Can't decide which tripod to keep.

I have Manfrotto 190 and also a Giotto's travel tripod which is similar to the MeFoto roadtrip. Both go to roughly the same height with the centre column up or down.

Big difference between the two is the Giottos works out about 1kg lighter but downside is it's 5 section legs and smaller leg footprint.

Dunno if I should keep both and use the Manfrotto when I won't be covering a large distance or pop it up in the classifieds for sale.

I am shooting micro 4/3rds. Not likely to go to anything bigger sensor wise.

Unless the weight is a big factor for you, I'd certainly keep the Manfrotto.

If the Giotto isn't worth much, keep both. Just my 2cts.

I am currently looking at various Manfrotto tripods from here https://www.calphoto.co.uk/category/accessories/tripods-monopods and was wondering which one would be more suitable for me? I would be looking to use it at various levels, including quite close to the ground, so am I correct in thinking that I should be looking at the 190 series? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

The 190 series (not that I have ever handled one) is more lightweight in construction than the 055. I would expect it to be a bit more wobbly or more prone to vibration than the 055. I could not see me using a monopod to get close to the ground as the chances are I would not get up again (and my problem is standing up I am too tall for photographing people 'n things).

To the OP. I would keep the manfrotto. Bummer I missed to get one of the series 5 Gitzos even when I pressed the button to get one

TLR-330 said:

The 190 series (not that I have ever handled one) is more lightweight in construction than the 055. I would expect it to be a bit more wobbly or more prone to vibration than the 055. I could not see me using a monopod to get close to the ground as the chances are I would not get up again (and my problem is standing up I am too tall for photographing people 'n things).

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Thanks very much, I will keep that mind.

I guess you have to analyse what you want to use it for. If you are going to yomp for miles with a bag full of gear then weight and size is a consideration. Also going on holiday abroad with a big old 190 or 055 can be a pain too.
With Landscape photography one of the most important things is lessening any vibration / movement from your tripod and if you think about it lighter gear (M4/3) isn't always conducive to stability.
I have ditched the centre column of my 055CX and MF because its not good as far as vibration goes and if its not there i'm not tempted to use it, not that I ever have. Even with the centre column locked down the column can induce vibration (Like an antenna in windy conditions).
We know all about hanging big lumps of stuff to the bottom of the tripod of course that helps but extending the centre column is asking for trouble. The best tripods were those big old wooden jobs that really suppressed any vibration.

Anyhow i digress .... unless your tempted by the cash you will get for your Giottos then I would say keep them both. There different tools for different jobs and it will save you further down the line saying "I wish i hadn't flogged that Giottos tripod".
Just my 2d

69Bonni said:

I have ditched the centre column of my 055CX and MF because its not good as far as vibration goes

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And what have you done? Have you figured out a way of fitting the head straight onto the spider?

69Bonni said:

I guess you have to analyse what you want to use it for. If you are going to yomp for miles with a bag full of gear then weight and size is a consideration. Also going on holiday abroad with a big old 190 or 055 can be a pain too.
With Landscape photography one of the most important things is lessening any vibration / movement from your tripod and if you think about it lighter gear (M4/3) isn't always conducive to stability.

Anyhow i digress .... unless your tempted by the cash you will get for your Giottos then I would say keep them both. There different tools for different jobs and it will save you further down the line saying "I wish i hadn't flogged that Giottos tripod".
Just my 2d

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Well I don't need to sell either to sell funds so have decided to keep both. Like you say when I am not walking for miles the Manfrotto will be the better one to use. And for other times the Giottos will be better.

TLR-330 said:

And what have you done? Have you figured out a way of fitting the head straight onto the spider?

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Hi Charles,
Yes that's exactly what I have done! With the 055 MF3 it wasn't an issue because (Sensibly) Manfrotto made the centre column detachable from the head. So when the column is detached you are left with a short stub that is about the depth of the spider casting. I would have probably just bought a replacement one of these to fit to the 055CX but I am fortunate enough to have a lathe and happened to have some round Aluminium bar so I turned down a stub. Then I had to mill off a flat as the spider opening isn't circular of course, centre drill and fit a 1/4 UNC stud and then drill the base plate for a couple of grub screws to lock the ball head when its screwed on.
I think the replacement headstock for a 055 MF3 is probably the easiest route for most. However I cant tell you 100% that it will fit the 055CX but if you are interested I can always try the head from the MF in the CX.

ian-83 said:

Well I don't need to sell either to sell funds so have decided to keep both. Like you say when I am not walking for miles the Manfrotto will be the better one to use. And for other times the Giottos will be better.

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That's good then I don't think you will regret it in the long run! Also don't forget one day you might just need that off camera flash or lighting and a second tripod is a really handy thing to have.