Benbo Trekker advice

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Call Me Andy

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Hi,

I'm just getting started and as I like close up photos someone suggested a Benbo Trekker. I've bought one off ebay but am a little concerned about it slipping when the legs are splayed. I've not got a head yet so was just hanging my camera bag off the hook. I've only got a 1000d with the kit lens so it's not a huge weight.
Do I just need to really tighten the bolt or is this example sub par? If so I plan to return it and reconsider my options.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum :)

I've had a Benbo Trakker for years and never had any problems with the legs splaying wider. The Benbo isn't the most stable of tripods, but it's versatility soon makes up for it. I have heard that the main joint can be over tightened, which can damage the special curved bolt, but you should be able to "nip it up" tight enough to make it stable without over tightening it.

Hope this helps
 
malla1962 said:
I had one years ago and hated the thing, it was a pain to set up and not very stable.
Click to expand...

I have much the same memories from my brief encounter with one before it went on ebay.........make sure you always carry a plastic bag with you so that you can fill it with rocks and hang it from the hook to counter balance the camera.
 
I had one too and got very angry with it. It was a nightmare to set up. I sold it and bought a slim pro which has been fine for 5/6 years.
 
Ha Ha!!
The old octopus wrestling:lol::lol:

I used to have one. Very versatile, but an absolute PITA to use.
 
Thanks,

I think it may just be me being a bit concerned with tightening it up. I was aware of the love hate thing going on with the robotic octopus.
My hands aren't very steady and in the past I've wanted to take close up shots of things at odd angles so thought it would be a good option. My other though was if I bought second hand I wouldn't loose too much money if I sold it on.

I'll look out for a head to go with it.
 
Good God you lot are wimps :lol:

I have no issues at all with my Benbo and I don't understand these comments about drunken Octopi and instability. I have the additional centre column bracket so maybe that helps with the handling issues and I find mine to be easily more stable than my previous Manfrotto 055 which frustrated me no end as I just couldn't get the shots I wanted with it.

OP, maybe look into the possibility of getting a centre bracket and apart from that I think that all that the Benbo needs is maybe a little practice.
 
Best support I got for non standard setup, get the head in any position you will love or hate this but i love it.
 
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