Tripod for tall person

Hi all,

 

I am trying to work out a tripod for my use - I am 2m tall (approx

6'7"). I want to avoid vibrations and thus want a tripod that is

tall w/out winding up the centre column.

 

My options seem to be:

- Benbo 2

- Bogen 3051 / Manfrotto 058

- Bogen 3046 / Manfrotto 028

 

(I am in Aust, hence the Manfrotto codes are applicable).

 

I will use it mainly for landscapes, night shots. My lenses are

currently 70-200 f2.8 (Canon) and 17-40 F4; and am thinking about the

400 5.6. I may get a 500 f4 is the very distant future (maybe so

distant it will be never!).

 

Comments or suggestions? I know these are going to be heavy (the

Benbo is perhaps the lightest). Seems to be something I cannot get

away from when I want a tall tripod.

 

I have heard some comments about the Benbos not being very stable.

The flexibility of the Benbo appeals, but its not a big concern and

not as important as stability.

 

I cannot get Uni-loc brand in Aust else it would also be in the list.

Have you considered just buying a Hasselblad with a waist-level finder? Medium format is very nice for landscapes.

 

Robert

Berelbach Wooden tripods from Germany will suit you very well

 

http://www.berlebach.de/e_index.php

 

I have one and love it big a little heavy and solid as a tripod can be.

I am just short of 6'6' and use a Gitzo 1341 with an Arca-Swiss B1 Monoball. Works fine

even for verticals

Get one of those little camping stools, and when you set up the tripod, have a seat! Especially if you're going to be there for several minutes (as I would think is quite likely with the telephotos).

 

Seriously, I don't try to match my tripod to eyelevel. Half the time, I'm trying to include foreground, and need the camera lower, and some of the time, I'm taking flower pictures, etc. The biggest complaint I have is that the camera won't go low enough.

 

By the way, if you're going to use a big telephoto on it, try to borrow a telephoto of that weight and test it on the tripod first. I've got a 500 f/8 which is not too heavy, but still my otherwise reasonably stable tripod isn't adequate to stabilize it at slower speeds. I assume the f/4 would be worse.

I think any tripod will be more stable at its shortest setting and will get less stable as you raise it. Also an overhanging lens will not help stability. Maybe a medium format camera or a better enlarger will help resolve the problem.

Bend over.

I have been using a Benbo 1 (as I'm only 6'2") for about 15yrs and find it brilliant for the all-sorts-of-angles shots, and once you get the knack - quick to deploy and very stable (particularly noticeable on uneven ground). The legs are waterproof (I've had the tripod in mud, rivers etc) and have holes at the foot-end that you can drive a tent-peg into the ground through (eg if using on a steep hillside).

 

However, when the boom-arm is extended and raised to it's full height (which I need when standing), it tends to vibrate a bit, taking a while to settle down. I can't use the full extension if it's windy. This is bound to be a bit worse with the Mk2 (same diameter tubing).

 

For your height, you won't need to fully extend the Mk2, which has longer legs as well as longer boom but vibration may still be an issue (a Mk2 user would have to qualify this).

 

Leg vibration can be cured by weighting the tripod. It can take a lot - I weigh 13stones and once as a demo of it's strength, climbed onto the tripod - nothing broke or collapsed.

 

On balance, as you mention night shots / vibrations, you may be better off with the more traditional tripod design unless you're won over by the flexibilty.

 

No, bending over is not an option for tall people - it leads to back pain and/or a sore neck.

Sorry, also wanted to mention agreement with Stephen on sitting down - a small (camping mat style) foam cushion resides permanently in my Benbo carrying case (along with the 3 tent pegs).

There are plenty of tall, sturdy tripods, but they tend to be expensive or heavy. A column extension on a well-made tripod is not wobbly, though it does increase the moment arm for vibrations. The effect on stability is minimal.

 

I use an aluminum, Gitzo G-1348 with a G-1321 leveling head, which would be tall enough for you. With a 4 or 5 inch tall head, the viewfinder would be 68-70 inches. The Gitzo is about half the weight of a comparable Manfrotto. At 5'10", I need a stool to use the bottom leg extension.

 

The Benbo is an interesting piece of work. The #2 is a very tall tripod, but with two leg sections doesn't collapse very far (I have a #1). It is sturdy enough - I've use it with a 4x5 view camera. It's just not for everyone, and I seldom use mine any more. It is hard to set up or carry. While it is ideal for shooting ground flowers or on uneven terrain, it is just as hard to set up in easy situations - consequently a PITA. I see Benbo has some light-duty versions - I'd stay away from them.

 

For example, to set up a Benbo takes two hands and one foot - hold the camera with one hand, adjust the leg sections and column with the other, spread the legs with the other hand and a foot, then tighten the clamp. You reverse this procedure to collapse the tripod. It won't fit on a backpack or on a strap. If you carry it, it is over your shoulder like a rifle (it panics horses and slows mountain bikers - not necessarily a bad thing). I have bags for big Gitzo's than won't hold this tripod - a golf bag might work.

 

Have some fun - if you can find a store that carries a Benbo, ask the clerk to show you how it works.

Lots of good recommendations. If you want a fairly inexpensive tripod that is solid and not too heavy, take a look at the Slik Pro 700 DX. They are lighter than regular aluminum by using an aluminum/magnesium alloy-- they are in between normal aluminum and carbon fiber in weight for the level of stability. Witbout head, the 700DX weighs 4.85 lbs. and can get a low position with an optional short center column. It is not as robust as the Bogen 3051, but still quite sturdy, enough for a 70-200/2.8 and SLR body certainly. I'd rate it a little better than the original Bogen 3021 (which was sturdier than today's 3021 models).

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This tripod is 70 inches without head, which, after putting a head on the legset, will put your viewfinder up at eye level. Either try to buy it without the panhead that comes with it, or plan to replace it with a better head. Actually, it's not terrible and you might find it useful while you decide what head to get, but I'm pretty sure you'd be happier with something different on top of the legset.