Which Benbo tripod ? (1 Viewer)

[tuftyhill]

I'm looking at the Benbo range of tripods for some low-level work and macro, can anyone recommend which model.
I've looked around for new and 2nd hand and there are a few different models ie Mk1, Mk2, trekker, mini-trekker.
Can anyone who has experience with these tripods maybe give me some pointers as to which model is the best, even older models that I could pick up 2nd hand
Regards

 

[Claymore]

I'm looking at the Benbo range of tripods for some low-level work and macro, can anyone recommend which model.
I've looked around for new and 2nd hand and there are a few different models ie Mk1, Mk2, trekker, mini-trekker.
Can anyone who has experience with these tripods maybe give me some pointers as to which model is the best, even older models that I could pick up 2nd hand
Regards

I have a Benbo Trekker mk1 for macro work and its a great piece of kit once you get used to wrestling with it LoL very well made too
Cheers
Brian

 

[iveljay]

The standard Benbo 1 is the most generally useful as it is more rigid than the more lightweight versions on full extension, the really big ones - I have the UNILOC equivalent to the Benbo 2 are really superb for really tricky macros, hafway over a wall for instance.

The lighter weight trecker is not used by me for mainstream macro but as a rough terrain tripod when I need to walk a long way. Its amazing how being able to have 2 legs going down and one going up really comes in useful in ditches etc.

Picking the right head is quite important with these beasts and I have several depending on where I am trying to reach.

They are pretty well indestructible, and operable under really foul conditions, Heather Angel used to use them on polar bears etc, I believe.

Remember they are heavy, a bit inclined to fight back and if you casually unlock the legs your camera will also tend to head straight down. That said they are definitely my favourite tripods.

I assume that you have tried using a more conventional tripod - there are versions of the Manfrotto 055 series, amongst others, which are a bit less adaptable but will allow much of what you say you want to do - and that you may find far easier to use?

Whatever you choose good luck

 

[Geoff Brown]

I have found that Benbo are well built but the devil to set up easily. If it is close up macro work that you intend to do then I have found that a "gorilla" pod is easier to use.

 

[Duke Leto]

I have a benbo Mk1, actually had it for over 20 years its superb but,
its heavy, the knobs and levers make carrying it a little awkward at times on the plus side you got so much variability and it does offer a very stable base.
I regard it as a semi-specialist tripod, not one for big lenses but at home in a studio or equally knee deep in a river.

 

[tuftyhill]

Many thanks for the replies, I've never actually used a Benbo but I must admit they do look awkward to set up, there again I suppose once used to they are probably no problem. I currently use a Gitzo 1227, it's a great tripod for birding but the centre column won't allow ground level work plus the head is only for panning and tilting, therefore I can't switch to 'portrait'. I have heard you can buy a 'ground-level' column but I would still need to buy a new head, which probably wouldn't do for birding. That's why I would prefer to buy a separate tripod kit that can be used for low-level work.
Thanks again