Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

Isn't it both amazing and quite frustrating that we as consumers must weed through what seems like hundreds of reviews just to gather enough information about a single product that ONE review should be able to produce? After literally reading hundreds of reviews for a camera body, lenses, tripods, etc, I feel like the work and time should go towards saving someone else from the toil of doing the same.

First of all, if you're like me, you're out looking for the tripod recommended by Scott Kelby's great, simple book, The Digital Photography Book. He recommends the Bogen 3001BD as the most affordable tripod which is still of good build quality. This recently has become the Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB which is very, very similar to the 055XPROB. The differences are as follows:

055XPROB - can support 15.4 pounds
190XPROB - supports 11 pounds

055XPROB - leg diameters 29.4, 25, 20 mm
109XPROB - leg diameters 25, 20, 16 mm

055XPROB -... Read more

This tripod has the flip type of leg locks (which I like SO much better than the twist-screw leg locks) and has the weight and stability to hold your camera securely in whatever position you lock it into. There is no perceptable "play" in any of the tripod components. It has a sturdy but smooth resistance, so you can make micro adjustments easily, and wherever you lock it, it stays exactly there. It also has individual leg adjustments that allow you to extend one, two, or three of the legs beyond their usual locked position (which I've used more than I thought I would). The center post also pulls out to slide into a horizontal position, should you need the additional stability. Only a couple of minor drawbacks: It would have been nice if it had a hook at the bottom of the center post, and a handle for carrying it in the collapsed position would have been an added bonus. If you're going to travel with this tripod, be aware that it's too tall to fit into your carry-on luggage (even... Read more

I use it combined with a 488RC4 ballhead. This tripod is a good one: stable, sturdy, reliable, flexible. I like the leg warmers, the built-in low angle system and level spirit but it still has some caveats:
- The paint scratchs easily--even the first time I used it--no big deal though. So that a tripod bag is recommended but...pricy. Got myself the MBAG80P; it fits the tripod and 488RC4 ballhead.

- One of the multiple plastic caps that hide the screws cracked and felt the second time I used it.

- It's supposed to have legs that do not turn (more reliable and robust); this is not true: the lowest sections turn--disappointing for the price.

- The knob of the center column is made of super cheap plastic. I believe it is not gonna be reliable on the long term. I need to look for a replacement one--just in case. Too bad!

- Quite pricy. Wish they had used either carbon or a better leg locking system (not plastic) for this price and... Read more