New Rhino tripods combine portability and performance and represent "the very best of Benro precision-engineering"
(Image credit: Benro)
It's no secret that we've been fans of Benro's recent tripods, with the GoPlus Travel FGP18A 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.
All Rhino tripods feature three mounting points for fitting accessory arms (Image credit: Benro)
The extendable centre column can also be reversed so it can hang downwards for low-angle shooting (Image credit: Benro)
A signature Benro feature, the tripod legs close around the head, creating the shortest possible folded length. (Image credit: Benro)
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.
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.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
