the new tripod/head setup that I now have is putting a huge smile on my face.
Today I went out set to buy a new tripod for my Giottos MH-3300 ballhead. I was ignoring the 055X because I had purchased one a few months back and had returned it. When I saw the 055XPROB, now that was a whole new tripod to me worth giving Manfrotto another chance.
It was between the Gitzo GT2330 Basalt at $330.00 or the Manfrotto 055XPROB at $220.00. I am a very picky person that looks for every little detail in anything I buy. Guess who won?
MANFROTTO HANDS DOWN on this one!
The Gitzo is lacking in strength and the center column tilt feature, which on the Manfrotto is a great option woth having for macro photography later on. Also the center column head on the Gitzo is cheesy and has plastic covering it all. I wonder how thick the aluminum base really is.
I love the 3 setscrews that lock the ballhead base in place so it doesn't have a chance of unscrewing. Another little detail, but very important feature by Manfrotto.
I opened the first leg section on both of them at the first angle setting(narrow) and placed them down. Then I pushed down on the center column, about 10lbs worth and you can actually see the legs on the Gitzo starting to bend a little and to spread outwards a 1/2". I could not beleive this.
The Manfrotto didn't even budge with no bending on the legs, and I pushed even harder on the 055XPROB. It actually felt stronger than the Gitzo (by a lot) and they are rated within 1 kg difference of max load. The floor was vinyl tiles and both tripods had rubber feet.
I know this is not a true way of testing, but for me this is a good way to see real world use.
About the Giottos ballhead, smooth as butter and locks my camera/grip/flash(for extra weight)/70-200/1.4TC like no tomorrow with no droop and with the least amount of force. Literally a thumb and finger on the knob screw is enough to keep it locked at a 45 Deg angle. It's just crazy.
All this for a total of: (Tripod) $220 + (Ballhead) $195 = $415.00 + (Optional Bag) $137.00
I highly recommend this budget setup. I find it is worth more than what I paid for the combo all together hence making the buyer feel great about the purchase. I also purchased a Manfrotto MAG90P padded bag to keep everything all nice and safe.
Thx
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