Bembo Trekker Tripod

[Furrukh Khan]

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum, so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column, to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life, macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255 at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html

Just go to Photo-> Photo accessories-> Tripod & Camerras -> 35mm/APS tripods-> B1007 Trekker Tripod Kit.

A few years ago there had been some concerns about slippage in these tripods. Apparently this problem has been fixed. I tried all my force to make anything slip, but it remained solid. It comes with a light weight (Bogen mini) ball head, which should be more than enough for the Cool Pix cameras. Other ball heads can be attached for heavier 35 mm cameras.

I am going on a long trip in a few days, and will put this tripod through its paces during this trip. When I come back I will post a mini review. I will look out for any slippage, etc. Meanwhile here is the first outside photograph I took using this tripod:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=377788

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Ruth Happel]

I've had a Benbo trekker tripod for about five years now- durable, because it's still going strong. It's a sturdy tripod, and I've never had any trouble with it slipping. And the great thing is that it can be extended to any angle. Combined with the swivel design of the Coolpix cameras, if you can't get the right angle for your shot, then you must be shooting something VERY unsual. It's great for fieldwork, because of its relatively light weight. Although I still use other tripods as well, it's one of my favorites because of its versatility.

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html

Just go to Photo-> Photo accessories-> Tripod & Camerras -> 35mm/APS
tripods-> B1007 Trekker Tripod Kit.

A few years ago there had been some concerns about slippage in these
tripods. Apparently this problem has been fixed. I tried all my force to
make anything slip, but it remained solid. It comes with a light weight
(Bogen mini) ball head, which should be more than enough for the Cool Pix
cameras. Other ball heads can be attached for heavier 35 mm cameras.

I am going on a long trip in a few days, and will put this tripod through
its paces during this trip. When I come back I will post a mini review. I
will look out for any slippage, etc. Meanwhile here is the first outside
photograph I took using this tripod:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=377788

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Eric]

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

I am just a little surprised that you have not come across this tripod before. It was introduced here in UK probably about 15 years or more ago and as you will understand, it was regarded as rather unique. I've had one since the time they came out, or near then, and I must say it is a thing that still takes a bit of getting used to. I believe that the original producers sold out or were taken over and the 2nd edition as it might be called is slightly redesigned. One thing for sure, the original was solid steel and with it's unique three-way independant legs going all over the place it was mighty awkward to carry around. For those not knowing it, EACH leg is quite independant, can be set in ANY position (so you have multiple joints which need to be fixed) and when they were first brought out it caused quite a stir as most photographers finished up with a floppy 'tripod' with legs going everywhere, mostly flat on the floor ! The situations in which it can be used are unending - one often used ad picture showing it propped up against a wall or tree with just one leg on the ground and two legs up at all sorts of angles angainst the firm surface - bit like a three-legged dog having a pee up a tree !! As said, they are totally sealed so can be stood in water, mud or anything wet, without concern.

They are without doubt quite different and for anyone interested I can recommend a look just for the laugh of it - and I'd love to see you on first attempt to set it up .. but it really is rock solid. A major advantage is the boom arm to which you can fix the camera (you can get, or could get, different heads to suit different cameras in their weight/size/fitting needs, then of course the camera sticks outwards quite usefully in some locations like a studio boom thing. Do have a look now it is apparent that a USA site exists for this - even if only to see something very much different.
Eric

 

[ycloh]

Hi, I have the trekker for 2 month, sold it and bought the Bembo 1
which is bigger and more stable for 35mm (5yrs ago) It is still serving me well

esp. when it come to macro shot, you can adjust the tripod in any position to get that shot. The trekker is to weak for 35mm with bellow ans stuff, but it should work well with 990(light weight).

thanks
YC

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html

Just go to Photo-> Photo accessories-> Tripod & Camerras -> 35mm/APS
tripods-> B1007 Trekker Tripod Kit.

A few years ago there had been some concerns about slippage in these
tripods. Apparently this problem has been fixed. I tried all my force to
make anything slip, but it remained solid. It comes with a light weight
(Bogen mini) ball head, which should be more than enough for the Cool Pix
cameras. Other ball heads can be attached for heavier 35 mm cameras.

I am going on a long trip in a few days, and will put this tripod through
its paces during this trip. When I come back I will post a mini review. I
will look out for any slippage, etc. Meanwhile here is the first outside
photograph I took using this tripod:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=377788

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[StevenN]

There is another tripod similar to the Benbo called the Uni-Loc. From five feet away you can't tell them apart. The Uni-Loc was supposedly created by one of the designers of the Benbo who left the company to sell his own tripod.

The Uni-Loc is an improvement over the Benbo, according to Uni-Loc representatives. I have seen the tripod featured in Photo shows in New York and Washington, D.C. At the D.C. show, the Uni-Loc rep set the tripod up and sat on it to demonstrate how sturdy it was.

The Uni-Loc is also made in England. If I remember correctly, it is priced a little lower than the Benbo. I haven't seen it in any stores, but I remember the Uni-Loc rep telling me there was a distributor in Hartford, Conn., for the tripod.

I would love to get either one of these tripods ... it could even double as a boom for my slave flash.

 

[Rob Patterson]

This link is to a site that most may know about already. It has user reviews and ratings of camera accessories (mostly film). The Benbo gets the maxium 5 rating by 2 reviewers.
http://www.photographyreview.com/reviews/tripods/

The second link is a direct link to Benbo's site with lots if nice shots of the different versions of this pod and it's versatility in use:
http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/benbo.htm

To me, this tripod looks to be the tripod of choice. I can see where one would need to spend some time getting used to the animal. Leveling a Pano Head? Easy? Hard? An S.O.B?

Looking forward to your mini review.

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html

Just go to Photo-> Photo accessories-> Tripod & Camerras -> 35mm/APS
tripods-> B1007 Trekker Tripod Kit.

A few years ago there had been some concerns about slippage in these
tripods. Apparently this problem has been fixed. I tried all my force to
make anything slip, but it remained solid. It comes with a light weight
(Bogen mini) ball head, which should be more than enough for the Cool Pix
cameras. Other ball heads can be attached for heavier 35 mm cameras.

I am going on a long trip in a few days, and will put this tripod through
its paces during this trip. When I come back I will post a mini review. I
will look out for any slippage, etc. Meanwhile here is the first outside
photograph I took using this tripod:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=377788

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Candace Jason]

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

I too, own a Benbo, the Benbo1, which is a bit heavier than the Trecker but still

within reason. It is an extremely versatile tripod especially for nature work and its

quirkyness is also its strength in that it can do what no ordinary tripod can. If
anyone is interested I noticed a new Trecker on ebay today for $199.00.

 

[Mike Kelley]

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker.

Furrukh, I like the idea of the boom. I know you can attach other heads, but for that price does the head it come with have a quick release plate?

I won't use a tripod head without such a plate, but I am in the market for another tripod for an upcoming trip (not until late October but you can never start too early to plan).

 

[Eric]

There is another tripod similar to the Benbo called the Uni-Loc. From
five feet away you can't tell them apart. The Uni-Loc was supposedly
created by one of the designers of the Benbo who left the company to sell
his own tripod.

The Uni-Loc is an improvement over the Benbo, according to Uni-Loc
representatives. I have seen the tripod featured in Photo shows in New
York and Washington, D.C. At the D.C. show, the Uni-Loc rep set the
tripod up and sat on it to demonstrate how sturdy it was.

The Uni-Loc is also made in England. If I remember correctly, it is
priced a little lower than the Benbo. I haven't seen it in any stores,
but I remember the Uni-Loc rep telling me there was a distributor in
Hartford, Conn., for the tripod.

I would love to get either one of these tripods ... it could even double
as a boom for my slave flash.

Steven -

Yes, the Uni-Loc has been sold here in UK for quite a number of years and I think it WAS the 'successor' to the the original Benbo. It has been sold, as far as I can recall, mostly if not exclusively by JESSOPS photo chain - certainly all their shops have had it for years. You could always import onre !!! hate to think of the carriage cost but might surprise us all. I think they are probably on http://www.jessops.com - give it a try.They're in their catalog , about 8 types but the starter 1600 series should be fine for digi type (no weight) and that's 90UKP (about) $125 ? What are they in USA?
Eric

 

[Furrukh Khan]

Mike, unfortunately the ball head the tripod comes with does not have a quick release plate. I replaced it by a Bogen 3262 Medium Ball Head ($30 form B&H), which has a quick release plate, and screws into the Bembo Trekker thread. The Medium Ball head has a retractable dual thread (both ¼ and 3/8), and is sturdy enough for 35mm and medium format. Most importantly, the quick release plate is small enough so that it does not interfere with the swivel movement of the CP990.

Cheers!

Furrukh

Furrukh, I like the idea of the boom. I know you can attach other heads,
but for that price does the head it come with have a quick release plate?

I won't use a tripod head without such a plate, but I am in the market
for another tripod for an upcoming trip (not until late October but you
can never start too early to plan).

 

[Ron Bedford]

In this price range, I can only afford one tripod. Would those of you who have experience with the Bembo Trekker recommend its for studio work as well as outside work? Any downsides to this unique design when used in the studio? Also, will the lighter ball head that work for a 990 along with an external flash and bracket?

Thanks!
Ron

Dear Friends, if you are in the market for a tripod, then you may be
interested in the Bembo Trekker. I have known about this tripod for some
years, so when I saw it at our local camera store I could not resist
buying it. I am sure that this tripod has been discussed in this forum,
so please excuse any repetitions. The tripod is a very different design
compared with a “normal” tripod. It has a boom like column,
to which you attach the camera via. a ball head. This arm can be
positioned at any angle, making this tripod very flexible for still life,
macro, and all sorts of photography. This “arm” can be
brought all the way down close to the ground at any angle, and also moved
in an arc, all the way to the top. The three legs can be adjusted
individually for flexibility. The Trekker model is for outside use, and
weighs only 5 pounds. It is designed so that it can be used in a few feet
of water, and even mud. Bembo Trekker is made in England, and costs $255
at B&H. You can see its photograph at B&H:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=StartLink__Aindex_html

Just go to Photo-> Photo accessories-> Tripod & Camerras -> 35mm/APS
tripods-> B1007 Trekker Tripod Kit.

A few years ago there had been some concerns about slippage in these
tripods. Apparently this problem has been fixed. I tried all my force to
make anything slip, but it remained solid. It comes with a light weight
(Bogen mini) ball head, which should be more than enough for the Cool Pix
cameras. Other ball heads can be attached for heavier 35 mm cameras.

I am going on a long trip in a few days, and will put this tripod through
its paces during this trip. When I come back I will post a mini review. I
will look out for any slippage, etc. Meanwhile here is the first outside
photograph I took using this tripod:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1005&message=377788

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Furrukh Khan]

Here are two pictures of the Bembo Trekker tripod, carrying a Nikon 990, Stroboflip VH 2000 flash bracket, and a Nikon SB-28DX speedlight. (… continued below the picture …)



The tripod comes standard with the Bembo mini ball head. This ball head is used in the lower picture. The picture shows the orientation that I actually used (i.e. picture was not rotated). I mounted the camera at an angle to apply maximum stress on the arm and the ball joint. Everything was held very securely. Nothing moved or slipped. The mini ball head is strong enough to carry all this weight, and so is the boom arm. The standard ball head does not have a quick release plate, and is a bit of a hassle to mount the camera with the bracket and flash attached.

In the upper picture I have used the Bogen 3262 Medium Ball Head ($30 form B&H), which has a quick release plate. This ball head is strong enough for medium format equipment. The quick release plate makes everything very convenient, and is small enough not to interfere with the swivel motion of the 990. I would recommend this ball head over the standard mini ball head.

By the way, both ends of the boom arm are identical, and the ball head can be moved easily from one side to the other.

I have arrived at the conclusion that the Bembo Trekker can be used with the 990, with a bracket, and flash attached. The boom arm can be positioned at any odd angle, and extended all the way out, and still keep everything securely held. The standard ball head is strong enough so that it can be used in this configuration, however it becomes a real hassle to use it. The Bogen 3262 is a much better ball head. I see no reason why this tripod can not be used in the studio, as well as outside, if you stick to 35mm cameras and lighter, i.e. Cool pix cameras, even with the bracket and flash attached.

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Imp-]

Thanks for posting the pics Furrukh, the whole setup looks very sturdy. I'm amazed how it can hold up the 990, flash and bracket securely, especially from looking at the second picture.

Thanks.

Here are two pictures of the Bembo Trekker tripod, carrying a Nikon 990,
Stroboflip VH 2000 flash bracket, and a Nikon SB-28DX speedlight.
(… continued below the picture …)



The tripod comes standard with the Bembo mini ball head. This ball head
is used in the lower picture. The picture shows the orientation that I
actually used (i.e. picture was not rotated). I mounted the camera at an
angle to apply maximum stress on the arm and the ball joint. Everything
was held very securely. Nothing moved or slipped. The mini ball head is
strong enough to carry all this weight, and so is the boom arm. The
standard ball head does not have a quick release plate, and is a bit of a
hassle to mount the camera with the bracket and flash attached.

In the upper picture I have used the Bogen 3262 Medium Ball Head ($30
form B&H), which has a quick release plate. This ball head is strong
enough for medium format equipment. The quick release plate makes
everything very convenient, and is small enough not to interfere with the
swivel motion of the 990. I would recommend this ball head over the
standard mini ball head.

By the way, both ends of the boom arm are identical, and the ball head
can be moved easily from one side to the other.

I have arrived at the conclusion that the Bembo Trekker can be used with
the 990, with a bracket, and flash attached. The boom arm can be
positioned at any odd angle, and extended all the way out, and still keep
everything securely held. The standard ball head is strong enough so that
it can be used in this configuration, however it becomes a real hassle to
use it. The Bogen 3262 is a much better ball head. I see no reason why
this tripod can not be used in the studio, as well as outside, if you
stick to 35mm cameras and lighter, i.e. Cool pix cameras, even with the
bracket and flash attached.

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Han]

Hi,

And what about panorama pics? I have to be able to rotate the camera on a fixed axis, but this tripod works entirly different so it seems.

Regards,
Han

 

[Furrukh Khan]

Hi Han, I do not do panos so I don’t know the exact requirements of a good pano tripod. Here is what I think might be relevant: The three legs are completely adjustable, and the boom arm can move independently, so you can position the boom arm vertically, just like a normal tripod. The two ball heads I have talked about are probably not good for panos since they are meant for free positioning in a 3D circle. But you could attach a pano head, or another head you like, to the arm. The thread on the arm is ¼, the one used on the tripod mount of the CP990. Hope this helps.

Cheers!

Furrukh

Hi,

And what about panorama pics? I have to be able to rotate the camera on a
fixed axis, but this tripod works entirly different so it seems.

Regards,
Han

 

[Mike Kelley]

Mike, unfortunately the ball head the tripod comes with does not have a
quick release plate. I replaced it by a Bogen 3262 Medium Ball Head ($30
form B&H), which has a quick release plate, and screws into the Bembo
Trekker thread. The Medium Ball head has a retractable dual thread (both
¼ and 3/8), and is sturdy enough for 35mm and medium format. Most
importantly, the quick release plate is small enough so that it does not
interfere with the swivel movement of the CP990.

Thanks, Mr. F! I'll definitely check this out (trip still a few months away).

 

[Furrukh Khan]

Here is the whole movement of the arm, clockwise (A, B, C, D). As you can see, the arm moves continuously, in almost an 180 degrees arc. The tripod head can be attached on either end.



Note that in position A, the end of the arm opposite to the ball head is touching a leg. And in position D, the ball head is touching the same leg from the other side. This leg is what limits the motion.

Hope this helps.

Cheers!

Furrukh

 

[Han]

Hi, thanks, I hadn't realised that the head was replaceable. All I have is a simple, unstable, small and lightweight SILK tripod of $30. Just looking for a better solution, but it must be lightweight so I can carry it around in a backpack.

Greetings!

Han

Cheers!

Furrukh

Hi,

And what about panorama pics? I have to be able to rotate the camera on a
fixed axis, but this tripod works entirly different so it seems.

Regards,
Han

 

[Daniel Lauring]

You might want to consider just buying a quick release for the existing head.
Here is a source.

http://www.cameraworld.com/adtemplate.asp?invky=89096

Greetings!

Han

Cheers!

Furrukh

Hi,

And what about panorama pics? I have to be able to rotate the camera on a
fixed axis, but this tripod works entirly different so it seems.

Regards,
Han

 

[Rob Patterson]

Hi, thanks, I hadn't realised that the head was replaceable. All I have
is a simple, unstable, small and lightweight SILK tripod of $30. Just
looking for a better solution, but it must be lightweight so I can carry
it around in a backpack.

Most daypacks have insufficient depth to accomadate a good tripod. The closed length would need to be under 17 inches. A good backpack will accomadate longer tripods.

The best solution I've seen is done by Bogen. Their tripods have a provision for attaching a strap. I carry my 3.8 lb Bogen 3001S slung around my neck so the tripods weight rest on my left shoulder. It's comfortable. Can't come off under any circumstance and the method allows me to use both hands for climbing steep slops, walking aross logs etc.

I don't see why a strap arrangement such as this couldn't be quickly made that had loops at both ends for carrying other tripods that didn't have the 3/8 threaded hole.

Don't get a real light tripod. This 3.8lb Bogen is sufficient in weight for most circumstances. It's too light when high winds are blowing or when extending a lateral arm on it at any distance. I recommend a tripod of 5 pounds upwards. Slung with a strap, even a 7 pound tripod should present no problem. The short pods such as this 3001S bogen can be a drawback when doing shots at eyelevel standing, unless your less that 5 feet tall you'll find yourself stooping a lot. In addition a too short pod will prevent many higher shots from be taken.

That Benbo looks to be very versital. The arm will go completely vertical. A small line level can be kept in your pocket to get the arm plumb.

Greetings!

Han

Cheers!

Furrukh

Hi,

And what about panorama pics? I have to be able to rotate the camera on a
fixed axis, but this tripod works entirly different so it seems.

Regards,
Han