Benbo 2 Tripod Legs

[psychonaut]

at first 101" maximum height seemed a bit excessive LOL. but after i ran some calcuations it will only be about 64" without center column extended ... so at the height at which it will be most often used ( probably 60" to 70" or so ) it should offer much greater stability than normal sized tripods. the weight of 8.3 lbs is high but doable. the two things i dont like is 45" folded length and 1/4" head mounting screw.

anybody has any opinion about this beast ?

[Scottes]

I've heard that many very tall people find that this tripod is one of the few they can use. It is an excellent design - extremely versatile. However I've also heard complaints about the leg locking mechanism failing on these - but this was a while ago so you might want to double-check that. The independent locking of each leg at any angle is nice. The bottom leg is sealed so you can stand it in water without issue.

All in all a very nice tripod, and you pay for it. Superb for macro stuff because of it's flexibility. But I'd check more into the leg lock issue to see if it's still an issue.

Personally I'd love one, but I would want to compare it to a Gitzo G-2220 before I'd just buy it.

[psychonaut]

Gitzo (without the head) is 11 inches shorter than the person who this is for.

how could i check on that leg lock mechanism failing thing ?

[Scottes]

11 inches is a big difference. I didn't realize that the G2220 was that short.

I would check the web in general. Google for "benbo lock" and search dpreview.com and fredmiranda.com. I remember seeing mention of this problem almost a year ago so it's quite possible they've fixed it. You might even try emailing Benbo and asking if they've fixed it. If they say they;ve never had a problem then I'd be a little leery.

[neil_r]

I have used a Benbo II for years, Posted a pic of it here once and gave everyone a laugh, (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38831) however (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38831)however) this tripod is stable and rock solid. This pic was a 21 second exposure and not a trace of movement.

PS I am 6'6" (2Mtrs) tall

http://www.neil-rice.com/gallery/photo/large/newcastle_28_7_04_0065a.jpg

N

[Scottes]

I remember that pic! That is quite the tripod.

Ever hear of a problem with the leg locks, Neil? I know I've seen mention of it but that was some time ago. Without further validation I kind of hate to keep mentioning it.

[neil_r]

Ever hear of a problem with the leg locks,
I have never had a problem with the Benbo II (it really is solid) however I used to use a Benbo Trekker and that had serious problems with the leg locks so much so I lost trust it an binned it for a Manfrotto 190 PRO B.

The Benbo II is not a tripod you want to walk too far with, but if you are not going too far from your car, or are in the studio it is a fabulous bit of kit.

N

[psychonaut]

Neil, the person in question is 6'3" 140 lbs, does not own a car. would you recommend Benbo 2 to such a person ? My first choice (due to both cost and portability) so far is Manfrotto 3021BPRO and Benbo 2 is the second. But Benbo is the more capable tripod ...

?

also how do you carry it. a 45" bag is $52 @ B&H ... ouch :)

[neil_r]

Neil, the person in question is 6'3" 140 lbs, does not own a car. would you recommend Benbo 2 to such a person ? Not really, The legs are only two sections, this makes it very long even when collapsed. It is also very heavy (there is a very strange effect, in that it puts on weight the further you carry it :confused: ).

It is a great tripod but it is not portable and if you are in any sort of a crowd or confined space it can be dangerous.


also how do you carry it. a 45" bag is $52 @ B&H ... ouch :)It came with a canvas padded bag with both hand and shoulder straps and a very attractive Benbo logo.

Good luck

N

[Scottes]

I...however I used to use a Benbo Trekker and that had serious problems with the leg locks...
That must have been where I heard about it. Thanks.

[psychonaut]

thanx everybody.