The Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3 tripod is part of Benro’s most advanced tripod line yet, and in this review, we put it through its paces to see how it stacks up against the competition. Benro is known for creating stunning, high-quality tripods, and the Mach3 lives up to that reputation. It sits comfortably in the higher mid-range price bracket, making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts with a bit more to spend. This tripod is adaptable enough for both indoor and outdoor shoots, accommodating a variety of photographic styles. Its strength and reliability make it perfect for capturing breathtaking night sky images with a top-notch astrophotography camera or getting low to the ground for stunning wildlife and nature shots with a high-quality wildlife camera.
The first thing that struck us when we unpacked the Benro Mach3 was its size. It’s noticeably larger than other Benro tripods we’ve tested. Our initial impression was that it felt substantial. Having previously reviewed the Benro Rhino and Benro Tortoise, we can say the Mach3 is significantly larger than those two, even without a head attached. It’s clear that this tripod is designed for studio photographers and anyone who needs unwavering stability and durability.
The Benro Mach3 not only pleases the eye but also feels incredibly luxurious to the touch. Its smooth carbon fiber legs exude strength and stability, while the large, comfortable twist leg locks and soft foam grip make it easy to carry for extended periods. Simply put, the Mach3 oozes luxury and class, and we believe it’s one of the finest Benro tripods to date.
The Mach3 arrives in a well-padded carry bag with convenient pockets and includes interchangeable spiky feet. You can choose between the three-section leg or a longer four-section option. The four-section version, while offering an extra 15.5cm in height when fully extended, comes with a $65 price premium, is a few centimeters longer when folded, and weighs 200g more. For this review, we tested the three-section legs.
To test its sturdiness, we set up the tripod at its full height in our garden, braving winds of 15 mph with gusts reaching 33 mph – not a full-blown storm, but still quite windy. Despite our confidence in its stability, we took no chances and opted for a 1.5 kg dumbbell in a bag, hanging it from the counterweight hook instead of a camera. While the weighted bag swung quite a bit in the wind, the tripod itself remained unmoved.
The Mach3 boasts a generous 35.3 lbs / 16 kg payload capacity, more than enough for most photographers and even accommodating more professional camera setups. We noticed the legs are significantly thicker than those on other Benro models we’ve reviewed, contributing to its stability at higher payloads. Typically, the lower leg sections are thinner, which can cause the tripod to dip slightly when fully extended. We also found it incredibly easy to set up and take down, even in the dark, making it ideal for astrophotography. While it lacks the reverse folding design of the Rhino, simply separating the legs, extending them by twisting the locks, and you’re good to go. We also appreciated the conveniently placed bubble level on the tripod itself. One issue we encountered with the bubble level being on the tripod head was that the camera tended to obscure it once attached.
While the Mach3 doesn’t offer monopod functionality, which would have been a welcome addition and added versatility, it’s not a deal-breaker. The central column provides extra height for shooting at up to 63.58 inches (161.5 cm) – keep in mind that’s without a head attached, which will add a few more inches. It can also be reversed for low-angle shots, a valuable feature for wildlife and nature photography. The legs can be positioned at any angle thanks to the simple leg-locking mechanisms, splaying out to almost 90 degrees. It did come with a smaller attachment that seemed intended to swap out with the center column for lower-angle shooting, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get it to fit despite our best efforts. However, even with the main center column, you can still get pretty low to the ground.
Should you buy the Benro Mach3? Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
*
Sturdiness:
It handles heavy equipment with its high payload capacity and holds its own in windy conditions.*
Long-Term Investment:
If you can afford a Benro tripod, it’s a purchase that will serve you well for years to come. They’re built to last.Cons:
*
Travel:
There are other Benro tripods that are lighter and more compact, making them better options for travel.*
Beginner Photographers:
Beginners might find the Mach3 to be overkill and would be better served with a more affordable option.Photographers seeking a durable, sturdy tripod that will last a long time will find the Benro Mach3 to be a top contender. It combines advanced design with classic materials, making it part of the company’s most advanced line yet, suitable for both indoor and outdoor shoots across a variety of photographic styles. However, it does come with a price to match. At the time of writing, the version with three-section legs costs just under $400, while the four-section version sits around $450 – and that’s without a head attachment.
If you can afford it, we believe it’s worth the investment. That being said, if you’re a photographer who travels frequently and needs something small and lightweight to fit in your carry-on or suitcase, this might not be the best choice. It has a relatively large footprint when folded, both in width and length. If you’re searching for a more travel-friendly option, we’ve listed some alternatives below.
Alternatives to the Benro Mach3:
If you’re interested in a Benro tripod but the Mach3 isn’t the perfect fit, consider the Benro Rhino. We reviewed it on our sister site, and it’s smaller and more compact than the Mach 3 thanks to its reverse folding design, making it a better choice for photographers who like to travel with their tripod. It also boasts monopod conversion for added versatility and a slightly higher payload. The Tortoise is another great travel option, folding up much thinner thanks to its lack of a central column.
For beginners or budget-conscious photographers, the Mach3 is likely overkill. The Manfrotto Element MII is a solid alternative. It’s constructed from aluminum rather than carbon fiber but is still lighter than the Benro Mach3. While you’ll certainly notice a difference in quality when comparing the two, the Manfrotto Element MII is a fantastic tripod for the price.
