Head recommendations for Benbo Trekker

[ktk8]

Hi, I recently bought a Benbo Trekker (Mk3), mostly after having read reviews on this forum, so thanks everyone! I've been really impressed with it, much easier to use than I expected, actually rather intuitive.

I'm now after a suitable head to use with it for macro shots. I'm not using anything particularly heavy - a D70 + 60mm lens mostly, and sometimes a focussing rail, although a head that would take me through the odd upgrade at some stage (maybe to a 105) would be good.

I've had a look at the Manfrotto 460mg head, but I'm wondering if it would be overkill for my set-up, or if there is another pan & tilt head that would work well? I definitely like the poke-proof handles!

I haven't ruled out the possibility of a ball head, but my previous experience with drooping set-ups hasn't endeared me Any recommendations gratefully received. I definitely would want one with separate swivel & ball locks. Are there any under about £50 with gearing/some kind of friction control?

Thanks!

[Markulous]

Don't think I can help really - on my Benbo Trekker I have the simple ballhead one end (for landscape, waterfalls, etc) and a cheap clone joystick ballhead at the other for my macro shots (which I'll occasionally remove when off hiking due to weight)

[nightshade]

I have the Benbo and use a D80 plus 70-300 Sigma APO DG so far I have found the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head suits (with the quick release shoe)
no problems yet

[Jethro Tull]

I use a Slik pistol grip head on mine, very solid and quick for setting any angle + it has quick release

[ktk8]

Hi all, many thanks for your replies!

Nightshade - I've had a look at the 486RC2, about the same size & weight as a 460MG, so def a possibility. The description says it has a 'single indexed "ratchet" locking knob', I'd love to know what this means in reality! Does it loosen off completely when you untighten the knob, or can you make very minor adjustments in position easily with some tension?

Jethro Tull - Slik pistol looks interesting, & I note they often go quite cheaply on ebay! I'd be interested in knowing why you chose this one over the similar Manfrotto model? I made the mistake of popping into my local Jessops this week, to have a look at heads, including possibly this Manfrotto one, only to find that they didn't have a single independent head in the whole shop! Last time I bother with that shop... Could you give me an idea of how tough the Slik is to trigger - I have weak girlie hands

[Jethro Tull]

Originally Posted by ktk8

Hi all, many thanks for your replies!

Nightshade - I've had a look at the 486RC2, about the same size & weight as a 460MG, so def a possibility. The description says it has a 'single indexed "ratchet" locking knob', I'd love to know what this means in reality! Does it loosen off completely when you untighten the knob, or can you make very minor adjustments in position easily with some tension?

Jethro Tull - Slik pistol looks interesting, & I note they often go quite cheaply on ebay! I'd be interested in knowing why you chose this one over the similar Manfrotto model? I made the mistake of popping into my local Jessops this week, to have a look at heads, including possibly this Manfrotto one, only to find that they didn't have a single independent head in the whole shop! Last time I bother with that shop... Could you give me an idea of how tough the Slik is to trigger - I have weak girlie hands

Hi,
Personally I try to avoid Jessops because they tend to over price their stuff, The reason i bought the Slik was because I saw another photographer using one for flower shots and it seemed very quick and easy to set up(and solid) he said he used it 99% of the time. I use mine most of the time unless when i'm using my 300-800mm lens etc which really needs a Gimbal head (Wimberley in my case)
As far as your small girlie hands LoL you will have no problem.
Redsnapper do a copy of the Slik head (and also Seben in Germany) all are around the same price and have a spirit level built in to help level your shots if need be.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Brian
ps The benbo tripods are great!

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by ktk8

Hi all, many thanks for your replies!

Nightshade - I've had a look at the 486RC2, about the same size & weight as a 460MG, so def a possibility. The description says it has a 'single indexed "ratchet" locking knob', I'd love to know what this means in reality! Does it loosen off completely when you untighten the knob, or can you make very minor adjustments in position easily with some tension?

Jethro Tull - Slik pistol looks interesting, & I note they often go quite cheaply on ebay! I'd be interested in knowing why you chose this one over the similar Manfrotto model? I made the mistake of popping into my local Jessops this week, to have a look at heads, including possibly this Manfrotto one, only to find that they didn't have a single independent head in the whole shop! Last time I bother with that shop... Could you give me an idea of how tough the Slik is to trigger - I have weak girlie hands

The locking lever is on splines, pull the lever outwards against spring pressure
and you can see the splines, maintain the pull and you can position the knob
to just where it is handiest for best control of the clamping action when you
need to swing the camera. With any head never let go of the camera just in
case

[ktk8]

Originally Posted by nightshade

The locking lever is on splines, pull the lever outwards against spring pressure
and you can see the splines, maintain the pull and you can position the knob
to just where it is handiest for best control of the clamping action when you
need to swing the camera. With any head never let go of the camera just in
case

Thanks for the explanation! Sounds good. With the head I'm using at the moment, the idea of letting go of the camera sends me into deep fear

[ktk8]

Originally Posted by Jethro Tull

Hi,
Personally I try to avoid Jessops because they tend to over price their stuff, The reason i bought the Slik was because I saw another photographer using one for flower shots and it seemed very quick and easy to set up(and solid) he said he used it 99% of the time. I use mine most of the time unless when i'm using my 300-800mm lens etc which really needs a Gimbal head (Wimberley in my case)
As far as your small girlie hands LoL you will have no problem.
Redsnapper do a copy of the Slik head (and also Seben in Germany) all are around the same price and have a spirit level built in to help level your shots if need be.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Brian
ps The benbo tripods are great!

Hi Brian, Thanks for this, I shall keep my eyes open, see if I can find one to try out, or snaffle on ebay. I like the design, although it's perhaps a little heavier than I was originally thinking I'd like. Still, I thought that about the Benbo, but because I love it, it seems feather-light!

Wonder if I could quiz you about Benbo setup, please. If I have the central column extended, and at a rakish angle, should it be positioned over the top of the single leg, or the two legs, for best balance?

Many thanks!
Kate

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by ktk8

Wonder if I could quiz you about Benbo setup, please. If I have the central column extended, and at a rakish angle, should it be positioned over the top of the single leg, or the two legs, for best balance?

I have a couple of Uniloc tripods, which are almost identical to the Benbo. In the above case, I have the 2 legs forward, for greater stability.

Jim