Originally Posted by Don Hoey

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

Originally Posted by nirofo

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.

Originally Posted by Leif

Stephen: if you want to truly engage in tripod lust, check out Sachtler tripods. Or maybe you had better not for the sake of your family!

Leif

Originally Posted by Andy

I did mention Sachtler to Stephen in a pm a couple of nights ago... he may still be recovering ;)

Originally Posted by Leif

:D

Or furtively surfing their web site when he thinks no-one is looking ...

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

Unfortunately there is not a Slik professional studio grade tripod in the country. The compact version is in supply and production however the larger 'professional 4' is made to order in Japan and one supplier claimed it could be over two months for delivery.

Bread and water for the family this evening so they acquire a taste for more economical means of living!!

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

The designation 'Professional 4' means it has four leg extensions and can be extended to almost eight feet, eight feet!

Originally Posted by Stephen Fox

I was encouraged to phone the U.K. distributor for Slik to clear conflicting stories from several retailers and was told, professional 4 has been discontinued but when I was about to terminate the conversation I was told where the last two were sold. I telephoned these retailers in turn and to my surprise - JACKPOT! I am not the proud owner of a Slik 'Professional 4' tripod. This thing is extremely well build and rock steady at normal working height. The designation 'Professional 4' means it has four leg extensions and can be extended to almost eight feet, eight feet!

As I live in a regular house with normal height ceilings it is not possible to extend fully indoors so I went outside. Photos below are not a trick it really does extend higher than my garage without the centre column raised! Smaller photo at normal working height with MN229 head.