Tripod legs w/ articulating center column?

No problemo Kim. I wrote to HolgaCamera to ask if Benro had discontinued the Versatile line and received this reply:

"We don't have information if Benro discontinued this model, but our distributor discontinued to supply it. "

So I'm going to write to my eBay Benro dealer who might be more connected to Benro than the good folks at HolgaCamera. I don't really know what to make of the rather cryptic note from HolgaCamera.

Look at the Giottos tripods. They have a neat feature that lets you pull the centre column out then flip up the centre clamp which makes it in to a horizontal tripod. I have used mine a few times but, you have to watch the weight. Mine is the MT 9180. It's about 5-6 years old so not sure if it's still made, if not have a look on Ebay.

Cheers,

Martin

Or this:

http://www.amazon.com …&sr=1-2&keywords=vanguard

One word - Benbo

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/150293563

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/149932129

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/138154531

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/136692878

Add this

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Extension_Arm_​20_50.html

To any Berlebach Reporter Tripod with center column such as this

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …042_2_Section_T​ripod.html

The cross bar can be mounted below or above the legs. This tripod has a built in leveling base which swivels 30 degrees in any direction. That gives a lot of versatility for less than $400 for both. Adorama has the tripod for $25 less but currently out of stock. It will handle a lot of weight. There's a built in hook for a weight bag too if needed. The whole thing will weigh right at 8 pounds. Nice rubber feet so you don't scratch the floor or screw them up for spikes if needed.

scorpio_e wrote in post #15964202
Or this:

http://www.amazon.com …&sr=1-2&keywords=vanguard

I actually found them last night, http://www.vanguardwor​ld.com …to-video/list-1-4-15.html

This is where I'll be placing my best win wit - aluminum with snap locks are $130ish, carbon with 1/4 twist legs run just over $200.

Biggest selling point to me, hex center mast. I don't care how tight you make that sucker, it will rotate on you if it's round, I've had it happen to me. When the budget allows, I'll probably just spring for the carbon model - hopefully sooner than later.

Good luck on that Vanguard. Let us know how long it lasts.

luciddreamer wrote in post #15966190
Good luck on that Vanguard. Let us know how long it lasts.

That sounds like the voice of experience...

Mike Panic wrote in post #15965847
Biggest selling point to me, hex center mast. I don't care how tight you make that sucker, it will rotate on you if it's round, I've had it happen to me.

I would have thought that this would be a drawback for this type of tripod as it's supposed to be super flexible. The Benro doesn't have a grooved center column so that you can fractionally rotate it easily. The aluminum version uses metal of 1.5mm thickness so it can withstand some pretty tough tightening. I've used Benro, Gitzo and Slik tripods and never had a problem with the center column twist lock.

Bought one (different model) cheap at a garage sale once. That was the worst $5 I ever spent.

Benbo tripods, now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

I forgot about "Benbo".. I think I sort of merged it in my head with Benro.

peter_n wrote in post #15966309
That sounds like the voice of experience...
I would have thought that this would be a drawback for this type of tripod as it's supposed to be super flexible. The Benro doesn't have a grooved center column so that you can fractionally rotate it easily. The aluminum version uses metal of 1.5mm thickness so it can withstand some pretty tough tightening. I've used Benro, Gitzo and Slik tripods and never had a problem with the center column twist lock.

I'd rather rotate the head than the column.

Great thread!

I'm in the market for just such a tripod to get started with macro. I just missed picking up a Giottos MT-8180 for a cool $100 locally, unfortunately I called about 20 minutes too late. I've also been looking on eBay for that model or another similar type all without much luck.

This is going to give me some other options to look into before succumbing to a set of Manfrotto legs.

I use a Giottos MT 9360 and I regularly hang a gripped 5D2 with 24-70 off of it with a sandbag hanging from the other end of the column.

jabtas wrote in post #15964438
One word - Benbo

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/150293563

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/149932129

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/138154531

http://www.pbase.com/j​abtas/image/136692878

+1 on the Benbo. I had a Benbo Trekker (http://www.patersonpho​tographic.com/benbo-tripods.htm) as my first "proper" tripod. It's quite heavy, is very long when folded down, and mine's knocking on for 15 years old, but if I'm out with the Manfrotto 055 and spot something awkward to get at I do sometimes wish I'd brought it with me.