DaveW wrote:Also on a shiny floor, until you get to know how to work them Leif, they are a bit like trying to get a really drunken man to stand on his feet, as their legs go all ways! LOL
I think the original heavy Benbo Mk. 1 will carry medium format cameras with ease, maybe even large format. I don't know if they have lightened the Unilok version, since the original Benbo's are heavy to carry around?
DaveW
Ah yes, that is one often quoted reason why people are not keen on them. Some Americans even call them Octopus tripods.
However in my experience the Uniloc/Benbo is easier to use than a normal tripod as there is only one control to loosen/tighten when making height adjustments. But, it is essential to hold the camera and/or centre column when loosening the main control, otherwise an expensive camera and lens could crash to the ground.
The Uniloc 1600 weighs 2.5 Kg and can support a DSLR + 200mm micro lens + flash with ease: I get pin sharp images. I've used a 400mm F5.6 lens too. I am told it can even support a 500mm F4 lens given a suitable head, though I am not sure if vibrations are damped properly.
The Benbo Mark 1 is a larger and more stable tripod than the Uniloc 1600, but it is also heavier. The Uniloc 1600 is okay weight wise, and I have often carried it many miles along with a backpack.