Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head: Customer Reviews & Product Details

I purchased the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 Tripod on August 28, 2009. On November 26, 2009, one of the legs broke. I called Bogen Imaging the following week and was told the repair would be covered by my warranty. I was also told my tripod would be repaired and returned to me quickly. Their service department received my tripod on December 7, 2009, via UPS.

On December 23, 2009, I called to check the status of the repair and was told their company was doing inventory, and my tripod would not be shipped until January. I was not happy! My tripod should have been repaired and returned to me prior to the week of Christmas when their inventory started.

I used the "Tell Paul" option on December 23, 2009, to email president, Paul Wild, about my dissatisfaction with the repair service. Within a half hour, I received a call from John who said my tripod had been fixed and would be shipped overnight via Fed-Ex, so I would have it in time for Christmas.

Today is Monday, December 28, 2009, and I still have not received my tripod. The service I have received is inexcusable. I will never purchase another Bogen Manfrotto product.

I sold my 3021 and got this Carbon Fiber 190CX PRO 3, just love it very much !!!!

One of the best features of this unit is the ability to easily convert its center pole from vertical to horizontal for copy work or photo macrography. Unlike previous versions of similar products, this one does not require that the center pole be removed from the legs and then reinserted into the clamps that hold it in it's horizontal position. You simply pull it out as far as it will go and then fold it over into position, making this maneuver fast and easy.

You already know that it is light and strong, but don't forget that the head you choose to put on it will increase the overall weight. In my case, I chose a Manfrotto 488RC4 midi ball head with quick release plate. I can easily switch the head between this tripod and my Manfrotto 694 magfber monopod and not add too much additional weight to either. This is a useful combination of tools to have on hand in the field and offers enough options that I can match the shooting requirements with the appropriate camera mount.

I mount a (relatively) large and heavy Canon 5D on the quick change head, often employing a 100-400mm series L lens. The tripod manages the weight well, with no leg flex or feeling that the whole thing might collapse. Also, one of the great benefits of the tripod is that the legs lock quickly and securely with the snap over locks which are fully adjustable should they ever need to be tightened. A tightening tool, which snaps onto a leg, comes with the tripod for in-the-field adjustments.

If you're like me (lazy), then you know how easy it is to avoid using a tripod if it's just too cumbersome to carry and too complicated to set up. With this unit, you'll never again have an excuse to NOT use a tripod. Just leave the quick-mount plate attached to the camera, pop the camera off the tripod and go (or just fling the whole thing over your shoulder - it won't come loose).

MY RECOMMENDATION: Over the past 35 years, I have used nearly every brand name of tripod available for photography, film and video work including the $25,000 O'Conner Hydro-Ped. I have also deployed a bunch of Bogen (Manfrotto) video tripods for students to use. That experience almost led me to overlook this new Manfrotto product, because I experienced chronic failure problems with those units.

But, these new products are far superior to those circa 1990's products, and I am truly pleased that I didn't let my biases get in the way of my judgement. I am so pleased with the quality and features of the 190CXPO3 that I recommend it without reservation. Oh, and get the 3-section version. It'll do the job height-wise unless you're taller than 6 feet and has three less leg-locks to mess with.

Ok, it is a tad expensive, but I had a 40lb limit for a 3 week trip and figured it was worth it to upgrade the tripod. It is light (yet stable) and easy to use - I purchased the 322RC2 head (which is great!). (And you should be aware that you WILL need a head). My only complaints (and I don't have great solutions - sorry): when used in sand, sand gets in the joints - and you'll want to clean it as well as you can as soon as you can or you'll scratch it up good. Second, the small rubber plugs that cover the screws get lost within the first couple of uses (taking it in and out of a case, backpack etc). Once I noticed I was losing them, I didn't lose another, as I kept seeing them on the ground next to my backpack......

I've been using an aliminum Wal Mart tripod for years and I kick myself for not upgrading to a high end tripod a long time ago. This tripod is very light and very ridgid. The Q90 column is very usefull. With different leg angles, extensions, and the Q90 column, you can get the camera position you need on ANY terrain. with a little extra work, the column can be removed and inserted upside down for even more variety of shooting positions. Yes, Manfrotto should have included retractable spiked feet on this tripod, but it works very well none the less.