This looks like the MeFoto (by Benro), but much cheaper. However, I'm wary of buying from "knock-off" brands. So, is this as good as the MeFoto?

Newer makes stuff in all ranges of quality. I have stuff from them that has been fantastic,this being one of them and I wouldn’t call them a knock off co. Either. I’ve bought stuff that cost 3-4 less. So look at how often you need it and how you will use it. I’ve had this thing everywhere and watche my buddy struggle wit a high dollar one. I could buy 5 like mine for what he paid for his. You’ll see all kinds of stuff made by newer with different names on them. They are a rock solid company with super customer service and yeah, they make some inexpensive stuff for people who don’t have big bucks to buy the fancy crap so they can still reach it on a tight budget. I do a lot of Astro with this so some of my work requires heavy gear and this works great.

Does this allow for vertical photos? I am taking pictures of dresses

If you will be doing a lot of "portrait" format photography, like dresses, you really want to get an inexpensive L bracket like the 3 Legged Thing QR11-LG Universal L-Bracket. Then you can easily mount your camera in the verticle orientation on the tripod.

As a retired photographer I have a number of medium aluminum Bogen tripods..How does this compare

I don't have a Bogen although I know their rugged reputation. I have found the Neewer carbon fiber tripod to be very light weight, less than half the weight of my aluminum heavy duty tripod. I am in France now, using it with a Nikon d7100 and some fairly heavy telephoto lenses and it is rock steady. Very easy to use and set up. The quick lock camera mount and shoe are easy to use and has no play in it at all. Really like. Has a nice hard case cylinder with strap for carrying. One of the reasons I got it is that is very compact and fits in my luggage easily for traveling.

What kind of tripod mount ring do I need to buy and where in order to use a zoom lens with this tripod?

The tripod comes with a quick connect with a screw that will fit into the zoom lens. unless you have a different lens that does not have the screw hole in the scope. all the spotting scopes I have had had the quick connect screw. If it is just a zoom lens that mounts on the camera you will have to get a ring adapter. you can mount the camera on the tripod with the quick connect.

ASIN	B00NSEKEMO
Best Sellers Rank	#2,484 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #16 in Complete Tripod Units
Brand	NEEWER
Built-In Media	Tripod(with ball head),Carry Bag
Color	Black
Colour	Black
Compatible Devices	Camera
Compatible devices	Camera
Country of Origin	China
Customer Reviews	4.5 out of 5 stars 2,878 Reviews
Features	Adjustable, Portable
Folded Size	22.6 inches
Global Trade Identification Number	00803201193928
Head Type	Ball Heads
Item Length	172 Centimeters
Item Weight	1.6 Kilograms
Item height	0.08 centimeters
Item weight	1.6 Kilograms
Manufacturer	NEEWER
Material	Carbon Fiber
Material Type	Carbon Fiber
Maximum Height	172 Centimeters
Minimum Height	57 Centimeters
Model Name	Neewer
Model Number	10081590@@##1
Number of leg sections	4
Special features	Adjustable, Portable
UPC	803201193928
Warranty Description	1 year
Weight Limit	12 Kilograms

Neewer Carbon Fiber 66 inches/168 centimeters Camera Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head,1/4 inch Quick Shoe Plate,Bag for DSLR Camera,Video Camcorder,Load up to 26.5 pounds/12 kilograms

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