Manfrotto tripods

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BirderOzzie

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Oscar Dewhurst
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I want to buy a new tripod and head and was looking at the Manfrotto 190XPROB and the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod. The reason I was looking at these ones was that they are not too expensive and I like the fact that you can put the central column verticaly, which helps for macro work. I noticed the there is a £30 difference between the two, with the 055 being more expensive, but the 190 is 600g lighter, but apparently les stable. At the moment I am leaning towards the 055.

I also want to buy a head for it and was looking at the Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head. I was looking at this one as it doesn't need any levers.

Any help greatly appreciated.:D

Oscar
 
I have just bought the Manfrotto 55cxpro3 with a Gitzo GH2780QR ball head. Not cheap but I cant beleive how light the set up is, worth every penny and should last for years.
 
i think the 055 is a very good choice , at the monent i have 2 tripods an 055 cl and a 190xpro.

while the 190 is not flimsy or wobbly it feels it compared to the 055 i'm only too happy to use the 055 in a force 10 gale with a long lens on ,it simply inspires confidence i cant say the same of the 190.

the other thing to consider is the height i'm 5 foot 8and with the 055 legs fully extended puts the camera nicely at eye level . the 190 i need to raise the centre column .


as for a head the 486 rc2 is i think a good choice but not sure it's suitable for macro work, it's very easy & quick to position but not with accuracy .

the way i see it ball & socket head for speed and ease .. pan and tilt for accuracy.

so put simply i'd rather carry the 190 but i'd much rather use the 055.
 
BirderOzzie said:
I also want to buy a head for it and was looking at the Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head. I was looking at this one as it doesn't need any levers.
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I would at least give consideration to the 488RC2 Head, the additional screw, to release the head in panning mode only, and not releasing the ball is a, IMO, very useful addition for panoramas.

If panoramas are not your thing then the 486 is probably a good choice.

Pete
 
I have the 190 and wish I had spent the extra on the 055.
 
I own the 486RC2 ball head, 804RC2 pan/tilt and 410 junior geared head and the geared head gets by far the most use. It's slower to position than the others, but the fine adjustment makes framing shots a joy - especially for astronomical use in the dark when it's difficult to make out reference points through the viewfinder.

I would agree with others that the 486RC2, while quick and easy, suffers from only having the one locking screw and fine adjustment is tricky.

HTH

D
 
I have been trying to make the exact same decision (same legs and head), but was thinking of getting the 190 instead simply for the weight difference. Now these comments are making me reconsider my plans, but I am not sure I want to be lugging the extra weight up a hill all day when out hiking though. Perhaps I will have to save a bit more and get CF legs instead, but they don't seem to give much in the weight saving department.

Looks like I will have to reconsider the 486 head as well, as I do plan on doing panoramas and so the 488 might be the better option too. Yaaa, more weight.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
The "X" in the model name of the newer Manfrotto tripods refers to their ability to swing the centre column round to the horizontal for macro work, something that older one can't do, unfortunately..
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1/2 true. The older models don't allow you to simply swing the column to the horizontal but the Pro series does allow you to unscrew the long lower section of the column (allowing you to drop the tripod down to almost ground level) at which point you can remove the whole column and either mount it upside down (allowing you to get the camera below ground level!) or horizontally. Having played with the newer XPro series tripods, I'm pretty sure that the older type is actually sturdier when in the horizomtal position.
 
i have a 055 prob and its great (IMO). Its really sturdy and secure. It is a bit on the heavy side - as a 5"3 woman i probably wouldn't want to go hiking with it all day...but the i'm not likely to go hiking anyway:lol:
 
I also have just purchased the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 and although it's pricey I can honestly say it's the best choice I could have made, Brilliant I have the Pan and tilt Head 808RC4 as I opted for control and I found they make a beautifully balanced system. I couldn't be more pleased. I use it outdoors and it's light and easy to carry. I got an Mbag90 to carry it in with the head attached, again I pleased with my choice. Hope this helps

Denis:)
 
I have the Manfrotto222 Joystick head and Manfrotto190XPROB.

While I find the 190XPROB a little lite, the combination works for me for me, tri, mono and great for low level.
 
I was going to purchase the 190 but was advised by a member on here to have a look at the 055, I went for the 055 and do not regret it despite being a bigger tripod to lug around, it just feels much sturdier and the extra reach without having to extend it useful .
 
Pete Gl said:
I would at least give consideration to the 488RC2 Head, the additional screw, to release the head in panning mode only, and not releasing the ball is a, IMO, very useful addition for panoramas.

If panoramas are not your thing then the 486 is probably a good choice.

Pete
Click to expand...

sorry can anyone explain that? why should it be better?
Thanks
 
BirderOzzie said:
I want to buy a new tripod and head and was looking at the Manfrotto 190XPROB and the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod. I noticed the there is a £30 difference between the two, with the 055 being more expensive, but the 190 is 600g lighter, but apparently les stable. At the moment I am leaning towards the 055.
Click to expand...
Another question, I'm in the same situation.
I would like to go for the 190 as it is 700g lighter, but which practical difference the 30 cm would make with the 055?

admirable said:
I would say anyone 6ft or over should buy the 055.
Click to expand...

I'm 175 cm (5.78 feet)

Thanks
 
055 xprob + 486 RC2 + 488 RC2 + 393 long lens support.

Does it for me.

I don't get this CF thing.

How can a light weight carbon tripod be as stable as a heavier alloy one.

We buy the 055 (heavier than the 190) for it's wieght and stability, then you can go and spend gazillions extra on a lightweight tripod beacuse it's carbon fibre.
 
055 xprob + 488 RC2
I'm quite happy with my choice. Good height, weight. I've always felt that the camera has been stable with the pod.

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