn't until I read a review here that I realized the entire screw and nut can be removed and flipped over. The other side has a smaller diameter screw that mounts directly to the camera (you'll lose ability to 'tilt' if you chose this option and forgo the ball head though. NOTE: I did not see it originally, but the case has a hidden pocket inside with a wench and allen key set as well as a manual.

The Tripod is well built and rigid. I do like the liquid level and small compass. The shaft height does affect the lower limit height with the legs spread out. It would have been nice to see that shaft come in two sections so that the head would have been self supported.
(Min height without ball head - 13in. & with my ball head it's: 15 1/2 in). The manual says that you can remove the shaft and insert it bottom-up. This will allow you to get your camera very close to the ground while shooting but I'm not a big fan of using my camera in upside down mode.

All in all, this is a solid unit and well worth the price compared to others out there in the marketplace with similar specs.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lightweight, 3/8 and 1/4, but TRIPOD only, February 5, 2010

By 

HMMWV "God, Country, Corps" (santa clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Benro A-157M8 Mg-Aluminium M8 Tripod Supports 13.2 lbs with Quick Release, 3-Leg Sections and Magnesium Die-Casting (Electronics)

This is a carbon fiber reinforced lightweight tripod ONLY. The head is reversable from 1/4 " standard mount to 3/8" mount for fluid heads, and for microphones (stereo bars and reach bars are often 3/8" mount which I have used with my Benro).

Included with the lightweight camera are

1 - a nice protective cary case - very well made.
2 - a shoulder strap for carrying the tripod only
3 - a precision bubble level on the leg assembly to get things setup
4 - a magnetic compass for repeatability also in the leg assembly
5 - an adjustable center post to fine tune your height after leg extension.

If you want a lightweight sturdy adjustable tripod that can do many functions (still, audio, video) this is a high quality system. The choice of heads is left up to you - pick what you need for sound, still, video, or even weather (I use this often with my kestrel portable weather station Kestrel Rotating Vane Mount to give me enough height for accurate wind readings)

Once setup and leveled out it is rock sturdy with no vibrations. I find it amazing that a material so light can be so strong. I have used it with everything from a bogen 503 fluid head to a temporary antenna for my spectrum analyzer.

Pros: Complete, lightweight, solution with compass and bubble level. Very strong.
Cons: Does not come with a head so it will work for level pictures only until you select and add an appropriate head such as the 503.

The light weight will be appreciated by anyone who lugs camera gear around all day!