I currently use a standard non-tilting central column Manfrotto tripod (which we also use for the ‘scope) & can rarely get the height/angle I want for plants etc – & of course, can’t use camera & ‘scope at the same time! Have started researching Benbos, which I’ve heard are marvellous if you can use them properly. Problem is, Benbo 1 or Trekker 3 or Uniloc? Trekker 3’s lighter, but I’ve come across criticisms re: stability & unfavourable comparisons with Trekker 1. Be good to view all 3, but difficult to see where – even WEX is "awaiting stock" for the Benbos, & the Uniloc just seems to have an odd website & no stockists. Any recommendations, please?

There is a lot of nonsense talked about Benbos, as long as you keep a little tension on the locking lever they are fine, and probably the most versatile tripod ever copied

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Your garden their refuge, a jig-saw of habitats for wildlife under pressure

Try a "Three Legged Thing" Look it up.
I use a Manfroto. A bit heavy, but it does the Job.

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Hi I’m a longtime Benbo user (10years) They are heavy and very versatile, although I moved to UNILOC from benbo due to issues with the current Trekker 3
I found the newer version of the benbo had isuues with the central Bent bolt not getting as tight as Id like. also the new benbo ballhead is way too small for a heavy’ish camera (N D300 and N 70-200 2.8). I moved to uniloc as it offerd a better lock bolt and also has more articulation due to having an abiltiy to break the central colum down in to a long and short version along with the ofset head postions and twin platform at one end..
Heavy and reliable in all occasions.. I don’t beleive I could get some of my pictures without the aid of it..most tripod limit where you can place the lens of the camera..Benbo and Uniloc offer unlimited postions of the camera..

Tripod is the only accessory of camera which provide shake free and stable shooting. Since last two years i am having proaim aluminum 75 mm tripod, the most well built tripod and stable tripod. Its legs are really very strong and securely carry the camera setup. And you want to buy tripod for travelling purpose than carbon fiber is best. Manfrotto tripods are also good, mine experience with this was quite good.

Not bought one recently – in fact not for 25 years since I bought my first

still works perfectly

still use it

still love it

still unique

j

I bought mine as an ex demo model and have been very pleased with it, others have improved on the design I am told, it does everything I want and more besides. It has a Manfrotto ball head to take the weight of a DSLR and lenses.

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Your garden their refuge, a jig-saw of habitats for wildlife under pressure

I’ve got a Uniloc 1200.

It’s good, but it’s a big heavy beast and I don’t carry it far. I like the versatility and the fact that you can ‘mix and match’ the legs to get a very tall monopod. I’ve also got a foot plate that makes the monopod setup into a ‘duopod’, but I’ve never used it. The idea is that you can use it where the use of a full tripod is unacceptable.

Jim

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Answer to your question – NO

Must be more that 20 years since I bought mine, and it ain’t due for replacement yet! It’s the Land Rover of the tripod world.

My current (20 year old) one is a Uniloc Major 1600 with a 1200 major column (shorter so I can set it up over the car seat). Topped with a German 58mm ball head & arca plate.
I started with an original Bendo Trekker, only got rid of this as I didn’t think it would be up to a 500mm. It was replaced briefly with a Benbo Mk.1, which I took back and changed for Uniloc 1600 Major.

The Uniloc is the same design & designer, only improved. The offset bolt eyes of the Uniloc enable the legs to fold tight together making it easier to carry/store.

Mine sits comfortably on my shoulder when I’m walking and don’t notice the 5Kg weight. Often carry it all day.

Yes it can be set up in an unstable way. You just have to accept this is the reason it is so versatile and check before you let go. Mine went over a cliff once, didn’t do it any harm (camera wasn’t so lucky).

They’re not so good at full height as a conventional tripod.

I also have two Manfroto’s, they rarely leave the house.

Benbo/Uniloc are Marmite tripods, you love em or hate them. If anything happened to mine there would be a replacement found in days.

I once found a second hand Benbo Mk.2 in a large camera shop. I loosened the center bolt, kicked it, locked it, and that was it set up ready to go. The stunned salesman came over and said he’s never seen anyone been able to do that before

AND THEY’RE BRITISH

p.s. this isn’t a sales plug, I have no connection with either brand other than as a loyal user

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Martin

You really have to live with one to believe how true this is. Add a good ball head and perhaps an L-bracket and with the twist of the bolt you could have the camera below ground level in a hole and still the right way up. Try that with anything else

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Martin