D. Accessory - Benbo tripod. 4 images.

[alanS]

When I thought about getting one of these I couldn't try before buying as there don't seem to be any local dealers. Eventually I decided to risk buying a used one off ebay, the theory being that if I didn't like it I wouldn't lose too much. So, as they're a bit rare in some parts of the country I thought I'd do a quit write up. I hope it helps someone decide...

The tripod consists of legs and a column connected by a common "bent bolt." To make handling easier an additional column bracket can be fitted allowing independent movement of the legs and the column. The column has an angled joint at the end allowing the camera or a head to be fitted and positioned at selected angles and the tripod legs are telescopic and unlike other manufacturers tripods the upper part of the legs slides into the lower part and the tripod can therefore be used in water with more confidence.

The design allows the legs and column to be positioned at virtually any angle and this gives obvious advantages when shooting. Gone are many of the frustrations encountered with other tripods when trying to achieve the desired camera position.

Before I bought one of these I was a little worried by reports of them handling like drunken bagpipes but I can honestly say that I have no handling problems. Perhaps the additional column bracket makes the difference. I'd also heard reports of instability but I find mine to be easily more stable than my previous Manfrotto 055. Despite being quite light in construction the Benbo feels like a quality product made from real metal rather than the cheapo alloy feel of my previous Manfrotto.

I'd recommend Benbo tripods to anyone who feels frustrated with conventional centre column type tripods. I wish I'd bought one years ago.

These aren't brilliant images, they were taken in the corner of my bedroom as it's raining out.

Image 1. Tripod and camera.


Image 2. The bent bolt and additional column bracket.

Image 3. Something my previous tripod could never do.

Image 4. The upper part of the leg slides into the lower.


PS. All images taken with a Canon 20D at ISO 3200.

[parisian]

I've used one for years Alan, good ain't they?
Er, I don't see the name Nikon on that thing you have glued to the Tripod; is it some strange artifact from a car boot sale?

[Malcolm_Stewart]

I have 3 Bent-Bolt tripods. My original light weight Unilok (on which I guess the Trekker was based and my introduction to the type), and two Classic Benbos (type 1), which I find very stable. (I bought the shiny leg version first, and then bought a black legs version in the hope that it might disturb birds slightly less!)

I've tried setting up my Unilok as in your 3rd image, and whilst agreeing that it's a versatile position (neck muscles willing!), on my Unilok it's not sufficiently stable for serious macro use. Perhaps it would be better with a ground support under the camera, or anything to reduce vibration?



[Whilst visiting a 1st World War museum in the Dolomites, I came across a machine gun on display, and this was fitted with a bent bolt tripod.]

[zx9]

I've tried setting up my Unilok as in your 3rd image, and whilst agreeing that it's a versatile position (neck muscles willing!), on my Unilok it's not sufficiently stable for serious macro use. Perhaps it would be better with a ground support under the camera, or anything to reduce vibration?

I have a very old Mk1 which has been used in all sorts of odd configurations that I could never achieve with my 'normal' tripod.
For 'position 3' above, I would have placed the camera between two legs rather than above a leg, you can also suspend something from the hook to counter balance the camera.
As for neck ache, an angle finder helps, as I expect would live view which my 5D has not got.

[Rhys]

I had a trekker kit, while it does offer a multitude of camera positions, I found the head pretty weak. I'll set it up for a shot and the camera will drop after tightening the ball head. I would have found it better with the extra bracket for the column I expect but didn't have one so got the 'drunken octopus' every time I wanted to adjust it. I got rid in the end for a normal tripod.

They are a pain initially but you do get used to them.

[alanS]

I just got on with this tripod straight out of the bag and so far I've had no handling issues. I suspect that the column bracket does help a great deal as does a quick release plate, but I had one of those with my Manfrotto too.

With the column extended so far you're never going to get 100% stability and I mainly just set it up like that to show what it can do. If I was using it in that extreme position I'd just put it on time delay, I have done that and got acceptable results and the key thing is that my Manfroto just frustrated the hell out of me whereas with the Benbo I can at least take the shot.

BTW, the car boot sale camera is a Canon, but I hope that I can get back some of kudos I've lost for using Canon if I tell you it's a film camera? These shots are digital though.

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Just to bring this thread up to date:

Polished floor problem - string dolly to the rescue

Yesterday I used my bent-bolt Uni-Loc 1600 System tripod to support my camcorder whilst filming a lecture in a church hall. I chose it for its height because I wanted the camcorder to be above the audience head height. What I had forgotten about this particular hall was the smooth wooden floor. In normal use on carpet or outdoors, the legs of bent-bolt tripods get a sufficiently good grip from the carpet or the terrain to stop them splaying, but not so on a smooth floor. The tips are not rubber covered. I was surprised at just how much force I had to use to tighten the locking bolt to stop the legs splaying apart, and this was with a lightweight camcorder.

I then remembered that at home I did have an anti-splay string "dolly"* for just this problem - 3 small blocks of wood with sockets for the tripod leg points and all joined together with a length of string to stop the splaying.
* but no wheels



photo

Uni-loc website

[AlecM]

I converted to the 'bagpipes' some years ago, initially with a Trekker, then with a UniLoc, which I still use, fitted with a Manfrotto ball head, as first choice above all else- the only exception being when I have to lug gear any distance. They are great: very versatile; quick to readjust and strong. Only two downsides - they are heavy, and you do need to remember that the one lever tightens - and loosens EVERYTHING. Seeing my slr arcing though the air as I made a simple adjustment was enough to ensure I remembered from then on!

Al