Manfrotto 190XPROB for macro

[LCPete]

Hi I'm thinking of getting this tripod for use with my Sigma 150 and 40D with 486 ballhead
Whats it like for macro ?
Is it quick and easy to set up ?
I will be using it at a height of 3 ft down to ground level
The horizontal arm looks handy, is it stable when fully extended in the horizontal position ? If it is that would really be handy I would be able to get near the bugs without the legs moving the vegetation and disturbing the insect.
My current tripod a dynotran is great, really stable but cant easily be used at low level have to reverse the centre column and I find the legs then get in the way.
The missus said I have to get it right this time I've already bought too many tripods
Pete

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

I've got the carbon version and by the time you've finished messing about with the tripod the bugs will be long gone, but its good for static objects and you need to hang something on the legs when you've got the centre coulomb extended to keep it stable.

 

[LCPete]

Thanks Paul
I've not actually seen a 190 in the flesh to try out , our local shop does not stock much in the way of tripods

 

[velocette]

I've got one and do use it for macro but like any tripod it does take time to set up especially if you need to get to ground level. That said I'm quite happy with it generally although something lighter would be nice if you need to tote it around much.