Giotto Innovator or Benbo tripods - any experiences?
Stroller
Innovator models, please?
Links with photos:
http://www.karlu.com/product_info.php?cPath=17_18&products_id=3830
http://www.patersonphotographic.com/tripods/benbo.html
Basically, both of these tripods can be setup with each of their three
legs at any angle, and the camera on an arm out to one side. It's hard
to describe, but I think the photos in the links above show it quite
well... it seems to me that this could make for great ease-of-use and
flexibility. Does anyone have any comments, please? I would have thought
it might help with macro subjects, or just shooting interesting patterns
in the pavement.
Some comments on the DPreviews forums (I posted this there but got no
replies) made me quite aware of weight issues: if it's light it's easier
to carry, so possibly less likely to get left at home, but heavy
construction makes for stability. Carbon fibre is beneficial in both
regards, I think.
The Giotto innovator is (pretty much) affordable:
- 170cm aluminium - 3kg - £109
- 180cm aluminium - £129
- 160cm carbon fibre - 2.5kg - £169
(this last is on offer - 170cm & 180cm carbon are not in my budget at
all!)
The Benbo looks easier to position at wild, leg-splayed angles - anyone
used one and can confirm? - but is heavier, pricier and optionally
taller:
- 157cm aluminium - 3.4kg - £189
- 256cm aluminium - 3.75kg - £199
160cm seems pretty low to my inexperienced self. I stand 6" 1' tall, and
would have expected a tripod to normally sit the camera at eye-height,
so I can comfortably muck around with it whilst lining up my shot. I'd
have thought that having to bend down to compose the view could be quite
uncomfortable, at a time when one doesn't want to be hurried.
These prices were found different places on the net but all include a
head - a ball & socket in the case of the Benbo & a "built-in universal
3 way head (limited functionality)" in the case of the Giotto.
I'm not worried about the "limited functionality" right now - I can
replace the head later if need be - but I think a tripod would make a
real difference to my photos and it'd be better for me to get using one
as quickly as possible so I can benefit from it.
My real concern is over build-quality, functionality and, I guess,
stability... over how well each tripod would do its job for me,
basically. I don't think I'd notice the weight difference between the
2.5kg carbon & 3kg alu Giottos, would I? But might I notice the crick in
my neck if I went for the 160cm?
The bigger Benbo is the heaviest of the lot, and that concerns me -
usage is not for a studio but for outdoors. However if its stability and
mechanism are superb then that might well swing the balance. If you
think a conventional tripod would be better that these models then
please tell me.
I've had a hiatus from photography for a few years but bought a 350D
(surprise, surprise!) this week; I didn't have a car when I was younger
and I'm sure I missed out on some great shots because I didn't have my
kit with me and because one can't ask other people to stop and wait on
the whims of one's photographic opportunities. It's a great luxury to be
able to just sling my camera in my work bag & take it everywhere with
me, then - I find myself looking at the world with a bit of a
photographic eye this week, and the other evening I was able to just
stop at the side of the road and frame up the silhouette of a tree which
looked interesting. There wasn't enough light, damnit! The shots came
out all blurry! I'm sure that whatever tripod I choose will live in the
boot of my car & I hope that it'll see plenty of use.
Thanks for your time reading this long post, and thanks in advance for
any comments,
Stroller.
Martyn Rowland
arm, or the camera mounted upside down. The Benbo is a good piece of kit,
but be warned, once you loosen the locking nut, all three legs can, and
sometimes do move, occasionally of their own accord, but it's a very
versatile tripod. The Giotto is similar to the Manfrotto that I use and
because you can move it piece by piece, so to speak, I find it easier to use
on the whole.
HTH,
Martyn
Justin C
On 2006-01-03, Stroller <stro...@bigfoot.com> wrote:
> Does anyone have any experience of Benbo tripods, or of the Giotto
> Innovator models, please?
>
> Links with photos:
> http://www.karlu.com/product_info.php?cPath=17_18&products_id=3830
> http://www.patersonphotographic.com/tripods/benbo.html
>
>
> Basically, both of these tripods can be setup with each of their three
> legs at any angle, and the camera on an arm out to one side. It's hard
> to describe, but I think the photos in the links above show it quite
> well... it seems to me that this could make for great ease-of-use and
> flexibility. Does anyone have any comments, please? I would have thought
> it might help with macro subjects, or just shooting interesting patterns
> in the pavement.
They're also good for shots with the camera in the vertical too! That
"arm" thingy moves independently of the legs so you can have the camera
above or below the leg joint and pointing in any direction.
I've a Benbo (don't know which model) and a Uni-Lock (copy of a Benbo).
The Benbo I have weighs an awful lot and I wouldn't carry it anywhere -
in-door work only. The Uni-lock is nice and light and I have often taken
it on walks (helps balance the bag full of kit!)
I bought my Benbo 2nd had and it came with no head, you really want a
ball and socket job for one of those; pan and tilt heads are a nightmare
on this sort of 'pod unless you get it level.
To be honest, my Benbo is overkill. Unless I was doing stuff in a
studio where I *really* didn't want the camera to move I find the
Uni-Lock just as usefull and solid too if I hang the kit bag off it.
BTW, the Uni-Lock came from Jessops, not sure, maybe it's their own
product.
HTH.
Justin.
--
Justin C, by the sea.
(PeteCresswell)
>Does anyone have any comments, please? I would have thought
>it might help with macro subjects, or just shooting interesting patterns
>in the pavement.
I've got a Uni-Loc 1700 which, as I understand it, was put out by a bunch of
guys who quit BenBo and went out on their own.
Seems tb essentially the same as BenBo with unspecified improvements.
I've got a Manfrotto 308RC ball mount on it that has done what I want it to do
so far.
I'm not much of a photographer, but I did want the
get-up-close-to-anything-anywhere capability and this thing definitely delivers
on that.
To me, it is heavy - but not being much of a photog, I don't have anything to
compare it to except various junk tripods I've used in the past.
I find it extremely easy to deploy and pack up - in fact I can't imagine
anything being any easier.
--
PeteCresswell
Tony Polson
You haven't said what equipment you plan to use, so it is very
difficult to make recommendations.
Benbo:
If you want lightness, only the Benbo Trekker will do. The larger Mark
1 is too heavy to lug around and it is awkwardly bulky too.
Giottos:
Giottos are mainly cheap Chinese-made rip-offs of far better designs.
I have tried Giottos heads and a monopod and would never choose to buy
either.
Manfrotto:
This is probably the best choice for price/performance ratio. If you
are using digital or light 35mm equipment, the Manfrotto 190 is a fine
choice; reasonably light but rigid and stable. For heavier 35mm gear
and lenses of 300mm and longer, the Manfrotto 055 is a better choice.
The 190 Pro and 055 Pro models are almost as versatile as the Benbo
tripods.
Gitzo:
Gitzo are part of the Manfrotto group and the products are made in the
same factories. The design philosophy is different, with Manfrotto
being more conventional. Gitzo designs tend to be a little quirky but
they have a very strong following, especially among people who lug
tripods around for nature and landscape work.
In the end, the choice boils down to (1) suitability for the job and
(2) personal preference.
Suitability means it must be sufficiently strong and stable to support
your gear. Some people prefer the refreshingly different approach of
Gitzo, others opt to play safer with Manfrotto.
Personal preference applies particularly to tripod heads, where people
have strong leanings towards particular designs and strong antipathy
towards others. It is much more than just choosing 3-way or ball
heads, because there are *huge* variations in each type.
As long as you avoid the likes of Velbon, Slik and Giottos, and stick
to the established designs such as Manfrotto, Gitzo and Benbo (or the
very similar Uni-Lok), you will be fine.
Having tried all of these, I now use a Tiltall with a built-in 3-way
head. But that's another story.
Also consider a monopod.
;-)
John Bean
<t...@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
>As long as you avoid the likes of Velbon, Slik and Giottos, and stick
>to the established designs such as Manfrotto, Gitzo and Benbo (or the
>very similar Uni-Lok), you will be fine.
I largely agree, but with some exceptions - in particular
the Slik 800 ball head is worth more than a second look.
It's my preferred head on my Uni-Loc 1600. If you were
talking only about Slik tripods... I couldn't agree more.
--
John Bean
Willy Eckerslyke
> I've a Benbo (don't know which model) and a Uni-Lock (copy of a Benbo).
> BTW, the Uni-Lock came from Jessops, not sure, maybe it's their own
> product.
Nah, IIRC, Uni-loc was set up by the originators of Benbo after Benbo
was taken over by Paterson (?). While the Benbo design stood still, the
Uni-loc range evolved with small but very effective improvements making
them far nicer to use. For example, the offset top to their legs allows
them to fold together properly, getting around a problem only to
familiar to any Benbo owner!
Willy Eckerslyke
> Benbo:
>
> If you want lightness, only the Benbo Trekker will do.
Except that it won't, in my opinion., It's a flimsy piece of junk. I
love the concept of Benbo and Uniloc tripods, but the Trekker is too
lightweight for its own good and feels like something costing half its
price.
Tony Polson
If you read what I wrote before replying, you might have realised that
I made no claims about its rigidity or stability, only its lightness.
As it happens, I agree with you. I found the Trekker is too light to
be stable in all except ideal conditions with light equipment, and it
wasn't especially rigid either.
Hang a weight under it, and it just about does the job. Only just!
;-)
Willy Eckerslyke
>>>If you want lightness, only the Benbo Trekker will do.
>>
>>Except that it won't, in my opinion., It's a flimsy piece of junk.
> If you read what I wrote before replying, you might have realised that
> I made no claims about its rigidity or stability, only its lightness.
I did, but couldn't resist putting in my 2p'th anyway.
> Hang a weight under it, and it just about does the job. Only just!
Yup. If it cost 35 quid, it'd seem reasonable, but mine came to about a
hundred with the cheapest ball & socket head. Luckily I managed to palm
it off on someone else and get a Uni-loc 1700 instead.
John Bean
Snap! (nearly). I originall bought a Trekker mail order - I
wouldn't have bought it if I'd seen it first. It went to
eBay and I bought a Uni-Loc 1600, a different animal
altogether and not that much heavier than the Trekker.
--
John Bean
Stroller
"(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid> wrote:
> Per Stroller:
> >Does anyone have any comments, please? I would have thought
> >it might help with macro subjects, or just shooting interesting patterns
> >in the pavement.
>
> I've got a Uni-Loc 1700 which, as I understand it, was put out by a bunch of
> guys who quit BenBo and went out on their own.
>
> Seems tb essentially the same as BenBo with unspecified improvements.
Many thanks for all the replies - too many to reply to individually.
I've ordered a Uni-Loc 1700 kit as I always fancied a Benbo before my
recent break from photography.
I suspect I could do better ordering the tripod & a different head
separately - and the bag had better be good considering how much it
costs! - but I'm finding the learning curve steep enough at present
without trying to become an instant expert on tripod heads. I'm sure
this'll do me very well to be going on with - many thanks for all the
replies.
Stroller.
Willy Eckerslyke
> Many thanks for all the replies - too many to reply to individually.
> I've ordered a Uni-Loc 1700 kit as I always fancied a Benbo before my
> recent break from photography.
>
> I suspect I could do better ordering the tripod & a different head
> separately - and the bag had better be good considering how much it
> costs!
How much does the bag cost? ISTR mine came with the tripod but I never
use it as it adds a lot to the bulk and would make me look like a golfer
(albeit an unusually scruffy one).
Stroller
Willy Eckerslyke <oss108...@bangor.ac.uk> wrote:
> > I've ordered a Uni-Loc 1700 kit...
> > the bag had better be good considering how much it
> > costs!
>
> How much does the bag cost? ISTR mine came with the tripod but I never
> use it as it adds a lot to the bulk and would make me look like a golfer
> (albeit an unusually scruffy one).
lolol, well I just wanted something to carry it with and figured that
the carrying strap could well be a pain in the arse.
At WarehouseExpress.com the Uni-loc bag is ?26.29 and the shoulder strap
?8.69. Both are included in the kit, but of course this is
proportionally expensive.
Stroller.
Willy Eckerslyke
>>How much does the bag cost? ISTR mine came with the tripod but I never
>>use it as it adds a lot to the bulk and would make me look like a golfer
>>(albeit an unusually scruffy one).
> At WarehouseExpress.com the Uni-loc bag is ?26.29 and the shoulder strap
> ?8.69. Both are included in the kit, but of course this is
> proportionally expensive.
Blimey, you could have had mine for a tenner plus postage and I'd have
felt like I was fleecing you, but if you've already placed the order...
Tony Parkinson
>
> How much does the bag cost? ISTR mine came with the tripod but I never
> use it as it adds a lot to the bulk and would make me look like a golfer
>
the tripod as a carrying strap
Stroller
Willy Eckerslyke <oss108...@bangor.ac.uk> wrote:
> Stroller wrote:
>
> >>How much does the bag cost? ISTR mine came with the tripod but I never
> >>use it ...
>
> > At WarehouseExpress.com the Uni-loc bag is ?26.29 and the shoulder strap
> > ?8.69. Both are included in the kit, but of course this is
> > proportionally expensive.
>
> Blimey, you could have had mine for a tenner plus postage and I'd have
> felt like I was fleecing you, but if you've already placed the order...
Well, thanks, but I just wanted to get the tripod ordered & not spend
any more time thinking about it. I wanted something to help carry the
thing, but I just want to get using it - newly returning to this
enthusiasm I feel like I'm spending too much time reading & not enough
time shooting right now. I'm sure my photos will benefit from having a
tripod, so I'm looking forward to its arrival.
Stroller.
Justin C
>
> Well, thanks, but I just wanted to get the tripod ordered & not spend
> any more time thinking about it. I wanted something to help carry the
> thing, but I just want to get using it - newly returning to this
> enthusiasm I feel like I'm spending too much time reading & not enough
> time shooting right now. I'm sure my photos will benefit from having a
> tripod, so I'm looking forward to its arrival.
More than the stability afforded by a tripod, I found the improvement it
gave to my photography was time to think about the shot. When you have,
for landscapes, found your location, and start to set up you are
thinking about the shot. When you attach the camera to the tripod you're
looking more at the scene so, by the time you get eye-to-viewfinder,
you're a lot more familiar with what you're looking at than if the
camera was around your neck and you just thought "that looks nice I'll
take a picture <snap>".
A tripod improved my composition tremendously. I hope you find the same.
Stroller
Stroller <stro...@bigfoot.com> wrote:
>...
> Many thanks for all the replies - too many to reply to individually.
And bloody good it is, too! I'm very impressed - easy to contort and
considering it goes completely "floppy" when the lever is released it
seems remarkably manageable. It seems very well-made, robust and sturdy.
Since the kit head is the cheapest in their range I feared it might be
quite flimsy, but not at all! It's a ball head and although it's clearly
not the easiest to adjust with fine precision, it locks up nice & solid
and feels like it would take more weight than I was expecting.
> the bag had better be good considering how much it
> costs!
Actually, I'm pretty pleased with the bag. I'd considered protecting a
tripod from knocks & scratches by wrapping an old towel around it, but
not having owned one before I wasn't quite prepared for the size of this
thing.
It's not a massive two-man task to lift or carry it, but neither is it
the sort of dinky tripod which sits in your camera bag, and I think that
even the photographic packs which boast external straps for carrying a
tripod were not designed with this in mind. The whole lining of the
Uni-Loc bag is padded, and it has reinforced ends - I find it quite
reassuring in light of the amount of crap that floats around the back of
my car.
Thanks for everyone's advice,
Stroller.
(PeteCresswell)
>the amount of crap that floats around the back of
>my car.
Try to keep that stuff positioned so it's not behind your head/neck.
In an otherwise-minor crash, it can kill you.
--
PeteCresswell