Astrophotography requires a sturdy, reliable tripod to keep your camera steady enough to capture sharp images. Most tripods are fine for the job, but different tripods have different strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll want to find the best tripods that can handle vibrations from movement or wind without affecting your final image, and can carry the payloads to support the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Benro is known for making high quality tripods, albeit at a premium price. We loved the Rhino and Tortoise when we reviewed them earlier this year, and now we’ve managed to get our hands on the Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3 tripod for testing.
We’ll look at its design, performance and functionality to determine if it’s worth your money. If you think it doesn’t meet your needs, read on as we offer some alternatives at the bottom of the page.
Test report for the Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3 tripod
Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3: Design
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- Larger and bulkier than other models
- Incredibly well built with high quality components
- Stylish blue accents
The Mach3 features the same high-quality design we know and expect from Benro, with 9-ply carbon fiber construction, an attractive diamond pattern, and extremely well-made components. The Mach3 is the most luxurious Benro tripod we have used to date, and we were very impressed with how well it was built.
We especially like the bright blue accents, and the soft foam grip makes it comfortable and easy to carry. It’s available with rubber or studded feet that you can swap out depending on the terrain you’re shooting on.
Specifications
Weight: 4.08 pounds / 1.85 kg
Length folded: 24.6 inches / 62.5 cm
Maximum height (with center column extended: 63.58 inches / 161.5 cm
Maximum payload: 35.3 lbs / 16 kg
Leg parts: Three or four, depending on the model
Material: Carbon fiber
The most noticeable thing we noticed, especially when compared to the other Benro models we’ve tested, was its size and weight. It’s considerably larger and bulkier than expected, which has pros and cons depending on how you’re going to use it. The extra weight provides stability in windy weather, which is always a plus, but compared to the Rhino and Tortoise, it was noticeably heavier. We wouldn’t say it’s “back-breakingly” heavy, but it might be a bit of a nuisance if you plan on hiking to remote, dark-sky locations to do astrophotography. That said, if your chosen shooting location isn’t far from your car or a trail, there’s no problem.
Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3: Performance
- The large payload is ideal for long lenses
- Easy to assemble and disassemble in the dark
- Large, comfortable twist locks protect cold hands
It can support payloads of up to 16kg, which is great if you’re using longer lenses for deep-sky astrophotography or want to attach one of the best star trackers to it. We also found that the legs are much thicker than the Rhino, especially the lower leg sections. With thinner legs, the tripod can sometimes flex when fully extended, and you may see a slight bend in the lower leg sections. This design difference between the two makes the Mach3 seem much more stable with heavier gear, although on paper the Rhino actually has a slightly higher maximum payload capacity.
The Mach3 also features large, comfortable rubber twist locks that are not only easy to grip when setting up and putting down the tripod, but are also much easier on the hands if you’re using the tripod outside in the cold – sometimes the components can feel quite rough on the hands when they get cold (something we noticed with the Rhino and Tortoise). Combined with the fact that the tripod is a standard configuration (i.e. doesn’t fold backwards), it’s incredibly easy to set up and take down in the dark – all you have to do is attach your camera, extend the legs, and you’re good to go.
Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3: Functionality
- It comes with a padded carrying case
- No monopod conversion necessary
- Available with 3 or 4 sections
It comes with a padded carry case, with an interior in blue to match the tripod, and zipped pockets on the outside for storing the extra feet and other accessories. It has two small handles and D-rings for attaching a long shoulder strap – we found it comfortable to carry and because the handles were in the middle, the weight distribution was very balanced.
One thing we’d like to see is a monopod conversion, which the Mach3 Series 2 offers. It adds a level of versatility, allowing for shooting styles that are more difficult with a tripod, like sports and wildlife photography. However, if you’re only using the Mach3 for astrophotography, you don’t need a monopod anyway.
It’s available with three or four leg sections, with the four section model currently out of stock – it’s estimated to be back in stock in June. The four section model is more expensive, but also taller (and therefore a little heavier), so if height is important to you, you might want to wait until this model is back in stock.
Should you buy the Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3?
Buy it if:
✅ To make it last a long time: Benro is known for producing high-quality equipment that lasts for many years.
✅ You photograph a variety of subjects: The Mach3 is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and can handle large payloads.
Do not buy it if:
❌ You want something that is easy to transport: It is not within their reach and therefore would not be the best option for frequent travel.
❌ You have a limited budget: High quality comes at a high cost – there are cheaper options for beginners or anyone on a budget.
The Benro Mach3 isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for your next tripod and want something sturdy, durable, reliable, high quality, and easy to use, the Benro Mach3 is for you. Due to its weight and size, it may not be suitable for users who only do astrophotography. The same goes for users who travel a lot and want something lightweight and easy to transport. But for most general uses, both indoors and outdoors, it’s fantastic.
Cost is also something to consider. It’s not a cheap tripod no matter how you look at it, especially since you have to buy the head separately. So it’s better suited to professionals or enthusiasts who have outgrown their beginner tripod and want to invest in something better that will last them a long time.
If you think the Benro Mach3 isn’t right for you and your needs, check out some alternatives below.
If the Benro Mach3 9X CF Series 3 is not for you
We noticed two main things about the Benro Mach3: size/weight and price. If you travel a lot and want something light and compact that you can attach to your camera backpack or pack in your carry-on, we think the Benro Rhino or Benro Tortoise are much better. The Rhino is their “official” travel tripod and is very versatile, folding up small thanks to its reverse folding design and can handle anything you throw at it. The Tortoise is a little longer (though you can easily unscrew the head if you need to pack it in your luggage), more compact as it doesn’t have a center column, and it’s lighter.
If you’re a beginner, it makes sense to start with a cheaper tripod to find out what features you like in a tripod before investing in a more expensive one. If the price of the Mach3 makes you cry, check out the Manfrotto Element MII. We found it to be a great tripod for beginners, and while it can’t beat the Mach3 in terms of quality, we still think it’s a good option.
For more options, check out our guide to the best tripods for our most popular models on the market, and our guide to the best travel tripods for some great lightweight options.
