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

astonier wrote in post #7536736
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.

My combination has just arrived, and it looks awesome for the price. Weight is not too muxh of an issue, and will take the kit out over the weekend for a trial.

Enjoy your 40D, great camera!

They need to make this a sticky already.

maranelloboy05 wrote in post #7364566
Thanks for the review, I just got mine tonight, have to love 2-day shipping coming in 1 day. Hopefully I will be able to get some stuff shot tomorrow. The only thing I don't like is the rubber on the tension knob seems to twist without twisting the knob, just something I will have to get used to.

had the same problem. i just took it off. feels much better without the rubber, more control on the knob.

LittleRhody wrote in post #7411974
New member as of yesterday! So much great information and I have just scratched the surface. Need a new tripod for my 50D that isn't too heavy but is sturdy. Thanks for a great review that will help me on this journey. Feel the same way every time I buy a lens - so many pros and cons. Being only 5'8" the legs on your unit might be a little high for me. Any suggestions??

im also 5'8 & i find the 055PROB too tall even without using the center column. if youre willing to spend more than what the 055PROB is worth, take a look at the 055MF4. with a 488RC2 mounted & without using the center column, the camera's (40D without grip) viewfinder is exactly at my eye-level. its also much easier to carry around because its more compact & lighter compared to the PROB version.

photo from B&H

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Well I just got mine today from Amazon. I did not get the 488; instead I purchased the Jobu Jr. gimbal head since I photo birds etc. The gimbal should be here no later than next Weds. I will test it on my day off - Friday.

Peace

damn, just another reason to love my girlfriend. she just bought me the Manfrotto 055XPROB for our anniversary!!! now i'm gonna go out and buy the Manfrotto 488RC2 head. can't wait!!!

idrgbdy wrote in post #7709611
damn, just another reason to love my girlfriend. she just bought me the Manfrotto 055XPROB for our anniversary!!! now i'm gonna go out and buy the Manfrotto 488RC2 head. can't wait!!!

Go for it!

I got my 055XPROB legs five weeks ago today at a local store. They were expecting the 488RC2 head in several days. It never came, it never came, back ordered, etc. I'm not saying they jerked me around at all; it's just unfortunate that it never arrived.

I called another local store and they guy said they had one. Drove 20 minutes each way on my lunch hour only to see that he had the 488RC4, not the 2. Thanks.

This weekend, I have some stuff lined up I really would like to shoot from the tripod, so I finally said the heck with it and ordered online. It arrived yesterday and after a few quick shots last night, I think I'm going to like it. I am used to an ancient, rickety three-way thing with a handle on it, so it will be an adjustment to always grip the camera directly when changing the aim.

I'm looking forward to the height of the legs being about right for me (6'3") without extending the center column much, if at all.

I appreciate all the info in this thread and others about this legs/head combo.

Does this combo Manfrotto 055xprob and Manfrotto 488RC2 strong enough for this setup: (1DM3 + 300mm f/2.8L + 2x TC + 580EX speed light)?

Thanks,
Cal

Good review! Now I want to buy this!

Just an FYI. They have rebates on Manfrotto products - upto $50. You may already know this; I did not check but just in case. Click on the rebate form

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ge.jsp&A=search​&Q=*&bhs=t

travinh wrote in post #7928363
Does this combo Manfrotto 055xprob and Manfrotto 488RC2 strong enough for this setup: (1DM3 + 300mm f/2.8L + 2x TC + 580EX speed light)?

Thanks,
Cal

Strong enough: Yes. Stable enough? Depends.

Ok. I just received the Manfrotto 488rc2 head. I initially did not get it because I mainly shoot birds and went with a JoBu gimbal head. However, after I tried shooting non-bird shots with another Manfrotto head that I used mainly on the monopod that does not pan, swivel etc; just moves back and forth. I realized I needed a new head so I immediately ordered the 488 rc2; it is a beaut and feels beefy too. So you can now add me to this list now.

Peace

I had hoped this combination would work for me, but I have some concerns.

It's the flip column. It's a neat bit of engineering for those who need it. But the implementation means the column is always somewhat extended. I haven't found a way to run it all the way down. The flip assembly is integral to the column clamping. So the column cannot be clamped without it. As a result, it isn't nearly as rigid as it could be.I don't have an older Bogen here, but I imagine they were more rigid.

I was also a little bummed that the flip lock levers are plastic. I believe the earlier bogen models were metal. If I snap one off in the bush, I'll be in trouble.

One of my legs sticks a bit. I had hoped I could flip the locks open and have all the legs just drop.

Anyone have any ideas? I think I'm going to have to return it.

Morlow wrote in post #7607766
They need to make this a sticky already.

Absolutely.

I have this combo set up in a wish list at B&H.

The OP is an evil, evil man.