[Yes] This tripod is strong and light. It's sturdy enough for me to use with a star tracker. Very happy with it.

[8.45 lb] This is so light, i am not killing myself when walking around with the 4x5. Super purchase.

[3/8"-16 Male] This tripod is a beast. It checks off all of my wants and meets all of my needs. I can’t get over the quality and features for the price. I have been using my friends Pro Media Gear 57” tripod, which I absolutely love, but when I saw this come out and with a few more inches of height and the fact that it is a bowl and even comes with a leveling center plate, I had to give it a try. Also to add, it’s one third the price. Now I get that the PMG is made in the USA and that it is truly premium grade, but after using the mammoth for just a short while, I have found myself liking it better. I’m not writing this to bash on others or steer anyone away from the PMG, I’m just saying, this thing competes with the big boys and in some regards I think it even exceeds. At this price, it could get you in the game much sooner instead of saving up for the high end gems. Who knows, you may get it with the expectation to upgrade later and end up falling in love with it. Because of the price, I was able to pair it with a RRS 55 ball head at the same time. Definitely not looking back.

[Twist Lock] I have the 4 section, TMTH34C model which has a weight limit of 39.7 lbs and 75mm bowl. Everything about this tripod exudes quality and it is very stable. Without the included ball (which is all metal) and handle, it weighs only 3lbs 10oz. I have other Benro aluminum tripods that have been great, but Benro has taken a step up with the Mammoth line. The bowl, the leg locks/hardware and carbon fiber legs all have a premium look and feel. Even the included bag is upscale, they have changed to black for the bag from their traditional blue, all bag fittings are metal, it has enough space to carry both the tripod and my BV6 fluid head fully assembled. The only thing I am left wanting is a bubble level for rough leveling before adjusting the head (the BV6 has a lit bubble level).

[Yes] Very stable platform for long lens bird shots. Well built. A bit heavier than I thought it would be, but manageable. Love the height. So far very happy with the purchase.

[Carbon Fiber] Substantial tripod with well designed ergonomics. I was hoping that the wildlife head would provide the same functionality as my Wimberley head but at first blush, it is not an exact replacement. The head is wonderful for video and locks easily for stills. Panning for slower moving subjects is a breeze. For faster, erratic moving subjects, the least resistance in the fluid head may provide too much resistance for these types of subjects. I've not had the tripod/head long enough to fully validate my previous statement but I suspect there will be instances where a gimbal head would be easier to use. For most of my needs, the tripod/head is perfect - I sold my Wimberley.

[Carbon Fiber] If your camera/lens combo is under 10lb, and you don't mind bending down a bit, this is an ideal travel tripod.
I own the entire lineup of Syan Bird tripods, and I just LOVE THEM.

[3/8"-16 Male] Simply put this tripod is extremely well built. Very light and versatile. Comes with a built in leveling head. Very smooth leg operation. The leg twist-locks work very well. Fit and finish is second to none! I should also note that the tripod comes with a very nice carrying case and spiked feet. I have used RRS in the past and I gotta say this Benro tripod exceeds any RRS tripod I have used...at a fraction of the cost!

[Twist Lock] I finally upgraded my tripod and I am loving the benro tortoise. It’s the perfect hight with no center post. The adjustable head mount allows for quick leveling. The tripod is surprisingly sturdy for how light it is and the hook is useful for added weight but not always needed. Very well built!

[8.45 lb] This is my first carbon fiber tripod and I love it.
Bought it for my upcoming November trip to the Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska. This tripod is well built, I highly recommend it. I purchased the Benro Gh2 Gimbal at the same time. This tripod will also fit in my carry on bag (on an angle) for when I fly. The included tripod bag is a very nice bag though and it is padded and holds the tripod very secure.