Manfrotto and two CF055 versions?

Anyone able to explain the reason for two different versions of the carbon fibre 055 tripod?

The O55CXPRO3 weighs 1.65 Kg and sells at £240 ish, while the 055CX3 weighs 1.78 Kg and sells at a little less.

I see the extended heights etc are very slightly different, but the tube diameters are the same and I'm struggling to understand why Manfrotto offer two almost identical tripods.

CXPRo3 has their Q90 centre column - you can flip it so it's horizontal.

Jon,

Both versions claim to be able to do that. However I shall be removing the rising column in its entirety so if thats the only difference I might as well choose the cheaper version.

Not according to the Bogen/Manfrotto site. The "Low angle adapter" on the CX3 is a short centre column. The CXPro lets you pivot the whole column 90 deg. But if you're not going to use the column then go with the CX3.

Jon,

Strange, because I looked at several sites selling them and they have blown up pictures showing the same "universal" joint arrangement for both. Could be they are confused as well?

You have sharper eyes than me on the Manfrotto site, I did not notice that difference.

Go PRO. I have a Manfrotto 190CXPro3. Though it adds a bit of height (around 5cm), the 90 degree horizontal reach is worth it. If not for the added horizontal reach, I wouldn't be able to shoot wide further on a fenced gate.

They could. Look closely at the leg mounting block on both pictures.

CX3 at Bogen:

Jon,

Your link to the spares PDF proves you were exactly right. No universal joint.

Shonen_red, I have never used the rising column that way on my 055PROB, so I removed it to improve stability and "add lightness". I again plan to remove it entirely on the new tripod so theres absolutely no point in paying for it.

Edited to add: I paid £108 for the 055PROB in 2005, I've received £60 for it in yesterday. Even allowing that the real value of the pound has dropped, £9.60 a year is pretty good.