Manfrotto tripod recommendations?

[BigSee]

Hi,

I have an EOS 400D with a stock lens and a SIGMA (cheap and heavy) 70 - 300mm lens.

Any ideas as to the best tripod to start with?

Cheers!

[SkipD]

This one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html) is the most often recommended tripod/head combination here on the forum for general-purpose use.

[Jon]

Read this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=529785) or this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53864)? Unless you're on the shortish side, the 055XProB and 488RC2 are a good choice.

[BigSee]

Cheer guys, thanks!

[Eagle i]

This one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html) is the most often recommended tripod/head combination here on the forum for general-purpose use.

it can be purchased for a bit less if you go to amazon(free shipping available on both)
$99.90 for 488RC2 http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00009R6N0/ref=dp_olp_2
$144.90 for the 055xprob http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000UMX7FI/ref=dp_olp_2

$245 vs $274 at B&H if anyone needs to save close to $30....and fwiw, I have purchased from B&H and been very happy with them but at this price level the $30 might mean something to someone.

[JRSand]

Jon:

What if one is on the shortish side? Would the 190XProB fit the bill better? I am looking for a tripod and head combination as well for my 40D and lenses and torn because I am 5'5" and the 055XProB seems like it may be a bit tall. It looks like the 190XProB might be a bit more suited for my height though a bit less stable. Thanks much.

Jeff

[SkipD]

Jon:

What if one is on the shortish side? Would the 190XProB fit the bill better? I am looking for a tripod and head combination as well for my 40D and lenses and torn because I am 5'5" and the 055XProB seems like it may be a bit tall. It looks like the 190XProB might be a bit more suited for my height though a bit less stable. Thanks much.Jeff, one can easily "compensate" for being on the shorter side by not extending the tripod's legs all the way. That will, by the way, make the tripod even more rigid than it would be with the legs all the way out. In addition, and this may be even more important, there are times when almost any user of a tripod in the outdoors wishes one of the three legs were longer because the ground just isn't level (to say the least at times). Having a slightly taller tripod will solve this problem.

I would still recommend the 055 for you if the slight difference in weight is not a serious problem for you.

[_aravena]

I gotta ask why spending $144 on a tripod is reasonable over other options for general use. I've looked at Manfrotto a lot lately since I have $140 in gift cards for B&H. I have a Dynatran which has served me well for almost a year now. I just don't understand the difference. I can understand CF and other high end stuff, but when spekaing of general use, I can't. Support yes, but there are plenty out there that provide enough support for general use.

[Jon]

Jon:

What if one is on the shortish side? Would the 190XProB fit the bill better? I am looking for a tripod and head combination as well for my 40D and lenses and torn because I am 5'5" and the 055XProB seems like it may be a bit tall. It looks like the 190XProB might be a bit more suited for my height though a bit less stable. Thanks much.

JeffThat's exactly what I was thinking. It's not going to be noticeably less stable unless you get a heavier camera-lens combo than you now have (we're talking adding a couple of pounds to the combined weight, not a couple of ounces). It's also a tad shorter collapsed, which makes carrying it easier for a shortish person. SuzyView, another one of the Moderators, is very happy with hers even with the 5D and 70-200 2.8 IS, which is a fairly heavy combo.

[Eagle i]

I gotta ask why spending $144 on a tripod is reasonable over other options for general use. I've looked at Manfrotto a lot lately since I have $140 in gift cards for B&H. I have a Dynatran which has served me well for almost a year now. I just don't understand the difference. I can understand CF and other high end stuff, but when spekaing of general use, I can't. Support yes, but there are plenty out there that provide enough support for general use.
i have used the dynatran model that is for sale in my sig...the only reason it is for sale is because my wife was nice enough to buy me the 055xprob which I wanted due to the horizontal ability of the center post(i do a bunch of macro)

[JRSand]

Great points Skip. Weight of the 055 will not be a problem so I will not rule it out based solely on height.

Jon, thanks as well for the advice. Probably not looking to go with a much heavier camera-lens combo for quite some time (never say never though). Now...what to do. Basically, it sounds as if I can't go wrong with either the 055 or 190 paired with the 488RC2 ball head. Thanks to all.

Jeff

[ooo]

I gotta ask why spending $144 on a tripod is reasonable over other options for general use. I've looked at Manfrotto a lot lately since I have $140 in gift cards for B&H. I have a Dynatran which has served me well for almost a year now. I just don't understand the difference. I can understand CF and other high end stuff, but when spekaing of general use, I can't. Support yes, but there are plenty out there that provide enough support for general use.

The problem is they don't have those amvona ebay deals anymore. I kind of regret not picking up a few more ball heads, etc. I got myself an CF-94. I just checked the specs and its better than the manfrotto one recommended and it cost a lot less.

[Eagle i]

The problem is they don't have those amvona ebay deals anymore. I kind of regret not picking up a few more ball heads, etc. I got myself an CF-94. I just checked the specs and its better than the manfrotto one recommended and it cost a lot less.
look at my sig :D

[ooo]

:] Tell amvona to start those ebay deals again. I need a new tripod/monopod head. I've been using my monopod without a head. It's been fun (sarcastic). I realized how much of a pain it is to screw on the tripod collar and take it off without a quick release. I was just looking at the price of the tripod heads. I can't believe the ath-a04 is $150ish retail when I remember picking it up for like $40. The ath-a01 even up to ath-a03 looks shiny and sturdy :D Definitely a lot cheaper than 488rc2

[_aravena]

Wow, I haven't checked. I shold have got a ballhead from them back then when I got my tripod and monopod.

[ooo]

Yeah, I'm looking to pick one up right now to replace the ath-a04 I sold. I didn't like it because the plate was too large, but it was plenty sturdy and cheap for the price. Oh well, deals only last so long right? As stated, the OP should still check out amvona, they make great products and very sturdy. The products are similar to manfrotto. I believe there was a review somewhere here. I'll try to dig it up.

Edit: I lied, it was a gitzo, amvona and benro comparison.
LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=373067&highlight=amvona+manfrotto)

[zeva]

i have used the dynatran model that is for sale in my sig...the only reason it is for sale is because my wife was nice enough to buy me the 055xprob which I wanted due to the horizontal ability of the center post(i do a bunch of macro)


i thought the 055xprob had a normal center column? i thought the 190 had the horizontal one but maybe not? i m probably worng lol

[zeva]

Yup... I m wrong! lol

[lostid]

Just got mine (190Xprob and 488 RC2). I have to say i am not impressed with the combo given the money spent (ordered from Amazon).

1. First it is definitely not for carrying around (for those who like hiking). Remember 055 are even a few more lbs heavier than the 190.
2. The design of the ball head can be better (don't ask me why. I just feel it.)
3. I won't trust 100% on the clamp and lock for the camera. I wouldn't carry the tripod with the camera on my shoulder. That thing can come loose IMO.
4. The unlock knobs feel weak to me.
5. To me, this comb is over rated for the money.

Just my 2 cents.

[Eagle i]

Just got mine (190Xprob and 488 RC2). I have to say i am not impressed with the combo given the money spent (ordered from Amazon).

1. First it is definitely not for carrying around (for those who like hiking). Remember 055 are even a few more lbs heavier than the 190.
2. The design of the ball head can be better (don't ask me why. I just feel it.)
3. I won't trust 100% on the clamp and lock for the camera. I wouldn't carry the tripod with the camera on my shoulder. That thing can come loose IMO.
4. The unlock knobs feel weak to me.
5. To me, this comb is over rated for the money.

Just my 2 cents.
190 weighs 4 lbs
055 weighs 5 lbs