david_mcallister1

<p>Messing around with PS Elements 8:</p><div></div>

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).

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.