Where can I get Benbo tripods in Singapore?

[nobu]

wow! looks like a great tripod for macro photography.. wonder how much it would cost.

Hi meow,

It does, doesn't it? The most versatile of the bunch is probably the trekker MK2 (I hear they have a bit more problems with this one as opposed to the original Trekker) and it's currently selling for US$189.95 from 2 online US stores, complete with case and ballhead. Good deal, but they don't ship overseas...

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[Dennis]

Not sure about others but I think the Explorer series is the closest you can get to a Benbo.
The only problem being their legs can only have a swing of 90 degrees but the Benbo is a free swing. Hope you find yours. Most versatile tripot I have used so far. Only problem is the weight. If only they have a smaller version. :dunno:

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for the quick reply.

Gitzo Explorer series does seem like a pretty good alternative, but from what I can see so far it's still quite pricey (at least, from what amazon is selling it at) and it doesn't come with a ball head ( I just emailed Cathay inquiring about the prices. Wish me luck!

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[nobu]

Hi,

As for the mini trekker, it currently sells for US$80 at one of the online US stores. Another good deal

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[nobu]

Not sure about others but I think the Explorer series is the closest you can get to a Benbo.
The only problem being their legs can only have a swing of 90 degrees but the Benbo is a free swing. Hope you find yours. Most versatile tripot I have used so far. Only problem is the weight. If only they have a smaller version. :dunno:

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for writing again. You mean the Benbo has a weight problem, or the explorer series has a weight problem?

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[Dennis]

Not actually weight problem but I now old already so even a 1.5kg tripot is heavy to me.
I now carry light with light ball head and light tripot. :bsmilie:

Hi Dennis,

Thanks for writing again. You mean the Benbo has a weight problem, or the explorer series has a weight problem?

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[Dennis]

I just saw the Benbo web site, notice that my old Benbo is closer to what they call a trekker and not a mini trekker. They seems to have a lot more selection now.

 

[nobu]

Not actually weight problem but I now old already so even a 1.5kg tripot is heavy to me.
I now carry light with light ball head and light tripot. :bsmilie:

Hi Dennis,

LOL Now, if only I had the $$ to do what you do Since I can't, Benbo...lol

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[nobu]

I just saw the Benbo web site, notice that my old Benbo is closer to what they call a trekker and not a mini trekker. They seems to have a lot more selection now.

Hi Dennis,

Yes, they do. Apparently the company disappeared from the face of the Earth for a while (possibly why Cathay doesn't sell them anymore) but they came back with some new products. Your trekker actually seems to be better (from what I read) than the MKII because of the area where the head attaches to. That leads me to wonder, why mess with something if it ain't broken? lol They should come up with more light-weight models though...

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[Dennis]

Yeh actually my benbo is still working but one of the legs plastic cap broke off and I replace it with a rubber one so now one of the legs does not have a spike. Still in pretty good condition after so many years.
For all who are still trying to get a tripot this is a good alternative since they are back.
Benbo gets its name from the unique design of the Bend Bolt that connects all the legs and centre column. Previously used to be made in England. Not sure about now.

Hi Dennis,

Yes, they do. Apparently the company disappeared from the face of the Earth for a while (possibly why Cathay doesn't sell them anymore) but they came back with some new products. Your trekker actually seems to be better (from what I read) than the MKII because of the area where the head attaches to. That leads me to wonder, why mess with something if it ain't broken? lol They should come up with more light-weight models though...

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[nobu]

Yeh actually my benbo is still working but one of the legs plastic cap broke off and I replace it with a rubber one so now one of the legs does not have a spike. Still in pretty good condition after so many years.
For all who are still trying to get a tripot this is a good alternative since they are back.
Benbo gets its name from the unique design of the Bend Bolt that connects all the legs and centre column. Previously used to be made in England. Not sure about now.

Hi Dennis,

It is still a UK brand

Cheers,
Shu

 

[student]

The Benbo, not the inferior Benro, is one of the most innovative and versatile tripods around. Designed for outdoors, and rugged terrians. And almost any "impossible" situtations.

I have both the Benbo and the Gitzo Explorer. Reason for the Gitzo? The Benbo is one heavy stuff. The Gitzo is light. But the Gitzo is one flimsy piece of equipment.

 

[nobu]

The Benbo, not the inferior Benro, is one of the most innovative and versatile tripods around. Designed for outdoors, and rugged terrians. And almost any "impossible" situtations.

I have both the Benbo and the Gitzo Explorer. Reason for the Gitzo? The Benbo is one heavy stuff. The Gitzo is light. But the Gitzo is one flimsy piece of equipment.

Hi student,
Thanks for writing in, how much did you pay for it, if I may ask?

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[student]

Hi student,
Thanks for writing in, how much did you pay for it, if I may ask?

Cheers,
Nobu

Unfortuntely, I cannot remember the price of the Benbo.

It was in fact the first tripod I bought more than 5 years ago!

 

[Dennis]

5 years is OK, mine is about 12-15 years ago I think !!!
I will wait for them to have a CF version at 1kg.
Than BBB liow :bsmilie:

Unfortuntely, I cannot remember the price of the Benbo.

It was in fact the first tripod I bought more than 5 years ago!

 

[nobu]

Hi guys,

Found some more info on Benbo's disappearance from the market despite it's versatility as a tripod (this is copy and pasted from here, keyword benbo):

---

Benbo tripods were originally made by Kennett Engineering who went out
of business some years ago. The Benbo name and designs, but not the
designers, were taken over by Paterson Photax who continued marketing
the tripods under the Benbo name.

Paterson Photax were part of the much larger Impress Group which went
out of business earlier this year. But Paterson Photax have been
purchased (in the last two weeks) from the receivers of Impress Group by
two or more former Directors (US: Vice Presidents) of Paterson Photax.

It's too early to say for sure whether Benbo tripods will still be
available, but Paterson Photax had just moved their manufacture to south
east Asia and has just introduced the much improved Trekker 2 when
Impress Group folded. As Paterson Photax was apparently profitable and
financially sound, there must be a very good chance that we will see
Benbo products again before too long, albeit made in Asia.

In the meantime, you could consider Uni-Loc. The designers who were
laid off when Kennett Engineering folded helped form the Uni-Loc company
which markets very similar-looking tripods and accessories.

---

You would think that since they are being manufactered HERE in SEA, we would be able to get some insider info on where they are being produced and get factory discounts haha. But that is of course wishful thinking T_T Uni-Loc, the alternative brand...the closest thing they have to the trekker is the MINOR 1600 (closer to a Benbo 2 tripod). Again, very hard to find in SEA. Is it time to hang my coattails and look out for a used Gitzo explorer? lol

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[nobu]

Oops, sorry for the typo above; I meant the Benbo 1 tripod (the MINOR 1600 weighs 2.5kgs or thereabouts). Benbo 2 weighs 4 kgs.

 

[nobu]

Oops, sorry for the typo above; I meant the Benbo 1 tripod (the MINOR 1600 weighs 2.5kgs or thereabouts). Benbo 2 weighs 4 kgs.

Hmm, really wish I could edit my thread: Benbo "disappeared" in 2001.

 

[Dennis]

Thanks for the insight nobu. It's a pity because it is a good design and I always wonder why they never advance it further. Well maybe we should consider the Gitzo Explorer now.

 

[nobu]

Hi guys,

Right then, onto the alternate available tripod in Singapore for nice macro work: the Gitzo Explorer series tripod ^^;;;

Gitzo Explorer Series Online prices (prices from pricegrabber.com; converted to S$): (Gitzo website)

Gitzo G2220 Explorer Aluminium Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 2.35kg; 3 sections)
~405.881 SGD

Gitzo G2227 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 1.86kg; 3 sections)
~763.128 SGD

Gitzo G2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 1.86kg; 4 sections)
~842.76 SGD

I've read in another thread that the Gitzo G2228 is the best of the series, but just look at the price difference...ouch! Of course, these prices are without ball head (and bag? this I'm not too sure of). T_T

Someone else said that the Gitzo isn't as sturdy as the Benbo - why is that so?

Cheers,
Nobu

 

[Dennis]

Actually I don't understand the Explorer series.
I always thought 3 sections is better than 4 sections.
Is the 2228 more expensive because it is more desired (slightly smaller when closed) or is it harder to make due to 4 section instead of 3 ?.
I thought the 2227 & 2228 are replaced by the 2257 & 2258.

Hi guys,

Right then, onto the alternate available tripod in Singapore for nice macro work: the Gitzo Explorer series tripod ^^;;;

Gitzo Explorer Series Online prices (prices from pricegrabber.com; converted to S$): (Gitzo website)

Gitzo G2220 Explorer Aluminium Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 2.35kg; 3 sections)
~405.881 SGD

Gitzo G2227 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 1.86kg; 3 sections)
~763.128 SGD

Gitzo G2228 Explorer Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 6kg (weight: 1.86kg; 4 sections)
~842.76 SGD

I've read in another thread that the Gitzo G2228 is the best of the series, but just look at the price difference...ouch! Of course, these prices are without ball head (and bag? this I'm not too sure of). T_T

Someone else said that the Gitzo isn't as sturdy as the Benbo - why is that so?

Cheers,
Nobu