055XPROB tripod / 488RC2 ball combo

[dogwalker]

Is this (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) a good combo? Another person who's more serious than I am says I'm wasting money on anything less that RRS and the like, and that unless I'm willing to shell out close to $1000, I'm going to regret my purchase.

He did say the Manfrotto is pretty good for in-studio, though - just not good for in the field. But I see people here who seem quite happy with it.

[k_wakasugi]

For what it's worth, I absolutely love my 055XPROB + 488RC2 set up. Well built, and feels very sturdy. There are a few reviews of it here on this forum if you do a quick search.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Added model numbers to thread title so we don't all have to use scrying to know if we have knowledge of the subject....

[rjc1]

The same set-up I have, absolutely love it. I am over 6 ft tall and love the way it extends to my height. Very sturdy. Only bad thing is, could shed some weight. (the tripod, not me )

[TheFloridaShooter]

I'm 5'9" and have that combo. I would not trade it in for nothing.

[n2_space]

Yes, it is quite a good and popular combo. I rather like mine (except when I am hiking then my 190CXPRO4 and 486RC2 come with me :lol: ).

[sodalis]

The 055XPROB/488RC2 combo is fine for anything other than the really large super teles. It is a very functional set up, and it is all that many people will ever need.

[ed rader]

Is this (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) a good combo? Another person who's more serious than I am says I'm wasting money on anything less that RRS and the like, and that unless I'm willing to shell out close to $1000, I'm going to regret my purchase.

He did say the Manfrotto is pretty good for in-studio, though - just not good for in the field. But I see people here who seem quite happy with it.


that's just rubbish that we do newcomers a great disservice by parroting. the kit you are talking about is excellent. for studio or field.

ed rader

[82NoMe]

I just got that combo for $300

[Burnaby]

I have the 055MF3/488RC2/322RC2 a variation which is somewhat similar, but it works just fine.

There's is a snobbish element in this field, which is hollow, baseless, me-too, uppity, full of keeping up with the Jones BS. The more experienced and savvy individuals in here would not stoop so low, and they are the sages you need to seek advice in here from...

[nordstern1]

im surprised no one posted this link...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=529785

i think it is the most highly recommended combo here. i also am a fan of that combo though i went for the 055MF3 version for a slightly lighter & more compact tripod.

go for it! :)

[les_au]

i have the same tripod with a 804RC2 head. i have not idea why it would not work outside of a studio. as mine will never see a studio. it is solid as a rock, i think someone is peeing in your ear.

if it was that delicate it would be no use to me.

[Kuma]

Is this (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) (http://www.adorama.com/BG055XPROBKB.html) a good combo? Another person who's more serious than I am says I'm wasting money on anything less that RRS and the like, and that unless I'm willing to shell out close to $1000, I'm going to regret my purchase.

He did say the Manfrotto is pretty good for in-studio, though - just not good for in the field. But I see people here who seem quite happy with it.

Well there is some truth in there. For $280 the 055XproB/488rc2 is a terrific tripod. It doesn't break the bank and its very sturdy. But yea a $1000 Gitzo/RSS/Markins setup is going to be a lot nicer/lighter.

I can understand the studio comment because the manfrotto setup is heavier. To say its not good for the field is subjective. I use mine outside all the time. Its not a tripod I'd ever want to go hiking with.

I don't want to say I regret buying this setup. I wish I had a $1000 setup but I think for the money spent its a deal. And it would be a super easy setup to sell later on if I wanted to upgrade to something more expensive.

[darksike]

love this combo. use it on lighthouse shots. even put it on the rocks to get slow shutter (one of the pic on my flickr). I just wipe off the sand then gtg again for the next day

[dogwalker]

Thanks, everyone!! Sounds great, and sounds like a purchase I wouldn't regret.

[Veemac]

I just bought this exact combo today. I've been encouraged by all the favorable reviews and have been needing a replacement for my rickety, 25-year old cheapie department store tripod. I'm very pleased with this setup - I'm 6'6", so the height is a big plus for me, and it feels very stable. Adorama's price for that kit is pretty good - I paid $295 + tax for just the legs and head at a local shop.

[Happybrandon]

I recently just bought this combo as well based on all the great reviews and concur that it is a wonderful setup. I shoot in a lot of awkward outdoor locations and the ability of so many setup options while still being really solid and stable is great. A great versatile tripod that is well worth its price.

[Bansheercr]

I have same set up and as said as long as your not doing alot of hiking its great. Very solid quality product. The 488 holds my 100-400 no problem at 400mm. I like the lever locks on the legs that it has rather than the twist types.

[Foggy]

I had the 055PRO and 488RC2 combo... used it indoors mainly (studio hobby)

But I found it very heavy even with an optech tripod strap.

Sold it last week. Lately I've been really really impressed with Benro products.