Help me choose this tripod!!

Ok, I have narrowed down my choices in tripod legs to these two models. If you have any experience with either of them please chime in. I see one major difference is one has flipper locks for the leg extensions and the other has some kind of quick release at the top of each leg, so any input on that locking system would be great too. $15 is the difference between these two so price isnt an issue. I have already chosen the Bogen / Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect 4 System (Quick Release) to go with the legs. Thanks!!

Tripod Legs #1 - Bogen / Manfrotto 055MF3 Magfiber Pro Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod Legs


The Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF3 provides professional photographers with a "beefier" tripod that's still light in weight, simple to use, strong, and extremely versatile to position.

Without compromising on stability or rigidity of the tripod, the 055MF3 consists of carbon fiber legs that feature quick action lever locks in magnesium and resin. In addition, the design of the 3021PRO series top spider which offers four leg angle settings is also used with this model, and it allows for the center column to be converted into a lateral arm.
The center column itself is of the latest generation of aluminum and resin materials. The low-angle adapter forms the top section of the center column and is easily detached by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column. This enables the head to be left mounted on the center column when switching between low-angle and normal shooting positions.

Tripod Legs #2 - Bogen / Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs


With a full range of professional features and the innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism, the 458B is geared for the professional photographer on location.

The Bogen 458B features the innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism. The legs open up by simply pulling down on each one, and automatically lock into any position, with no screws, knobs or levers to tighten. By pressing the release button at the top of the legs the legs can be collapsed again fully, or locked at any intermediate point for perfect positioning. And this innovative mechanism exerts more locking power the heavier the weight pushing down on it from above.

Other professional features include improved minimum-maximum height range, two section center column for low angle work and four leg angle positions.

I have looked hard at the 055 and really liked it but I also have the neotec monopod and it is the only monopod worth using that I have owned. Very fast and easy to operate. Tough choice and I see the problem choosing One of those choices you need to make by trying them out. The 488 is a very good choice too.

depends on what you are going to use if for, but if you want to carry it around, the 055MF3 wins hands down. The Neotec is a beast that weighs 5.3lbs. IMO, the heavier a tripod is, the exponentially less it gets used.

j.

I would choose the 055 legs - I use the 3021BPro which I find absolutely perfect for most situations.

Why are you looking at the 488RC4 ballhead instead of the 488RC2?

The ...RC4 QR plate is MUCH larger than the ...RC2 type, and is really designed for much larger cameras than yours. The ...RC2 fits and works well on all 35mm SLR sized cameras and on all long 35mm camera lenses with tripod collars.

You would find the ...RC4 overhanging the camera (and lens collars) so far that it would make getting them into camera bags much more difficult.

The whole purpose of QR plates is to leave them mounted to the cameras and lenses rather than installing them and removing them frequently. There is a variety of QR plates for the ...RC2 system - some with 1/4-20 mounting screws and some with 3/8-16 screws. Some even have lips to prevent camera rotation on the plate, but I have never found the need for them.

A suggestion - try to get to a camera store and actually see/touch/feel the various QR plate systems to fully understand what I've said above.