Rob,

Biggest problem I had was the wind. As this was a tripod test I had to set the target at 6 feet above ground to have the tripod on a normal working extension.

Perhaps we need a WPF test target based on your bar code idea. :D

This was an interesting experience as the first test used a 5 litre container of cement for stability but checking the results showed softness in some shots and not in others. Given that wind effect on he target was negligble due to is weight and some of the worst results were at high shutter speeds. I put the camera on my big Slik tripod and re-did the series. Same problem but at different settings to the first test. I replaced the target with the plasticiser container a bit nearer and out of the wind and used manual focus. No problems. I now recognise that my A/F does not give guaranteed accuracy on semi shiny surfaces.

Don

Yes, the 1600 and 1700 both use the same leg tubes so I reckon they are basically the same. I've seen kits to convert the 1600 into the 1700.

Anyway, do you find the bendy bit on the central column to be of use, or does it introduce weakness?

Leif

Hi Leif

The Uniloc 1600 Major is a totally different beast to the 1600 and 1700 Minor, check the web link I included in my previous post. Yes I find the bendy bit very useful when working close to the ground, it allows me to keep the camera horizontal while still having full movement on my ball and socket head.

nirofo.

Yes I know. I am commenting on the 1600 which I own and the 1700 which you own and not the 1600 major. I do wish they would use different names. And for their own sake they should tartify their web site to make it look more professional.

Thanks for the info on the bendy bit. It might be worth my buying one. Leif

I've had a Slik 88 for more than 20 years and have always loved it. Sadly it now has a damaged lock on one leg. I keep trying to figure a way to fix the problem meanwhile I use it for shots where I don't need all the leg extension.
I have a Swarovski tripod (made by Manfroto I believe). It is very rigid and solid for using a scope but I don't particularly like it for camera use.

20 yrs eh, they don't build em to last do they :D :D

Benbo / Uniloc
 

As this tripod has been mentioned in this thread I took a couple of pictures that might be of interst to those unfamiliar with the product.

This is a tripod that is superb for nature photography. The querky design hinges on the single operating lever. Unlock this and you have a wobbly set of bagbipes. The design allows the legs and head tube to be infinitely angled and with the lever locked up it is a very ridgid tripod. The bottom leg section is sealed so it can be used in the most hostile of environments.

Here is a link to Uniloc http://www.ukray.com/uniloc/system.htm


Don

My recommendation
 

I would recommend to Stephen that even though it breaks his budget, he looks at a studio grade tripod. The logic being that it would be capable of holding any of his kit. So it is a recommendation for the long term, without the potential need for upgrade in the future. It takes into consideration the D2X resolution and also the quality of Stephens glass.

There is no doubt that the 055 would be a significant step up from the current tripod, but with limitations.

To illustrate the differences I have attached pics comparing my Slik professional with the 055 and Benbo.

In the image of all three tripods the legs are at full extension. The D100 with 80-200 is to give scale.
As I have posted seperately for the Benbo where its top leg section can be seen, I have done a comparative pic between the 055 and the Slik.
I have included a picture of all three feet for area of surface contact, reference. The Slik obviously wins on a hard surface and the Benbo/Uniloc off road.

Don

I think it is worth my mentioning that IMO the Benbo Trekker, which is the smallest full size tripod in the Benbo range, is not worth buying. I found that it was not very sturdy, and is supplied with a small and inadequate ball head. I bought one about 10 years ago but it was badly made. After a year of amateur use a leg fell off and had to be glued back on, then after another 6 months the locking handle broke and I threw the remains into a dustbin.

Also note that in the pictures from Don showing the tripod feet, it looks as if the Benbo has the larger diameter legs. It doesn't. Most tripods have legs constructed from tubes that slide inside each other. Usually the widest section is at the top. But in the case of the Benbo, the widest section is at the bottom.

Leif

Hi Leif

I agree the Benbo Trekker is not a very well made tripod, a friend of mine had one for a while, he was always having trouble with it. The Uniloc 1700 Minor is a far more robust and versatile tripod, it's only slightly heavier than the Trekker and slightly cheaper to buy! The Uniloc range of tripods are very similar to the Benbo range, they are designed and made by the original designer of the Benbo but are superior in build quality.

nirofo.