The Benro S series video tripods are innovative: on top of the basic front-rear tilting and 360˚ panning abilities, the tripod has a LEVELING CENTER COLUMN which allows user to level the tripod head effortlessly, even in uneven terrains, like the following photo (you could see that the tripod and center column are heavily inclined, but the video head and the camcorder are still in level position):
From the viewpoint of photography, the leveling function may not be very attractive, as it can simply be achieved by a ball head. But for video shooting, it’s another story, the leveling center column really helps. Because most of the video heads (I mean amateur or consumer levels) usually only get the tilting and panning abilities, but not the leveling function. Therefore, the leveling center column greatly helps video shooters in uneven grounds.
Besides, other than the video head, the center column can also work with other kind of heads for different usages, for example Panorama Shooting. We will demonstrate how it works in the coming section.
Where to buy?
eBay US Store / eBay UK Store / eBay AU Store
In this review section, we use A1573FS2 (the smallest model in the series) for demonstration.
Folded
Folded, Video Head was detached.
Extended
Extended, and center column is extended too.
Leveling Center Column, able for 15 degrees pivoting.
Inclined to one side
Inclined to another side
Center Column can be detached from the tripod body
Camcorder and video head are in level position,
Camcorder and video head are in level position,
Structure of the S2 Video Head
Structure of the S2 Video Head
Back view of Video Head
Close up of QR plate
With Bubble Level
QR plate is detached
Close up of QR system
Screw is detachable from QR plate,
Base Screw Diameter is 3/8″
(PC0 is purchased separately, it’s not included in the tripod package.)
PC0 top view, the bubble level on the clamp is important for leveling.
PC0 bottom view
PC0 is mounted onto the Leveling Center Column
Demo, a DSLR is mounted on the tripod.
The PC0 panorama head is in level position,
The DSLR and panorama head are in level position,
The DSLR and panorama head are in level position,
Angel Adjuster, 3 angles selection.
Medium Angle
Lowest Angle
Flip Lock
Flip Lock
Interchangeable Feet:
Rubber feet for flat surface Steel; Spiked feet for rocky, muddy, sandy surfaces
Steel Spiked feet for rocky, muddy, sandy surfaces
Tripod bag
The leveling center column is a breakthrough of video tripods. It levels the video gear conveniently, especially in uneven terrains. The leveling ability of the column also works seamlessly with other kind of heads, such as panorama clamps, for both normal shooting or panorama shooting. Please visit our online stores for the video tripods if you are interested in them.
Where to buy?
Hinno Photo Gear 