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Photography industry veteran Benro has launched a kickstarter campaign for their new Benro Theta “Intelligent Modular Travel Tripod”, and it has some very unique features.
Their Arca-swiss compatible tripod has a built-in auto-levelling function — you press a button, and the legs will automatically adjust to level the tripod, using a built-in motor and gyroscope. They were able to accomplish this without sacrificing size and weight: their smaller tripod weighs in at just 2.7 pounds.
In order to access the auto-levelling function you’ll have to purchase and attach an optional detachable battery ($30). It is designed this way as the tripod (without battery) can be fully placed into water. There are other optional camera-control or optical sensor modules that can be added, using the same battery!
Check out the Benro Theta kickstarter campaign — pledges with tripod rewards begin at $349 (a $250 savings from the $599 MSRP of the tripod).
As with all Kickstarter campaigns, there is always a risk that creators will not be able to fulfill the rewards of the pledge. The company behind this campaign is well-known in the photography accessories industry, so the risk is lower (but never zero). Pledge at your own risk!
For those who are worried about the authenticity of the campaign, Benro is prominently featuring the Kickstarter campaign on the Benro USA website.