Benbo Trekker Mk 2 Tripod Without Head #BEN 107

by BENBO

Product Details

• Item Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0000BZLCZ
• Item model number: BEN107
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 5, 2003

Product Description

The latest version of this award-winning tripod now has added features making it the most versatile tripod in the Benbo range. The swivel joint at the top of the centre column can be fully adjusted through 180° offering even more flexibility when positioning the camera. This feature makes the Trekker ideally suited when subjects need to be photographed from above or at a low angle.The Trekker will support the majority of modern SLRs and Medium format cameras. However stability is directly related to weight and the provision of a hook at the lower end of the centre column, allows the temporary addition of extra weight (e.g. a camera bag) to give greater stability when long lenses are in use on the camera.When long lenses are in use, greater stability can be obtained by hanging your camera bag or other weight onto the hook located on the end of the centre column. This feature avoids the necessity of carrying very heavy tripods on location.The flexibility of the leg joint mechanism combined with the ability to swing the centre column through 180° allows the camera to be positioned close to ground level (Ideal for macro work).Ergonomically designed knobs allow the height of the tripod legs to be adjusted with only one hand. The camera mount on the centre column can be adjusted through 180 degrees offering unique flexibility particularly when used in conjunction with a ball & socket head.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Flexible Tripod Ever Used, October 15, 2007

By 

T. Treibel (Port Orchard, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Benbo Trekker Mk 2 Tripod Without Head #BEN 107 (Electronics)

This tripods controls do take some time getting use to. Once you understand the controls and flexibility (that will all be second nature to you in no time) you won't believe all the various shooting angles you have with this unique design.

I bought this tripod to do long exposures of wildflowers and scenic shots. Learning the tripods workings you will find that you can get rock stable shots from about 1 1/2 inches all the way to 5 1/2 feet. I have had other tripods that set up faster but on uneven ground I have never had a tripod this stable. I opted for the Benbo HeadBenbo Compact Ball & Socket Tripod Head # BEN 299 to keep the total weight and size down. I have taken this tripod on many hikes although it is not the lightest it is not so heavy that I notice the extra pounds.

I use this tripod with a Nikon Digital SLR and it supports the weight fine if I need extra support for the arms long reaches I simply hook some ballast or bag to the hook. For the long exposures I always use the self timer or infrared remote to achieve the highest level of sharpness.

Probably one of the tripods best features is the ability to shoot right over bridge or walkway railings this has come in handy at almost every National Park visit this year.

Once the tripod is locked down it is very stable and I often cary it from one shot to the other by one of the legs and then do minor adjustments to the tripod for the next shot.

If you want a stable flexible tripod then the Benbo is a great choice.

If you are looking for ultra lightweight then pass the Benbo with the lightweight head weighs in at 4 pounds 12 ounce on my postal scale.

If your subjects require you to do lots of panning and quick set ups and tear downs then pass.

If you don't like non traditional products then pass no other tripod works like a Benbo the same reason I love it could be the same reason you could hate it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Versatille -- but takes getting used to, August 3, 2007

By 

A. Kubbat "D700 User" (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Benbo Trekker Mk 2 Tripod Without Head #BEN 107 (Electronics)

My first impression was -- there's a tiny ballhead on it but I didn't order that one because their head is not strong enough to hold a dSLR with lens, flash and other macro gear.
Second impression -- This tripod is totally unstable and will collapse when you loosen that single screw that controls legs & centre column. No other tripod does something like that so setup the tripod WITHOUT a camera.
Twisting all the legs & column into the desired position really is more like wrestling !! And I hope with some more practize, I can set it up quickly. It is unlike any other tripod as you can wrestle it into positions not achievable with conventional one's. It can nearly bend over backwards.

MAIN criticism :
I would want 2 controls instead of one : one to adjust only the legs. And a second one, that allows me to control just the centre column without affecting the legs. With my sample the friction is so high, that I cannot move the column without readjusting all the legs.
The centre column has a 1/4" screw but they don't provide an adapter to mount tripod heads with standard 3/8".
This tripod is quite lightweight -- mount a bigger dSLR, a good lens & flash may throw it off balance. Use the hook to add a counter balance. Still not of the sturdy kind but I hope sufficient for macro work. Previous models allowed to mount the tripodhead to be mounted on either side of the column -- not so with the MK 2 version.

Summary :
DONT buy it if you plan to shoot weddings, long long exposures or if you need to move quickly. If you are tall, this also is not for you. It is not tough & stable enough and setting it up takes time.
DO buy it for work close to the ground, at uneven angles and want to move the camera into odd positions. Very hard to beat that flexibility but setup can take time.

Still I'm not sure if it is suitable for my macro work using a heavy dSLR like the D200 and a flexible but heavy tripod head.