055 PRO CF

[JaGWiRE]

I have a 3001, looking for something that supports more weight for any future lenses. I haev a 486rc2 ballhead and 804RC2 pan and tilt, I'm probably looking for one more head for tracking stuff / easy to use (action grip maybe, or another ballhead, but maybe the 488? Dunno.)
The 055 pro seems to be a very popular tripod. Fairly enough, it is very very solid, although quite heavy.
The 3001 is a perfect height for me, but I feel like I want something more solid for windy days. The 055 CF seems like an interesting tripod. Any thoughts?
Also, I shoot in pretty cold days (Toronto Canada), so I think CF would be easier to handle.
In specific, I'm looking at the 055MF4. I handled one of these in the store today and it looked pretty decent.

[Angel_LCD]

The CF 055 is just 0.4 kg lighter than the 055 pro. I did not see the reason for spending the amount that it costs more for those 400 grams ;) And the 055 pro has 2 of the legs covered with a foam sleeve so the cold does not affect much of the operating for me. And when its cold I use gloves so ;)

[JaGWiRE]

The CF 055 is just 0.4 kg lighter than the 055 pro. I did not see the reason for spending the amount that it costs more for those 400 grams ;) And the 055 pro has 2 of the legs covered with a foam sleeve so the cold does not affect much of the operating for me. And when its cold I use gloves so ;)

I like the 4 section feature and super foldability of the 055 MF4.
It seems to be 2 lb lighter according to specs. The one I held in the store today seemed about the same weight as my 3001 (don't want to go any heavie) and much lighter then the 055 from what I remember.
The MF4 is 2kg (4.4lb) and folds down to 21.3", 4 sections.
The 055 PRO is 6.4lb (2.9kg) and folds down to 29.5".
To me, 21" is already pushing it, however, I can work with that.

What about tripod heads? For tracking subjects in sports, for street shooting, birds, etc?
I find the ballhead not to be that great, all the untightening and re-tightening doesn't seem to work so well. The pan and tilt is pretty useful for landscapes however, especially because the head itself shows when the camera is levelled.

[Angel_LCD]

Manfrotto 055pro (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/op/preview/cache/offonce/pid/2277?livid=68%7C69&idx=71)
Says 2.4 kilos on Manfrottos webpage ;)
As for head I use the 141rc, used it for motorsports and nature mostly. For panning I like to use a monopod when doing motorsports though. Easier to move around and change positions :)

[JaGWiRE]

Manfrotto 055pro (http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/op/preview/cache/offonce/pid/2277?livid=68%7C69&idx=71)
Says 2.4 kilos on Manfrottos webpage ;)
As for head I use the 141rc, used it for motorsports and nature mostly. For panning I like to use a monopod when doing motorsports though. Easier to move around and change positions :)
I have the cheaper plastic version of that (804rc2), it's nice, but I wouldn't use it for tracking subjects. For some of the candid shots and stuff you just don't have time to go unscrewing knobs.

[JaGWiRE]

Also, does anyone use this for macro? My 190CL doesn't go down that low (8" I believe).
I'd probably use it w/o center column, and only 3/4 sections released (I am like 5'3, lol.)

[JaGWiRE]

Oh, and does anyone have photos of this tripod? A photo beside a 3001 would be pretty cool, haha. I'm curious how big it is, the product photos from google are too small to get a good grip of size.

[Angel_LCD]

I think its the one pictured in this thread : http://www.pixalo.com/community/cameras-lenses-accessories/new-tripod-5140.html

But warning it has a N**on on it :p

[JaGWiRE]

I think its the one pictured in this thread : http://www.pixalo.com/community/cameras-lenses-accessories/new-tripod-5140.html

But warning it has a N**on on it :p

Nice, looking good on it.
Like the Sigma 120-300 lens too, haha.

[JaGWiRE]

Anyone compared this to any of the competing gitzos (such as I guess the 1325?)

[purelithium]

I can't say anything about the legs, but I do know that the 488 head has a pan lock on it, so you can lock the ball and still be able to pan a subject. That's the one I would have gotten if I had the extra almost $100 it cost over the 486.

I have the 055 aluminum legs and I really love them, they go almost flat on the ground (with the center column removed, if you wanted a good macro setup. I can't think that the other versions of the 055 are so different from mine. Go for it, you won't regret it.

I can see what you mean about the CF legs not transferring heat away from your hands, but on the aluminum legs, there's foam rubber grips on 2 of the legs, from the head to about 20-30cm down the legs. I live 2 hours outside of the GTA, and it gets damn cold up here too, but those foam grips are really nice.

[DocFrankenstein]

The CF 055 is just 0.4 kg lighter than the 055 pro. I did not see the reason for spending the amount that it costs more for those 400 grams ;) And the 055 pro has 2 of the legs covered with a foam sleeve so the cold does not affect much of the operating for me. And when its cold I use gloves so ;)
It's all about vibration dampening. CF is a better material, so in the end a CF tripod actaully works as a 10 pound aluminum tripod.

[JaGWiRE]

It's all about vibration dampening. CF is a better material, so in the end a CF tripod actaully works as a 10 pound aluminum tripod.

And physics speaks!

[Angel_LCD]

It's all about vibration dampening. CF is a better material, so in the end a CF tripod actaully works as a 10 pound aluminum tripod.

CF might be better in some ways but in my experience it breaks easier then aluminum.

[JaGWiRE]

CF might be better in some ways but in my experience it breaks easier then aluminum.
I hvaen't read of too many CF tripods breaking, atleast any half decent ones :lol:.
Alumium bends, carbon fiber shatters. You choose which is better. I know from my computer cases aluminium can be a real pain in the ass though.

[Angel_LCD]

I went with the Aluminum one for price and build ;) Don´t think I will change it for a CF in the near future.

[willz75]

I just bought a 055 Pro (not CF) with a 486RC2 Ball Head and I must say the combo is just awesome. The 055Pro is a little heavy but the build and stability is what i wanted. The only thing that annoys me a little is the fact it doesnt come standard with a carry strap.

[JaGWiRE]

I just bought a 055 Pro (not CF) with a 486RC2 Ball Head and I must say the combo is just awesome. The 055Pro is a little heavy but the build and stability is what i wanted. The only thing that annoys me a little is the fact it doesnt come standard with a carry strap.

The regular 055 pro is a beautiful tripod, however it is too long for me, doesn't fold small enough, and is a little heavy for me.
I have the 486rc2. I'm wondering if there is any difference between it and the 488rc2 other then pan, I don't care about the pan feature.

[SkipD]

I have the 486rc2. I'm wondering if there is any difference between it and the 488rc2 other then pan, I don't care about the pan feature.The 488RC2 is noticeably beefier than the 486RC2 when you hang a heavy camera/lens off to the side for "portrait" mode. With my 20D/24-70 f/2.8L off to the side, the 486 can slip a little at times while the 488 is much stronger. With a lighter camera/lens rig, there shouldn't be much problem with the 486.

I use a 486 with the same heavy rigs, but on a monopod. There, a tiny bit of slip makes no difference because all one needs to do to compensate is to move the monopod a little.

[JaGWiRE]

The 488RC2 is noticeably beefier than the 486RC2 when you hang a heavy camera/lens off to the side for "portrait" mode. With my 20D/24-70 f/2.8L off to the side, the 486 can slip a little at times while the 488 is much stronger. With a lighter camera/lens rig, there shouldn't be much problem with the 486.

I use a 486 with the same heavy rigs, but on a monopod. There, a tiny bit of slip makes no difference because all one needs to do to compensate is to move the monopod a little.

Interesting. My 486 does slip too with 135 and 70-200.
However, I'm not sure if the pan feature will get much use, I think my pan and tilt is more convenient for that.