Benbo Mark 1 or Benbo Trekker Mark 1 or 2

[padhyde]

I have used the Benbo Mark 1 for years and love it's ease of use and flexibility. It is a little heavy to lug round all day in the open air. I bought it at the time I was into medium format photography and other 'serious' stuff.
Now I am far less ambitious and just like taking nice photos to please myself. No exams to pass, no competitions, no customers. I use a Nikon D70 and D40 with zoom lenses up to 300mm. Nothing too heavy after selling my f2.8, 80-200 zoom - that was a big beast justifying keeping my old Benbo.
So I am wondering if a Trekker Benbo would meet my needs and be much lighter to carry. I have the weights and dimensions. I would like the opinions of someone who has relevant practical knowledge of the 2 Benbos. I saw another post advising against the Mark2 version of the Trekker. What about the Trekker Mark 1?
Should I stick with my faithful Benbo Mark 1 ? That is the question.

[nightshade]

It is bought and paid for, so really it is a case of how often you use a tripod.
Is it worth the weight saving of around 2lbs?
There is a wabber who wants one for his wife perhaps an arrangement

[Tormentil]

I'd swap my wife for one.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

I've got both benbos ( 1 & trekker) and the benbo 1 is too heavy to carry in the field for very far ,unless you want to ! I now only use the No1 for studio shots.
The trekker is much much lighter.I use it with lenses up to 180mm f2.8 macro.I fasten it to my backpack or stick it under my arm and I've got both hands free.Far better.

It was me who posted the bit against the Mk2 trekker.The only reason being it has a 90 degree joint near to the head which is made of thin plastic. To me it feels wobbly and I dont trust its stability.This is from experiance as I have used both Mk1 & 2. The Mk1 doesn't have this joint and therefor I feel it is more steady.

They don't do the Mk 1 trekker now so you have to get it secondhand at about £50 with head & bag.

Hope this helps

neil

[padhyde]

Many thanks.

Neil - just the kind of comment I was looking for.

Regards