Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black): Customer Reviews & Product Details

This tripod rated well in several photographic reviews that I researched. I have used it for over a year now with no problems other than that it is heavy. I need to make or buy a carrying case so that I can more easily pack it into more remote locations. It does have covers on two of its legs to help protect your shoulder when relocating for the next shot, but I would like a hands free system. I mount a Nikon D50 on it with a Manfrotto ball head.

I'm a retiree whose gone head over heals with my new hobby the last two years,and the Manfrotto ProB is just what I need. I chose it after reading lots of reviews and set up with the 488rc4 midi ball head,410PL quick releases on my 40D,and one on my 70-200 2.8, the weight and stability feel good. As I say I'm not a pro but I'm satisfied enough not to shop around for something better just yet.

After purchasing a Nikon D300 with an SB900 flash I realized my old tripod was pretty weak. I researched many avenues and after a few weeks I came up with a tripod and head which I figured would work well. Manfrotto 055XPROB http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UMX7FI/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title and Giottos MH 1300-657 head http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Giottos+MH+1300-657&x=18&y=20.
I received the equipment last night and I have to say I was extremely impressed. The build quality is better than anticipated. I'm pretty certain the 055prob could be used to hold up my 4 wheel drive pickup while I change a tire, ha-ha. The Giottos 1300 head with the 657 slide is aluminum machined and fits snuggly. When I attached the D300 in various positions there was zero creep. Simply stated; this is exactly the quality I appreciate but seldom find nowadays. I am well pleased.

I have had Bogen Heavy Duty tripods for over twenty years including the venerable 3051. .... I have also had Slik 700DX for over ten years and have been pleased with both brands.

Needing a lighter tripod, I decided to play it safe and go with Manfrotto (Bogen.) But receiving this tripod, I was both disappointed and disheartened! .... The quality, craftsmanship and precision I had expected was either not there or, much cheaper tripods from China have given Manfrotto a very strong shoulder rub!

My advice for those who are going after the name Manfrotto is, Now you have a much wider choice. Before you spend close to $200.00 including shipping and taxes, look for high quality Chinese tripods. I just bought a Zeiko with specifications that exceeds those of Manfrotto for $less than $70.00 shipped.

I will give it only 2-Star.... That is all it deserves.

This is one solid tripod. When I was searching for a tripod, I wanted to replace old reliable I have had since the 80's. I have an older stitz Hi-Low Angle HL-41 that I purchased new and is still in good working order. In looking at prices, reliability, quality, etc... I did alot of research. Like everyone else, I wanted something sturdy, small but can stand tall, lightweight and one that will last for not alot of money.

I tried a Sunpak from a local store and it was nice, but did not seem real solid and was very heavy. It also did not fold small enough for my liking. OK, I also tried to go cheap and I ended up taking it back.

I did more research and for price (non-high budget) and quality, the ratings on other sites pointed towards Manfrotto. The price was reasonable and about the same everywhere although a little lower on Amazon. That was actually a good thing as no matter where purchased there were no big markup or discounts. Manfrotto has many different models, so now another decision.

I opted first for the 190xprob and really loved the quality, feel and weight. It folded to a good size. When at full height though, it just did not feel as stable if a gush of wind were to hit it, although it probably would of been fine. I am a bit picky, so I looked at the 055xprob and knew this was it. A small bit more money for a much sturdier tripod. I get many positive looks and comments from others when using the tripod. I noticed too, that when I go to popular places in the area to shoot pictures or video, I see several other Manfrotto Tripods being used.

The pros: Very solid. I do not think any regular gusts of wind would knock this thing around. I have used it up to 40mph and no problem.
The two legs that have a weather grip may not seem like a big deal, but when it is cold, it is nice to grip this instead of the bare legs.
All adjustments are easy and work flawlessly. It takes a little getting used to the low angle and flipping the center pole off to the side for a much lower angle. It is unique and a good feature though.
This tripod is also a bit taller than the 190 which is nice.
Nice quick release feature with a safety feature.
Price was very reasonable.

The cons: OK, the weight is a bit more than I like but for short hikes etc... it works great. I probably would not like to hike far distances though and would opt for the carbon-finer one. The size is a bit larger when folded but workable. The finish is beautiful but easily scratched, so be careful.

Overall, I give it 5 stars as for the money, this is the best one out there. For cameras I use on this tripod, they are Canon 20D and Canon 40D with lenses as big as 300mm. The weights of these cameras and lenses are nothng for this tripod. I use the Manfrotto 322RC2 head which looks like a joystick for these cameras. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)

I also use a Canon HF-S10 HD Video Camera Canon VIXIA HFS10 HD Dual Flash Memory with 32 GB Internal Memory and 10x Optical Zoom which is compact and hard to keep steady due to its size. Of course the tripod works well for it but the need for the head attachment to be able to pan and move fluidly was a biggie and I chose the Manfrotto 701 HDV head. Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head It works great and a good fit for this size of camera.

I have no regrets on this tripod or the heads I use. Manfrotto is a great brand. (I have no regrets on my Canon's either).