Alternatives to the Manfrotto 055XPROB?

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my tripod with something a bit more versatile, so I'd be looking for something that can go very low with an adjustable centre column so that it can do all the silly things I might want it to do - but thats just the general use. When I'm not wanting it for odd angles and macro I'd want it to be good for birds in flight.

I do have a Giottos 3270B Monopod on route which may be good for birding, but any advice on a head too would be great.

Now to make things even tougher for you good people of PotN. I'm also not wanting to spend a fortune!

Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers

Been through the -=FAQ=- Tripods, Monopods, Heads & Support - START HERE Sticky?

I don't see a big lens for birding on your gear list - what are you using/planning to use? That'll make a difference in tripod and head recommendations.

My sig is a little out of date (just updated ) - I've just got the Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM.

Sorry for not going through the sticky - I'm not sure of how the name codes break down on tripods so cannot quickly spot the ones with the adjustable column at a glance.

several of us had a discussion the other night (could have been daytime) about the Giottos tripods. The Ran was kind enough to do a photo review of the his set-up. Here's the link to the thread:
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1083921

He might find this thread and respond himself. It was very nice of him to take the time for such a thorough photo review.

Kim

Why would you want a substitute for an 055XPROB when the real thing can be had for a relatively reasonable amount? Especially since most of the alternatives use twist locks on their legs.

I was just looking for alternatives - not ruling it out - as it turns out I may well go for the Giottos MTL9361B from what I have seen, just trying to see if there is any particular head that would go well for birds in flight now.

Head for BiF? Feel like swapping heads between then and other uses? Because a good gimballed head is probably the best option for birding, while you'd like a ball head better for general purpose.
I use the Jobu Black Widow Heavy Duty since I use Arca-Swiss plates; if you're willing to use different plates on your 400 and your other lenses, the Manfrotto 393 is a nice alternate. On a monopod, for your 400 f/5.6, the Manfrotto 234 or 234RC would be good; if you expect to move to bigger lenses, consider "buy once, buy right" and get the RRS MH-01.

Cheers Jon, great advice on the heads - expensive lot though (apart from the 234's), but I had heard gimbles were expensive so no shock.

If I ever go pro (not much chance of that!!), I do like the look of the black widow though

Note that the Black Widow Lightweight Mk. II can be upgraded to the HD Mk II if needed.

Thanks Phoenix for posting the link to that thread, as soon as I finished reading John's post I thought I was going to have to post all those photos again xD.

So, yes I would recommend one of the Giottos with the magical centre columns if you need the flexibility (I assume for macro as you have the 100mm, although it comes in handy for other stuff too).

Beachcomber Joe wrote in post #13014406
Why would you want a substitute for an 055XPROB when the real thing can be had for a relatively reasonable amount? Especially since most of the alternatives use twist locks on their legs.

The Giottos is even cheaper yet more flexible. I can't comment on the Manny's quality as I haven't used one but the Giottos is excellent and I would hope it's around the same, so you could get the same quality with more features for a lower cost, sounds good to me.

The Ran wrote in post #13016811
The Giottos is even cheaper yet more flexible. I can't comment on the Manny's quality as I haven't used one but the Giottos is excellent and I would hope it's around the same, so you could get the same quality with more features for a lower cost, sounds good to me.

Maybe I'm wrong but the 055probx is cheaper than the Giottos (if that's indeed the Manfrotto you are referring to)

The Manny is $146 right now on BH with an addition $25 rebate

And the Giottos is $172

Hmm, I was going by the UK prices when I bought mine, in Jessops they were about the £ equivalents to the prices you've given but the other way round. Don't suppose you got the wrong mode of Giottos? There are a lot of them (flip/lever locks, carbon/aluminium, 3/4/and maybe even 5 sections).

I don't know really, I searched the MTL 9360 which yielded a single result from BH:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …60B&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

the 055XPROB works great, especially for the price.

gorby wrote in post #13019100
I don't know really, I searched the MTL 9360 which yielded a single result from BH:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …60B&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

Yeah the 9360 is the 4 section version, mines the 9361 which has 3.