Review of Manfrotto 055xprob and Manfrotto 488RC2, Tons of Pics

There's a $35 instant rebate now at B&H for anyone considering this setup. 055XPROB/486RC2

Thanks for the informative review, and pics dliveley!

FWIW, the 486 uses the smaller ball so it's not as strong and it lacks the panning feature. That may matter to buyers.

dan

I ordered the carbon fiber version of this setup (055CXProB) and 488RC2 head just a few days ago (in part because of this post). When they're delivered I'll put up a review!

I went to go pick up this combo and couldn't get it. I ended up getting the 488rc2 and 190mf3. I don't have the switch to make horizontal shooting easier; however, I was able to get the tripod for a steal. Was also able to get the head for $100.

Brilliant review thanks, I wonder how many of these combos have been sold on the strength of it. I can say at least one, mine. I won £200 and wanted to spend it on gear, my old tripod is crappy so splashed out on an 055XPROB/488RC2 and I am very happy.

I agree with others that it might be a tad heavy to carry all day but I jerry rigged a strap using one from an old laptop bag, I got the idea from a discussion I saw over at flickr. (Scroll down to the bottom.)

Flickr Discussion

Bascially you can undo one of the bolts from the legs and insert a loop to attach the strap to, then redo the bolt. It works really very well and takes a second to do. (Don't worry the whole thing does not fall apart when you take the bolt out. I think its a far better solution to the dedicated tripod straps as you never have to undo anything to set up... and its free.

On mine the legs are quite stiff so I haven't had a problem with them opening up when I carry it, I guess I will just use a bungee or something to keep them closed if it ever becomes an issue.

I do have one question though, does anyone strap this combo to a bag? I am looking to get a good backpack for taking out walking, I was thinking the Lowepro Vertex 200 or something similar.

This is my first post, just got back into photography after a break of some years, I got left behind with no money and the switch to digital. I got a 40D at christmas and I am on a whole new learning curve. Its amazing.

astonier wrote in post #7536736
I do have one question though, does anyone strap this combo to a bag? I am looking to get a good backpack for taking out walking, I was thinking the Lowepro Vertex 200 or something similar.

I strap it on to the back of my Kata R-103. To keep it from bouncing in the tripod harness I just use some shoelaces to keep it tight to the bag. After I did that I haven't had any problems. I absolutely love this bag!

New member to the site - I should just stop browsing as I've already picked up a 10-22 that was for sale here as well as this tripod/ballhead recommendation. Thank you for the reviews.

One quick note - on the quick release plate there was a small plastic plug that I had to remove. I was scratching my head for a good 10 minutes wondering what the hell the purpose of that plug was. Finally I just pulled it out (as you should) and it worked perfectly. This is one sturdy setup. Bigger and heavier (relatively speaking) then I expected - but for the price, I'm a happy camper.

The plug's an "anti-twist" pin for use with video cameras.

I have the 055XPROB + 486RC2 setup. I just got the head this past Monday. It's an outstanding tripod and I picked the legs because of this very well done photo review.

Cheers to dliveleyphotography! Nice job. You really should get commissions.

I need some help. I like to get this tripod but may need a different ballhead than the 488rc2. I mainly photograph birds and other animals; so I need a ballhead where I can grip a handle of some kind to allow me to quickly swivel the camera left or right or up and down on the tripod to catch the action similar to the 322rc2 grip ball action but not necessarily a grip like that one. Can anyone suggest a ballhead?

Thanks

I'd suggest a gimbal, rather than a ball head. Not especially cheap, but better suited for both the tracking and for long lenses. Still, chasing birds in flight you'll probably do better handheld. Believe me, I have the 322RC2 and that's the last thing I'd use for tracking BiF.

Glenn NK wrote in post #6952401
Just to clarify (and to correct tripod height difference error in a previous post), there are two 055MF models and one aluminum model:

http://www.manfrotto.c​om …A%3ASUB1%3AAA%3​ASUB2%3AAA

055MF3 - 3 section CF, 134.5 cm w/o the centre column up (the most stable configuration). Weight = 2.0 kg, capacity = 10 kg.

044MF4 - 3 section CF, 130.5 cm without the centre column up. Weight = 2.0 kg, capacity = 10 kg.

055XPROB - 3 section Aluminum tripod at 142 cm w/o centre column up. Weight = 2.4 kg, capacity = 1- kg.

For a MF/CF tripod there is a 0.4 kg (.88 lb) weight saving but a considerable increase in price.

The tallest of the three is the 055XPROB - the one I looked at was the 055MF4 which is 11.5 cm shorter than the 055 XPROB (4.5 inches extra height for the aluminum 055XPROB).

For my use (flowers generally in public parks where walking distance is minimal), the extra weight of the 055XPROB isn't an issue, but when I must go hiking, I will use the 190 (which I have). It's likely that the camera body used and the choice of head will have as much or more effect on the overall weight as will the leg material.

Everyone will have a different set of values by which to judge which tripod to get, but personally the 055XPROB will be the best compromise for me.

I think you mean 055MF4, 4 section, CF instead of 044MF4 - 3 section CF

sixspeedsam wrote in post #7547752
New member to the site - I should just stop browsing as I've already picked up a 10-22 that was for sale here as well as this tripod/ballhead recommendation. Thank you for the reviews.

One quick note - on the quick release plate there was a small plastic plug that I had to remove. I was scratching my head for a good 10 minutes wondering what the hell the purpose of that plug was. Finally I just pulled it out (as you should) and it worked perfectly. This is one sturdy setup. Bigger and heavier (relatively speaking) then I expected - but for the price, I'm a happy camper.

Have fun with the 10-22, use my almost every day for work....great lens!
My 055 proB and 488rc2 arrive next week

The information on this site never ceases to amaze me. I spent way to much time figuring out the model numbers of potential tripods; the naming system is one of the most esoteric I have found. Thanks for the concise information and review.

plant_prof wrote in post #7568574
I spent way to much time figuring out the model numbers of potential tripods; the naming system is one of the most esoteric I have found.

Ever tried finding the right Gitzo tripod?