My tripod comparison table

My search for a tripod still continues and the more I look, the more I get confused

I have read the sticky and various other posts but I have come to the conclusion that without actually handling the tripod in person I would not be able to come to a proper solution. This conclusion was reached with the delivery of a Manfrotto 055 PRO today. The closed size and weight took me by suprise so much so I am wondering whether I will be able to use it Yes I did my research and read up on the sizes plus weight but it is when you have the actual item in your hand that you really realise it (or maybe I am just a bit dim wittedops. I was actually looking for a 190 PRO but I got a deal on a 2nd hand 055 PRO so went for it becos from what I have read here, this is the better tripod.

Anyways, I did more research and came up with this table so that I can compare the tripods with the 055PRO to see whether I have a better alternative. I thought I will post it here as it might help some less fortunate person like me. From what I see, it looks like the 190XPROB is what would be ideal for me so dont be suprised if you see a post in the Sell forum for a 055PRO exchange for a 190XPROB

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The Manfrotto 055 is a far better tripod to have, unless you very heavily hike in the backwoods and really need max portability of the 190. If you are over 6' tall, the 190 would force you to stoop to look thru the viewfinder, while the 055 would not. The preceding description applies equally to the 3021 and 3001, the precursors for over a decade and very widely purchased and admired, before the later 055 and 190 replaced them both.

Yes, internet makes a wider variety of product available to us, but it deprives us of feeling the product in our hands first, and evaluating in the store before buying!

Thanks for the comments Wilt. After playing around with 055 I can see why it is the more widely recommended of the 2 - its built like a tank, sturdy and extends to over 6 feet. I didnt even feel the weight when I carried it home yesterday as it was in a bag slung over my shoulder.

However the problem I have is that I need a tripod to take on a overseas holiday and this tripod definitely wont make the bag. The closed length is a little too long for my liking - it extendes just above my shoulder to my knee and I am 5' 8" which is why I think the 190XPROB will be better for me.

You might consider a monopod for your hols, I picked up one up really cheap from Jessops for 15/16 pounds, of course it;s not as good as a tripe, but it,s a tenth of the weight, fits easily in a suitcase and, assuming its sunny, you should have pretty fast shutter speeds. (plus quick detach etc)

I have the 055PROB it,s heavy but as you say built like a tank, I love it, solid as a rock.

Forgive the typing errors, my Apple chordless keyboard is playing games with me.

Thanks I did consider a monopod initially but then decided that I might as well as get a good tripod which will serve me for other purposes as well.

Yea im kinda in the same boat. I LOVE the 055XPROB, but they are very heavy and bulky. I have been looking at the newer CF version of the 4 section 190 series, but the 11lbs load is what worries me. I weighed my heaviest setup on a postage scale (5D w/o grip, 70-200 2.8 IS, 580EX II flash and 488RC4 ballhead) and it was almost exactly 9 pounds including the ballhead. That only leaves 2lbs overhead with the 190 series whereas the 055 series holds 15lbs leaving 6lbs overhead. I like the extra strength. BUT the CF version of the 190 weighs HALF of what the 055XPROB weighs! And thats enticing!What to do, what to do...