Manfrotto 055 XPROB vs 190 XPROB

[martinsmith]

Is the extra cost of the 055 worth it as it looks like the only advantage is it is a little bigger?

Thanks

[SkipD]

Is the extra cost of the 055 worth it as it looks like the only advantage is it is a little bigger?In my opinion, yes.

It's also sturdier when it comes to damping vibrations.

[Reaperman]

Is the extra cost of the 055 worth it as it looks like the only advantage is it is a little bigger?

Thanks

No question. Def worth the extra and if you buy seconhand it isn't even extra. The 190 is I believe shorter when open so if you are a tall guy you may have to be bent over the thing. I looked at both but the 055 won hands down for me. It even felt more stable... and If a tripod is gonna be anything it needs to be stable.

I also bought secondhand and I bought a seperate head.... 141RC. I prefered this older style to the newer longer handled replacement. I love the small stumpy handles. Both tripod and head were immaculate and I saved about £70. That left me more than enough left over to buy the Manfrotto tripod bag to protect it on its travels. I don't regret the purchases at all. Great investment.


:DReaperman

[Ephemeral]

It's also sturdier when it comes to damping vibrations.

Not that I doubt you Skip, but is that based on empirical evidence? Also, how noticable is it and at what loads? (did someone say devil's advocate?)

I was just wondering if you would notice the difference between the two if you only ever had a 400D with a kit lens on top. :p

[Reaperman]

Not that I doubt you Skip, but is that based on empirical evidence? Also, how noticable is it and at what loads?

I was just wondering if you would notice the difference between the two if you only ever had a 400D with a kit lens on top. :p

Read the above. It is def worth it.

:DReaperman

PS Who sticks with the kit lens for long???:lol:

[SkipD]

Not that I doubt you Skip, but is that based on empirical evidence? Also, how noticable is it and at what loads? (did someone say devil's advocate?)

I was just wondering if you would notice the difference between the two if you only ever had a 400D with a kit lens on top. :pI tried both in a store (actually they were the 3001 and 3021 models, but those are just the old U.S. names for the same tripods), and the 3021BPro (same as the 055ProB) was sturdier than the 3001 model.

The 3021/055 is taller. That means that you won't need to extend the center column nearly as often as with a shorter tripod. Keeping the center column fully retracted absolutely makes things sturdier than using an extended center column.

That's why I picked the 3021BPro over the 3001 equivalent.

[ChasP505]

I just bought the Manfrotto 055 with the 322 RC2 head. Actually, I first bought the 190 ProB, but returned it the same day. It looked sturdier and taller in the store but when I opened it at home I knew it would not do. I'm over 6 feet tall and it caused me to bend over uncomfortably, even at full center post extension. Being a big guy, the weight of the 055 is not an issue for me and the tripod feels very solid. If you want significantly lighter weight with the same solid feel, you'll have to spend much more. I could have gotten this package for much less on line, but I enjoy being recognized and treated like an old friend when I go into my local camera store.

[WMWARD2]

Chas,

I bought exactly the same thing! The 055 XPROB and the 322RC2 make a good combination. Having learned from my P&S days, I actually go to a store to try tripods, heads and bags. These are the only items I usually buy locally.

[ChasP505]

Hope you like it WM... I'm aware that a lot of people have an issue with the 322 RC2 because it only pans upward a few degrees, but it's not an issue for me. And to the OP, the 055 is not just a "little bigger" than the 190, It's much bigger and beefier.

[Reaperman]

Hope you like it WM... I'm aware that a lot of people have an issue with the 322 RC2 because it only pans upward a few degrees, but it's not an issue for me. And to the OP, the 055 is not just a "little bigger" than the 190, It's much bigger and beefier.


Ssshhhhh! Don't say its much bigger and beefier, you'll put people off.

The 055 PRO B is the best tripod I have ever owned and its weight isn't really an issue. Its height is better for us taller dudes, but the overall build etc is excellent. Well worth every penny.



:DReaperman

[Sasquatch41]

I have a number of tripods, and settled on the 3021BPRO/488 rc2 combo. I have a Slik u212, and a Bogen Manfrotto 3046 with a 3063 fluid head in almost new condition for sale so I can buy another 3021/488 combo. Is that convincing that I like it?

[martinsmith]

Thanks all - I'm now the proud owner of an 055 and I even managed to get free 2nd hand 141 head for it.

[Reaperman]

Thanks all - I'm now the proud owner of an 055 and I even managed to get free 2nd hand 141 head for it.


That 141 head is excellent. I love the stumpy handles. You have a very good set up thereand you'll get years out of that kit.

Good buy.


:DReaperman

[jemann]

Another 055XPROB+322RC2 owner here. It's my first camera support and I'm very impressed with it. It was a bit expensive for me as a beginner, but I reckon it'll last for many years.

I'm don't understand the comment about the 322RC2 only panning upwards a couple of degrees.... I'm fairly certain I can point my camera directly upwards on mine.

[martinsmith]

I now have a 386 ball head to add to it so look like this setup should be with me for sometime.

[scot079]

Love my 055xpro, yes quite a difference from the 190. Much more "burly"

[T. VO]

I'm not that tall.. 5'8". Would the 190 suite me better or should I still consider the 055?

[SkipD]

I'm not that tall.. 5'8". Would the 190 suite me better or should I still consider the 055?I would suggest the 055 for you. There are situations where you need the height, and you just cannot stretch a tripod's legs. Keeping the center column all the way down is beneficial. The answer is a taller set of legs.

You'll also find that the 055 family is more rigid than the 190 family.

The 055 is a little heavier than the 190, but with a proper carrying strap the difference is negligible in the field.

[Hknivers]

I recently bought the 055xprob. I have an Manfrotto 488 rc2 on top of it and it is just fantastic! I am 180 cm's tall and with the camera on top of this I do not need to crouch or bend down at all. And that is with the center column all the way down. With the center column up, I'd need a small chair or similar to look through the eyepiece. ;)

It is totally stable, and has a small hook on the base that you can hang your camera bag for added stability.

I recommend this 100%. The only thing I would change, if I had the money, is to buy it in carbon fibre.

[binliner]

I seem to be alone but I went for the 190XPROB over the 055XPROB

For me size, weight and portability were more important than the extra height and sturdiness. I'm happy with it, admittedly there have been one or 2 occasions when the extra height wouldv'e been nice but the 190 is not exactly flimsy!

[Hknivers]

For me size, weight and portability were more important than the extra height and sturdiness. I'm happy with it, admittedly there have been one or 2 occasions when the extra height wouldv'e been nice but the 190 is not exactly flimsy!

I know, I tried/looked at it before I bought the 055. However, in the conditions I sometime shoot in, i.e. very strong wind and in not too level ground (snow,grass and such) the extra sturdiness is paramount. I do not see the extra weight as a problem. I have an older Velbon which actually was as heavy, if not heavier, and that has been with me up most of the mountains here where I live. No worries. :)

[binliner]

I know, I tried/looked at it before I bought the 055. However, in the conditions I sometime shoot in, i.e. very strong wind and in not too level ground (snow,grass and such) the extra sturdiness is paramount. I do not see the extra weight as a problem. I have an older Velbon which actually was as heavy, if not heavier, and that has been with me up most of the mountains here where I live. No worries. :)

I guess it's horses for courses... The time extra weight is the problem for me is putting it in my suitcase to go on holiday, when you have a 20kg luggage allowance for a 2 week holiday every gram counts ;)

[Hknivers]

I guess it's horses for courses... The time extra weight is the problem for me is putting it in my suitcase to go on holiday, when you have a 20kg luggage allowance for a 2 week holiday every gram counts ;)

True enough. I have actually started thinking about how I am going to get this kit with me to Greece this summer. I think I will have to borrow an lighter tripod from one of my mates... or buy a monopod and a gorillapod.

[Mark]

I chose a 190xprob and 488rc2 because it was more compact, which helps with travel :)

[Sean]

I'll be picking up a 055XProB and a 488RC2 next month and I am 5'8". It's perfect for my height and needs.

[bohdank]

You may find that if shooting, for example, into a valley, you will not be able to get high enough to look through the viewfinder. I'm 5'11" and need to get on my toes in those situations with the 055 and 488RC2. I could spread the legs more but sometimes that is not an option.

Rats....it just dawned on me. I bought a grip for the 40D which will move the eyepiece even higher.

[René Damkot]

Here's a tip: You can adjust the leg length ;)

[dima1109]

How does the height of 190xprob with the column up compare to the 055xprob with column down? I am 6' 2", and the 055xprob would seem like a logical choice, but it's huge when folded, much bigger than 190xprob.

[Linkzi]

I seem to be alone but I went for the 190XPROB over the 055XPROB

For me size, weight and portability were more important than the extra height and sturdiness. I'm happy with it, admittedly there have been one or 2 occasions when the extra height wouldv'e been nice but the 190 is not exactly flimsy!

You are not alone. I went for portability and carry weight too. I have more tripods at home and I always grab the lighter ones. I hang a backpack or camera bag on the tripod all the time.

[SkipD]

How does the height of 190xprob with the column up compare to the 055xprob with column down? I am 6' 2", and the 055xprob would seem like a logical choice, but it's huge when folded, much bigger than 190xprob.You should have no trouble whatsoever carrying the 055 if you use Manfrotto's heavy duty carrying strap (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554120-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3044_3044_Long_Tripod_C arrying.html/).

[Nick5]

Being 5'11" I bought the 055XPROB. More sturdy and higher. However I did buy the 190XPROB for a trip last to London last spring. I needed something lighter and could fit in my suitcase. The 055 is a better "fit" for me personally.

[dan j]

How does the height of 190xprob with the column up compare to the 055xprob with column down? I am 6' 2", and the 055xprob would seem like a logical choice, but it's huge when folded, much bigger than 190xprob.
Huge? The 190 is only 3" shorter when folded and weighs 1 pound less. I guess if you had a really small 24" carry-on you'd need the 190, but the 055 would fit if you put it in diagonally (either way, you'll need to remove the head).

The "huge" difference comes once you've extended the legs. The 055 is almost 8" taller without raising the center column and the column makes it almost 13" taller. Granted you're probably not going to use the 70", but it's better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it ;) It also feels more stable to me - though I didn't take the 190 home for a long exposure test.

dan

[Hknivers]

Huge? The 190 is only 3" shorter when folded and weighs 1 pound less. I guess if you had a really small 24" carry-on you'd need the 190, but the 055 would fit if you put it in diagonally (either way, you'll need to remove the head).

The "huge" difference comes once you've extended the legs. The 055 is almost 8" taller without raising the center column and the column makes it almost 13" taller. Granted you're probably not going to use the 70", but it's better to have it and not use it, than need it and not have it ;) It also feels more stable to me - though I didn't take the 190 home for a long exposure test.

dan

Raising the centercolumn on a tripod makes it unstable. Even the 055 gets fairly unstable by doing that...

[vikingshelmut]

I had the same internal argument when I bought my first tripod. I'm shorter than the rest of you (5'6") and found that I liked the size of the 190 more. At my height setting a portrait shot with all three legs fully extended (center column not extended) it sits at a comfortable eye level. With fully extended legs the 055 was just too tall for me.

[bohdank]

Here's a tip: You can adjust the leg length ;)

True but it means carrying more tripod than necessary and longer to set up. Wouldn't it be easier to get a lighter/shorter tripod and just extend all the legs to their stops, letting gravity do it's job ?

[Wilt]

True but it means carrying more tripod than necessary and longer to set up. Wouldn't it be easier to get a lighter/shorter tripod and just extend all the legs to their stops, letting gravity do it's job ?

Well, it is not all that difficult with aluminum leg tripods to do a partial extension of one section of one leg, then extend all the other sections fully. After standing the tripod on that one leg (monopod style), then let gravity help extend all the other sections so that the other legs are the same length. The only added 'work' is merely the partial extension of one section of one leg, and that adds little time.

I find that technique, which I used to use with a Bogen tripod, to be a bit more burdensom with carbon fiber when the weight of the leg is itself insufficient to overcome friction in the locking mechanism. Now I have to pull every section out manually, rather than use gravity. But otherwise, the 'partial' extension technnique is not different.

[dan j]

Raising the centercolumn on a tripod makes it unstable. Even the 055 gets fairly unstable by doing that...
I didn't say otherwise. For moon shots, directly overhead, at 1/250 I didn't notice and didn't have to get on my knees like I would have with the 190.

dan

[dan j]

Or, you could leave the 055 legs long, but angle them out further which would make the total height shorter. That should have the added benefit of making the platform even more steady.

dan

[SkipD]

True but it means carrying more tripod than necessary and longer to set up. Wouldn't it be easier to get a lighter/shorter tripod and just extend all the legs to their stops, letting gravity do it's job ?Frequently I've found situations where I've needed a tripod leg to be longer than the other two because of uneven ground, etc. Longer legs on a tripod allow you to be able to work with more situations than a short tripod. You just don't need to fully extend them all the time.

Keeping the legs of an 055 shortened by six inches or so makes the tripod that much sturdier.

[shaun raney]

I had bought a 190XDB (I was in cheapskate mode.) with a 804RC2. The lack of a bubble on the DB model made me regret that and I went and returned (B&H was awesome with this) and got the 055XPROB, it holds more weight than the 190, it's taller than the 190, the beefier legs make me feel more comfortable and I didn't find it that much larger than the 190XDB folded up. I just wish it weren't so FREAKING COLD! I'd go out and try and make another pano.

[bohdank]

Frequently I've found situations where I've needed a tripod leg to be longer than the other two because of uneven ground, etc. Longer legs on a tripod allow you to be able to work with more situations than a short tripod. You just don't need to fully extend them all the time.

Keeping the legs of an 055 shortened by six inches or so makes the tripod that much sturdier.

Still all a PITA when you have a camera and lens mounted and moving from spot to spot. I didn't say it was a BIG problem but making like easier is what it is all about, imo. Yes, I run into the uneven ground often. No solution to that unless someone comes up with a self leveling ballhead (wouldn;t that be great) at a reasonable price and doesn't weight a ton ;-)

[René Damkot]

True but it means carrying more tripod than necessary and longer to set up. Wouldn't it be easier to get a lighter/shorter tripod and just extend all the legs to their stops, letting gravity do it's job ?

I don't know what tripod length I need, since IMO the subject dictated the shooting height. I'm frequently bending down or standing on a raise when using a tripod... I think I'm using mine at maximum extension 10% of the time at most.

Still all a PITA when you have a camera and lens mounted and moving from spot to spot. I didn't say it was a BIG problem but making like easier is what it is all about, imo. Yes, I run into the uneven ground often. No solution to that unless someone comes up with a self leveling ballhead (wouldn;t that be great) at a reasonable price and doesn't weight a ton ;-)

I usually start off by extending all legs to the approximate height I need. Then I put the tripod down, and open one leg log (the longest) a little. I can then push the tripod down on that sida a bit. Same for the second leg. If done right, you don't need to adjust the third leg ;)

Obviously, you need a bubble level on the tripod for this... (or a very accurate sense of "vertical")

[Brypan]

I am short, so length is not a problem. I will be taking most of my pictures with the center column extended and vertical.. Is the 190 really unstable when photos are taken this way?

[SkipD]

I will be taking most of my pictures with the center column extended and vertical.. Is the 190 really unstable when photos are taken this way?NO tripod should be used regularly with the center column extended. That's asking for problems with stability. If you have the 190 already, experiment with the center column fully seated and extended. Rap on the end of the longest lens you have and see how much longer it takes to stabilize with the column extended versus all the way down. The difference will be significant.

If the 190 is so short that you really need to extend the center column frequently, the 055 would be a MUCH better choice.

[bohdank]

I usually start off by extending all legs to the approximate height I need. Then I put the tripod down, and open one leg log (the longest) a little. I can then push the tripod down on that sida a bit. Same for the second leg. If done right, you don't need to adjust the third leg ;)

Obviously, you need a bubble level on the tripod for this... (or a very accurate sense of "vertical")

Seems we use the same system to adjust our tripods. I seriously need a good bubble level on my tripod though.

[Brypan]

NO tripod should be used regularly with the center column extended. That's asking for problems with stability. If you have the 190 already, experiment with the center column fully seated and extended. Rap on the end of the longest lens you have and see how much longer it takes to stabilize with the column extended versus all the way down. The difference will be significant.

If the 190 is so short that you really need to extend the center column frequently, the 055 would be a MUCH better choice.

Well no, I wouldn't need to extent the column when I am taking pictures nnormally. But I am saying most of my pictures come from a low angle, and I would like to use the horizontal column for these pictures. My question is if the 190 would be stable for pictures with the horizontal column.

[Zoodles]

I chose a 190xprob and 488rc2 because it was more compact, which helps with travel :)

Myself also, same rig. I travel a lot and at just under 5'8' the 190/488 works great for me.
I love the way both of these Manfrotto/Bogen tripods unfold and morph so that you can practically get the camera on the ground for macro or whatever!

[Brypan]

Well no, I wouldn't need to extent the column when I am taking pictures nnormally. But I am saying most of my pictures come from a low angle, and I would like to use the horizontal column for these pictures. My question is if the 190 would be stable for pictures with the horizontal column.

Asking this question again, as I am still looking into one of these tripods.

[Zoodles]

I think I understand what you're asking - if you mean is it stable with the column out to the side, then I say yes... I've done a fair amount of macro work with the 190 and it can be set up with the camera almost on the ground.
No one is going to be able to find out for you. If you are having this much trouble deciding then I suggest you go to a camera store with your camera and try out both.

[2Thumbs]

Or, you could leave the 055 legs long, but angle them out further which would make the total height shorter. That should have the added benefit of making the platform even more steady.

dan

Very good tip, I'd never thought of that. :cool:

I was in the same boat, being 5'7". But I was given the advice that the abilty to go higher is better as dropping it down to your level will make it more sturdy.

Not to mention you can lower a tall tripod, but you can't highten a short one. ;)

[abhijitz]

Can someone please confirm what is the actual weight of the tripod?

i want to buy a light one and debating between carbon 444 and this one, on sheer reason of weight. dont mind a lb extra if the 055 XPROB is actually 5.5 lb

Amazon website tells - 12 lbs
Bogen website tells - 2.5kg [5.5 lb]

and, per Bogen site the max height with center column down = 142 cm, so anyone around 5-6 should not crouch with the lens mounted. [just my theoretical thought, i didnt check it out at the store]

[abhijitz]

i guess Amazon printed it wrong. Most sites indicate that the weight of the tripod is 5.5 lb ...

Now, comes another question, is it really comfortable and easier to use the 322RC2 horizontal grip ball head than the classic 488RC2 ball head. i have never used a horizontal grip ball head but wanted to know your opinions

[colorfoto]

I chose a 190xprob and 488rc2 because it was more compact, which helps with travel http://www.cookiewriter.com/trafficreport/img/3721/j09s0423emrh/a.gif

I also chose 488rc2, it is really helpful for me every time I'm away home.

[olz]

You should have no trouble whatsoever carrying the 055 if you use Manfrotto's heavy duty carrying strap (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554120-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_3044_3044_Long_Tripod_C arrying.html/).

I'll second that. I tried both, and bough the 055Pro second hand for a great price. Eventually you'll need the extra length. Don't extend the middle pole, unless you really have to.

If you can travel with the 190 you can travel with a 055pro too.

[n2_space]

I have both, the 055XPROB is my main one, but my 190CXPRO4 is for travelling. Huge difference in weight on my back :)

[bmoreplo]

I am sorry to resurrect such an old thread but I am in the need of a tripod and I travel a lot as well. I just finished trying out both of these tripods and I noticed a huge difference in weight - the 55X was significantly heavier but I'm 6'4" so I'm in a bit of bind because I don't know how good it will be to carry that around. Does anyone know of a tripod that is as tall as the 55 but lighter - like the 190x? Also, does anyone know the difference between the 190XB and the 190XPROB?

Thanks!

[bohdank]

You'd have to go to a carbon fiber for significant less weight.

I replaced my 055XPROB with a Feisol 3442. Same height or within an inch of each other, if I recall.

The PRO has a center column that can be moved horizontally or other angles as well as vertically.

[bmoreplo]

Does the 190PRO have the snaps on the legs just likek the 55X? I saw the 190XB at the store and it had legs with twist knobs rather than the snaps.

[bohdank]

I believe all the XPROB's have the lever snaps. They work well but I do not like them.... they make the tripod larger and more things to snag on. Probably heavier, also.

[Mirarch4960]

I own a 190XPROB, I think for the money +/-$140 is a good and solid piece of equipment. Keep in mind that if you want to travel with it you need something relatively light. In my view, the 190XPro does it.
I am 5,9 and the tripod fits me perfectly. If you need extra length you can always extend the center column. Ah! and the leg liver snaps work fine for me.

[united]

You'd have to go to a carbon fiber for significant less weight.

I replaced my 055XPROB with a Feisol 3442. Same height or within an inch of each other, if I recall.

The PRO has a center column that can be moved horizontally or other angles as well as vertically.

Hey bohdank et al, I've been reading this entire thread cuz i've been pretty confused today. I had done so much research and was completely committed to the 055xprob w/ 488 head. But just today i read some reviews on Feisol pods and people are generally happy with them. The reason i was going for the 055 was of all it's pros blah blah blah as well as the fact that it suites taller people (im 6'2"). but the Feisol for example has the CT-3301 model which has a comparable max height as well as some pros.

so (a) what do you guys think about Feisol (3301 or another model) vs Manfrotto 055xprob and (b) let's say majority say Feisol, would the 488 head be compatible with it or do i have to search for something entirely different?

im not a pro by any means but i do take photography as a serious hobby so i need something that will last me a few years.

Thanks much!!

[SkipD]

so (a) what do you guys think about Feisol (3301 or another model) vs Manfrotto 055xprob and (b) let's say majority say Feisol, would the 488 head be compatible with it or do i have to search for something entirely different?Make sure you have resources for parts and accessories. Manfrotto parts and accessories are available at lots of good camera stores but similar support for lesser name brands often is disappointing at best.

[hyt]

Hey bohdank et al, I've been reading this entire thread cuz i've been pretty confused today. I had done so much research and was completely committed to the 055xprob w/ 488 head. But just today i read some reviews on Feisol pods and people are generally happy with them. The reason i was going for the 055 was of all it's pros blah blah blah as well as the fact that it suites taller people (im 6'2"). but the Feisol for example has the CT-3301 model which has a comparable max height as well as some pros.

so (a) what do you guys think about Feisol (3301 or another model) vs Manfrotto 055xprob and (b) let's say majority say Feisol, would the 488 head be compatible with it or do i have to search for something entirely different?

im not a pro by any means but i do take photography as a serious hobby so i need something that will last me a few years.

Thanks much!!

I bought the latest version of the Feisol CT-3401 (same as the 3301 you're looking at except 1 more leg section and therefore slightly different collapsed/extended heights) and am so happy with it that I sold the Gitzo it was supposed to play second fiddle to. I also used to own several iterations of the 055 and 190 series Manfrottos, in both aluminum and carbon fiber.

In a side by side comparison, the first thing you will notice is the weight. A Feisol is extremely light next to a similar-spec Manfrotto carbon fiber, never mind aluminum. The second thing you'll notice is how rigid the Feisol is. The CT-3301 and 3401 in particular come standard without a center column, and the head bolts directly to the spider platform - the most stable configuration. By contrast, the Manfrottos aren't designed to be used without a center column. To top it off, the "Pro" feature that at first looks so "neato," is basically a plastic assembly that tightens around the column, and it doesn't hold very well. Even fully tightened down, you can grab the center column and jiggle it back and forth. Next, mount a head on each tripod, tighten it down, then grab it and twist. You'll then notice the third thing - the Feisol's torsional resistance.

The CT-3301 would be an excellent choice for someone who is 6'2", and it has a 3/8" stud so it will fit most standard heads including the 488. Manfrotto makes a fine product for the money (as long as you don't waste that money on their "Pro" feature or carbon fiber models - their basic aluminums are their best products, imo), but if you can afford the latest generation Feisol CT-3301 with RAL anti-rotation legs, it's a no-brainer. And I'm saying this even as an ex-Gitzo owner.

[Gometang]

Short vs Tall is the main difference for me.

[Hknivers]

I bought the latest version of the Feisol CT-3401 (same as the 3301 you're looking at except 1 more leg section and therefore slightly different collapsed/extended heights) and am so happy with it that I sold the Gitzo it was supposed to play second fiddle to. I also used to own several iterations of the 055 and 190 series Manfrottos, in both aluminum and carbon fiber.

In a side by side comparison, the first thing you will notice is the weight. A Feisol is extremely light next to a similar-spec Manfrotto carbon fiber, never mind aluminum. The second thing you'll notice is how rigid the Feisol is. The CT-3301 and 3401 in particular come standard without a center column, and the head bolts directly to the spider platform - the most stable configuration. By contrast, the Manfrottos aren't designed to be used without a center column. To top it off, the "Pro" feature that at first looks so "neato," is basically a plastic assembly that tightens around the column, and it doesn't hold very well. Even fully tightened down, you can grab the center column and jiggle it back and forth. Next, mount a head on each tripod, tighten it down, then grab it and twist. You'll then notice the third thing - the Feisol's torsional resistance.

The CT-3301 would be an excellent choice for someone who is 6'2", and it has a 3/8" stud so it will fit most standard heads including the 488. Manfrotto makes a fine product for the money (as long as you don't waste that money on their "Pro" feature or carbon fiber models - their basic aluminums are their best products, imo), but if you can afford the latest generation Feisol CT-3301 with RAL anti-rotation legs, it's a no-brainer. And I'm saying this even as an ex-Gitzo owner.

Has the Feisol Anti Rotation? I have been thinking about getting a Feisol 3401, but I wonder about the ease of setting it up. I use the tripod a lot in very rough terrain so I need to adjust it continually, how is the ease of doing so with the Feisol?

[bohdank]

There is the 3401 and the 3401S (with Anti Rotation) for $65 more.

I have the 3442, slight taller, which I wanted, lighter, which I wanted and more load capacity.

No ARL but I don't miss that feature....others may find it indispensable. The best promotion anyone can give is, I would buy it all over again.

[hyt]

Has the Feisol Anti Rotation? I have been thinking about getting a Feisol 3401, but I wonder about the ease of setting it up. I use the tripod a lot in very rough terrain so I need to adjust it continually, how is the ease of doing so with the Feisol?

They didn't for quite some time, but finally came out with that feature this year. I haven't noticed any difference in terms of setup speed compared to my Gitzo. The Feisol RAL locks loosen/tighten with a quarter turn just like the Gitzo G-locks, and because of anti-rotation you can adjust whatever lock you need without worrying about any other lock. I deploy the Feisol the exact same way as I did my Gitzo - grab all locks in one hand, loosen with a flick of the wrist, extend leg, and tighten the locks in whatever order I want.

[alwaySleepy]

Thx for the input everyone. Getting a 055

[ridaz650]

Im having the same dilemma between the 2. the 055 seems to be the better choice for me.

[torvaterra]

I tested both in store and the 055 was too heavy for me. I need something that I can carry around hiking and to the city. But it was a bit sturdier.

[Mike K]

Well no, I wouldn't need to extent the column when I am taking pictures nnormally. But I am saying most of my pictures come from a low angle, and I would like to use the horizontal column for these pictures. My question is if the 190 would be stable for pictures with the horizontal column.

To address the original question, the Manfrotto 190 series uses 1 size smaller tube diameter than the corresponding 055 series tripod. For example the 055PROB uses leg tube diameters of 29.4, 25, and 20mm while the corresponding 190XPROB starts out with a second diameter tube used in the 055 and ends with a smaller diameter tube: 25, 20, and 16mm. The 190 also has a bit smaller diameter center column (25mm) than the corresponding 055 (28mm). Increasing diameter a little bit makes a significant increase in tube bending strength. This is the reason the 055 series has a higher load rating than the 190 series of tripods.

As an owner of a tilt-shift lens, I often use a very low camera angle, sometimes within a few inches of the ground. I got the 055CXPRO4 specifically for that purpose, so the horizontal center column action is very important to me. I find that it is not critical to use the legs at 89 degrees, which requires a very flat, clear space to spread the legs. Rather one leg, the one opposite the camera center column, is a bit higher (and/or longer), which tilts the center column and camera downward towards the ground. I recommend using an Arca Swiss style L bracket for the camera as this will allow the ballhead to be horizontal and the ballhead clamp to be vertical, while the camera can be in landscape orientation.
As for comparative stability, the 055 tripod will be more stable in this horizontal center column arrangement than the corresponding 190 tripod. But since the legs are at or near to completely folded up the difference in leg diameter will not be much of an issue, but the different center column diameters will be the main difference. If one extends the center column horizontally a minimal amount, I think the difference in stability would be pretty minimal. (long answer to a short question)
Mike K

[MR do little]

For many the 055 is "worth" it, but it all depends on what you plan on using on that tripod. Neither is that expensive so starting out with the 190 and later on upgrading as your needs get higher might be a way to go.

The 190 will be enough for the average user, sure if your using fast primes from 200mm and up your not even looking at this tripod.

The smaller and lighter weight of the 190 makes it more portable and for many that is a big plus.

So if your need a tripod that will hold your non gripped camera and you don't shoot with larger heavy primes the 190 will do the job just fine.

[MCAsan]

also consider the height you want the camera body to be at...with or without using a center column. Shorter folks can do the 190....but it might be a litte too short for some who could better use an 055 or taller tripod. Try them all at a shop or via other photographers before you "drop the hammer". ;)