Giottos
Buy the tripod – get the monopod FREE
MTL9351B + MH5011 £119
A robust aluminium tripod complete with a pan and tilt head. Centre column swings to an angled or horizontal position.
3-section legs can be set at 3 different angles and have rapid lever locks.
Height (with head attached) 177cm, folded 73cm. Max load 5kg.
FREE 4-section MML3270B monopod worth £40 WHILE STOCKS LAST Search code: GTT9351BKIT
Vitruvian New Series
Inspired by da Vinci’s famous drawing of ‘Vitruvian Man’ the 180º leg folding mechanism reduces the folded length of the tripod. One leg removes to become a monopod. Available in aluminium or carbon fibre. Includes ball head.
Giottos VGRN9255 £199
Aluminium 5-sec legs, extends to 165cm and folds to 40cm. Max load 6kg. Search code: GTTVN9255
Giottos VGRN8265 £379
Carbon fibre larger section 5-sec legs, extends to 171cm and folds to 40.3cm. Max load 9kg. Search code: GTTVN8255
Do you really need a tripod?
Camera and lens makers have expended a lot of effort in coming up with anti-shake mechanisms, some of which are very effective, giving you the opportunity to hand hold a camera and use a considerably slower shutter speed or a smaller aperture.
It’s a very useful feature, but is not the universal answer to achieving a sharp shot. You will have noticed that sports photog- raphers on the touchline will almost always use a monopod, and any wedding pho- tographer doing the formal shots will have the camera on a tripod (after all, how will the guests know where to look). For a landscape photographer support is essen- tial, as a small aperture is often required, and exposures are therefore going to be quite long. The pro’s over-riding concern is that the image should be pin sharp. It could be a fantastic shot, but if it’s got the slightest bit of camera shake it won’t sell (unless of course, you have the only shot of the Titanic sinking).
OK, you’re convinced, and the next question is which one? You’ll notice we don’t have any £29.99 supabuys here, and the reason is that a well-engineered and rigid tripod requires the right materials and ‘mostly plastic’ doesn’t cut it. Any signifi- cant play in the leg joints and at the ‘spider’ – the casting at the top where the legs join – increases the chance of shake. Carbon fibre can save a lot of weight on a big tripod, but just a few grams on a small one, and for weight v. load capacity you can’t beat Gitzo. Those without that kind of budget will be well served by any of the tripods on these pages – just a small selection from our range.
Benbo Mk 2
The ‘BENt BOlt’ concept dates back to a First World War gun carriage design. Simple and robust, it allows each leg to be placed at virtually any angle – one reason why it has become so popular with nature photogra- phers. Another is that the bottom tube sections are waterproof, so a Benbo can be used in a stream with confidence.
Trekker Benbo Mini Trekker £64
As Trekker Mk3 but with shorter centre column and short 1-section legs. Head extra. Search code: BBMT
Benbo Mk1 £129.95 Mk 1
Supports heavy cameras. Extends to 157cm, folds to 84cm.
Centre column has 1/4” screw at one end and 3/8” at the other Search code: BB1
MiniTrekker 8 01420 560066 /
speedgraphic.co.uk
Bags and other Benbo accessories stocked.
Slik Sprint Mini II GM £54.95 Compact full-featured travel tripod
Extends to 101cm; folds to 35cm and fits easily in a travel bag or suitcase.
Includes a quick-release ball and socket head
Legs can be set at 3 angles Search code: SKM2GM
Benbo Trekker Mk3 Kit £129
Available with fixed or swivelling platform
Includes legs, Compact Ball Head and Benbo carrying bag
Weight can be hung from centre column hook
Search code: BBT3K
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