Anyone use a benbo tripod?

[Pelao]

Hi
I am beginning to shop for a new tripod. The benbo Trekker II looks interesting.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=BETK&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=4822
(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=BETK&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=4822)
Does anyone use benbo, or better yet this one? Opinions?

Thanks in advance.

[malla1962]

just sold mine on ebay.it was a verry good tripod but i found it to be a bit of a pain to set up.now i have the manfrotto 055 pro and find it better.just my opinion.

[Pelao]

Thanks for posting - it is opinions I am seeking!

I have read a few folks complaining about the set up, and others who say once you get the hang it easy.

[malla1962]

seting up is not hard it is just time consuming,anything the bembo can do my 055 can do just as well in a fraction of the time and the 055 is much more sturdy.the 055 in the usa is
known as the 3021.http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=140&sort=7&cat=32&page=1

[malla1962]

the bembo is 1.6LB lighter if weight is a problem.

[neil_r]

I have used Benbo tripods for many years. I recently stopped using the Trekker as it was not as stable (it is a bit light) and a bit more cumbersome (2 section legs that are quite long) as the Manfrotto 190PROB that I replaced it with. The Manfrotto also attaches to my bag better. I also have a Benbo II tripod which is HUGE. This is a fabulous tripod, rock solid and stable, however not very transportable.

N

[jabtas]

I have a Benbo 1 that I bought of ebay I also have a Manfrotto 484 RC2 ballhead fitted and have had no issues at all with the set-up.

One day last week I actualy waded out into a small stream and had two legs of the Benbo standing in 4-5 inches of water while the third was resting on a large boulder and I had no fears of anything falling over.

All in all very stable, but slightly heavy if walking far, I have fitted mine with a shoulder strap which makes life easier

[Pelao]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate you taking the time to post.

[Alan Neilson]

I have a benbo treker MkI. I like it, it is a bit fiddly to set up, and is reasonably steady although it does depend on what lens you have on it and if you have the colum reaching out far, Ive been ok if using my 90mm Marco but if I had a longer lens on I am not to sure I might want some thing on the other end to counter balance. With the colum up right I've been fine even when using my 70-200 f2.8.