Benbo Tripods - Any thoughts?

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vchaney

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I'm thinking of getting a Benbo tripod. I really like the flexibility but wanted to know if anyone had any experience of them.

I've got an E3, grip and prob 1kg of lens - So let's say 2.2kg in total. Is this stable at full extension?

Are they easily carried, they appear a bit heavier than other tripods but longer (2 section legs)?

Thanks for your help.
 
Definitely go and have a play with one if you've not yet. They are a real love or hate contraption but as you say, about the most flexible there is.

They are also very solid and dependable out in the wilds and you can certainly trust it as much as anything you could buy.
 
I used one sometime ago, and setting one up is somtimes described as like trying to fix your camera to a set of upsidedown bagpipes. But there is a definite knack to it, and when you've got it, they are very quick. Two sections legs are fast, too.

They are not for me, and since they remain a minority purchase I guess I'm not the only one, but some people think they're wonderful. Good for setting up on uneven terrain.
 
Fantastic the most versatile thing I own, except my wife, lol. ouch.
 
The name Benbo is derived from bent bolt which is the mechanism which releases all the legs in one go and makes it different to everything else. They actually nicked the idea from a bren gun mount which used the same mechanism.

There's a definite knack to using them, but they have to be one of the most adaptable tripods you can get. The portable smaller trekker versions are a bit awkward as like all Benbos, the legs when folded lie side by side.

The larger versions are real monsters. I have a batterd old Benbo2 which I think weighs about 9lbs without a head. It's about 4 feet long when collapsed, so not one you'd want to carry far, but it will support absolutely anything, and would probably make a good studio tripod with enormous height capability as well as the ability to get really low by spreading the legs.
 
Great for macro and landscapes, pain when using a big telephoto lens i have both a benbo original and a manfrotto.
Regards
Lost
 
If you need to get out and away from the legs, there's nothing much like them.
I have a uniloc major which operates in the same way as a benbo, its a complete meat head but bang on for studio and macro.
They're a little awkward to set up but versatility more than makes up for it.
 
Hi. Don't know where you are but if you are near or pass the Notts Derby area you are welcome to have mine for a while. THERE IS NO WAY I AM POSTING IT! My opinion is that if you need it's flexibility then it's a boon but if you don't then you are better off with conventional.
 
I have the Benbo Trekker.
I'm still undecided about it.
Setting it up can be a bit like wrestling an octopus, but it is as solid as a rock and the versatility is incredible.

If you are in the Sheffield/Rotherham area, drop me a PM. You are welcome to try mine ( I might even consider selling it).
 
Thanks guys. I'm travelling a lot at the moment and might take you up on the offer. I'll PM if I'm in the area.
 
I also had a Uniloc but sold it to buy a Benbo Trekker. I never did get around to buying one as I won a Giottos Tripod and head courtesy of Digital Photo magazine.
Still tempted to get the Trekker Compact though. Once you get the hang of using it, its great.
 
I'd echo the love/hate theory about Benbos. Speaking as one who took an instant and total dislike to the one I tried.
 
I too, have the Uniloc. Solid as a rock. The knack to setting them up is, hold the centre column, undo the lever and splay the legs:naughty: then do the lever up. You then extend the legs, et voila. The advantage of the uniloc over the benbo it the center colum has an adjustable angled section, much like a manfrotto magic arm. The colunm has screw threads on each end so the camera can be mounted virtually on the foor. You also get an allen key, that you use to remove the centre column, which then slots inside one of the legs, thus creating a monopod.
Man, i love mine:love:
I have heard it described as being a cross between a set of bagpipes and a stoned octopus.
Dean:)
 
Be careful not to overtighten the knobs on the legs on Benbo's I did and knackered mine (stripped thread in crappy plastic knobs) I tried contacting Patersons (Benbo) to buy replacements and got no help! they didn't even reply to emails so swapped it for a Gitzo.
They are very good at their job and yes its like wrestling a bagpipe but there are other makers producing similar tripods so check them all out before splashing the cash.
 
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