Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Wow! This is an interesting question to me as I am addicted to shooting off a tripod whenever possible. Professionally I use a Benbo and think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I have a Bogen model 3036 which I consider too heavy and awkward to take out into the field, however, I do like it and use it quite frequently around the studio and for pet portraits where I have to be positioned near the ground at their level. When I am out with the M machines for fun, I carry a tabletop Leitz tripod with the large Leitz head. (I recently saw the prices for these and was overwhelmed.) I have owned mine for more years than I care to remember and have always found it a wonderful tool to brace against any available surface for a firm and solid support. I have wondered about the Cullman as they advertise it is extremely portable. I have not been able to see one at any retailer and evaluate it. I don't know anyone who has one. Ususally light means flimsy and ultimately useless. I have switched to the Bogen grip (joystick) head on both the bogen and benbo tripods. It is the greatest. I have come to dislike the usual heads that are built onto the tripod. Also, somewhere I have a spare tiltall unit. It was a good tripod but I have found that I rarely use it if I have the benbo at hand. I drive a van and the benbo is usually with me always. I have wondered about the lighter benbo and there is a company in Canada that makes a tripod similar to benbo but with (they claim) a more comfortable and secure locking mechanism. I have never seen one in person, on the spec sheets. Sorry for the long rambling dissertation on 45 years of owning tripods. I hope this gives you a place to start. Good Luck Roger robinsnestphotography.com