Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 with 496RC2 HEAD vs. 055CXPRO4 with 498RC2

I have been looking at and reading about tripods online for a few weeks now. It has come down to these to options for me. I know all the diffrences between these 2 set ups, but the only things I am curious about is, how much more sturdier is the 055 vs, the 190. I already know the 190 is slightly shorter & lighter, which is what I love about it. Price between the 2 is not a factpr at all for me. My heaviest gear is 9lbs, so I know the 190 says it can support it, but basically I am asking everyone, is the 055 going to feel much more sturdier for me?? I would prefer to carry the 190 for its smaller size & weight, but is the just a few inches and a little over a pound going to feel that much larger??

You don't have a fair comparison. The 190 is going to be lighter. If you don't need the height, then go for the smaller unit. You will get a little more flex in the legs, but as you have said, you aren't pushing the weight limit.

I have the 055, but I am also 6'2" and need the height. Yes, I can feel the weight when lugging this over 3-4 mile walk to get to a waterfall photoshoot and back.

But the ball heads on the two stands are different. The 496 doesn't do panoramic shots at all. I found that tweaking to get the perfect framing wasn't nearly as easy as with the 498.. again, more weight, but I wanted the convenience offered by this head.

Price also drove me to get the 498 as any other heads remotely similar cost double what I could get the 498 for.

Matt.

i have the 190CXPRO3 and its wonderful at first i was worried about it not being tall enough but it is great. im sure you cwould be fine with the PRO4

p.s. we have basiclly the same exact gear minus the 50mm

Thanks for your input guys. I didn't realize the 498 head panned, and the 496 did not. That is another factor now in my descion. Do either of you know if I have my 5d with 70-200, and turn out the center colum to a horizontal position, while it still be very stable on the 190 tripod or can it possibly topple over??

I have the 055 myself and it only goes where i can take the car anymore; it's impossible to find a bag that's comfortable to carry it with and it's quite a bit larger than the 190 when compressed.

Yes, the 055 feels much more solid because it is; I wanted the extra height when I purchased it. But if I were doing it again I would go with the 190, as I'd take it with me more often and actually use it.

If you want stability with the heavy camera and lenses you have, you will definitely want the 055XProB. There's no question about it. The 498RC2 is also MUCH more suitable than the 496RC2 for a sturdy head for that sort of equipment.

You can totally forget the weight ratings for tripods. There is no universal standard for how those numbers are derived and all you can count on is that the tripod should not collapse with the stated weight on it. The weight rating says absolutely nothing about rigidity and stability.

Even the 055XProB can be very easily carried in the field with this strap from Manfrotto

Dustman wrote in post #10239911
Thanks for your input guys. I didn't realize the 498 head panned, and the 496 did not. That is another factor now in my descion. Do either of you know if I have my 5d with 70-200, and turn out the center colum to a horizontal position, while it still be very stable on the 190 tripod or can it possibly topple over??

It is not very stable with that combo in the horizontal position, and sorry to ask but I am curious to know; what will you take pictures of with a 70-200 in the horizontal position?