Benro A-550EX Tripod .............. My new toy

Unextended pose

Extended pose

I couldn't believe it...................RM 5500 almost went down the drain...........My Canon EOS 400 DLSR + the 18-200mm lens almost went crashing to the floor while photographing the sunset at Mt. Bromor. It was lucky that i always instinctively held on to my camera. It was one of those cheap ass sakure tripod that cause the problem. The plastic mounting snapped in 4 places. Really couldn't believe it

The moment that happen an old chinese saying flashed my mind "You already bought the cow, make sure you get a rope for it". This saying literally means if you already spend a bomb on something make sure you get something worthy to look after it as well. Wise word for the day

The next day watching sunrise at Mt.Penanjakan, i still had to use my broken tripod. I carefully tied in place very crudely and holding the camera on my hand. It was a bummer photo shot and i told myself i had to get my hand on one of those strudy looking tripod once i get back. I immediately threw the entire sakure tripod into a bin just before i left Cemero Lawang.

Upon my return, I did my research based on photography forums, reviews and blogs. It was down to three brands Benro, Manfrotto and Gitzo.

I ended up chosing Benro over the rest due to a few objectives 1.Sturdiness, 2.value for money 3.weight aspect cos i do a lot of travelling. I also did found out from the net that Benro was made in china and built quiet similar to Gitzo's specs. ( Thank God for the Chinese capitalism ). the price is way cheaper than Gitzo. Manfrotto i find is too heavy for me. Fortunately i do not shoot like a professional, else i would settle for a Gitzo which cost a bomb. I only need the travelling tripod for the occassional sunrise and sunset or waterfall shots

I manage to research a place called YL Camera shop just down town in Kuala Lumpur stock the Benro tripod, located in Pudu Plaza on the 1st floor. So i decided to pay a visit there today to get my hand on a Benro tripod. I tried a few model keeping in mind my objectives.

The salesgirl was cool and she help me out in finalising my decision. And finally......
Model : Benro A-550EX ( Black colour )
Price : RM 500

Specs :
4 section
1470mm Max height, 480mm folded
1.45kg weight
Support up to max of 6 kg weight

All objective met, it even came with a bag and strap. So happy to have settled with a decent tripod for my future photography outing. Good thing also,found out the YL shop does trade in, so now i'm planning for my next outdoor toy Vosonic VP8870...................muahahhahaha

Taken with camera resting on it

Size when collapsed

Size when extended

Box bag and tripod

Cool wing nut for locking the height

Extendable and collapsible legs

Balancer checker and compass

Degree dial

Camera locking plate, very solid

Plate fixed on camera

Everest Base Camp - Prelude

Finally after a delay of about 1 year, i decided to write an blog article about my Nepal trekking experience. Majestic, breathtaking and definitely must do before you die is how i would summarise the whole experience. You'll probably end up looking at mountain differently.
Took us about 2 years to plan the logistic, arrange for the guide, research, getting the right gear and saving up cause our exchange rate is just a laughing stock for the rest of the world. RM 3.45 vs USD 1.

Travel tip 1. You try to pay everything in Nepal Rupees cause its cheaper, Most majors like USD, EUR, GBP is widely accepted as well. MYR is accepted for currency exchange in major cities like Kathmandu. Try to change in bulk if you're travelling in a group. You can negotiate very good rates. Carry heaps of smaller denominated USD. Don't make a joke of yourself by paying for a coke with USD 50.

There was plenty of drama a few weeks leading to the trip.
1. Thai Airways decided to hike their rates for Kathmandu at the last minute, so we were stuck with Nepal Airlines, damn will sure miss those hot assed thai airway stewardess

2. Wendy got pregnant with baby Cadence, so she's not gonna make it for this trip. Cadence if you're old enuf to read and this blog and this blog still kickin. Make a comment and say thanks to your mom.........so we're down to 5 headcount

3. USD exchange rate hit RM 3.20, we were laughing cause it came down from RM 3.80, bonus payday would have helped a lot more.

There was just so much shit to before we left. A full 32 days away from home. The laundry, settling all bills before leaving, leaving the car with someone to start it occasionally. Who's gonna water the plant. Packing up, checking the checklist of stuff to bring over and over again...........