Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Manfrotto
Page 1 of 2 next>
Sep 21, 2017 22:30:43   #
Metpin777 Loc: Fort Wayne, IN
 
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit

Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00

Reply
Sep 21, 2017 22:41:56   #
Rongnongno Loc: FL
 
Google it?

Reply
Sep 21, 2017 22:44:09   #
Metpin777 Loc: Fort Wayne, IN
 
Yes, wanted more trustworthy opinions, thx

Reply
 
 
Sep 21, 2017 22:49:39   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
5 star rating on the B&H website.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175941-REG/manfrotto_mk290xta3_3wus_290_xtra_3_way_head.html
Don't have that model personally, but have 3 Manfrotto's at work.
I've never seen any crap from Manfrotto.
Do you have a local store to check one out (and buy from)?

Reply
Sep 21, 2017 22:56:13   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Metpin777 wrote:
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit

Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00


What are you using it for? Seems pretty light duty, and it seems that you are likely to be replacing it sooner than later. I would stay away and wait until I could justify a solid, stable, carbon fiber tripod - lighter, stronger, more expensive, but worth the $$.

You select a tripod based on focal length and or magnification you intend to use, and the top tube diameter - bigger means more stable. Carbon stronger and lighter than aluminum.

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 01:32:31   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
I have that tripod. It's a decent lightweight tripod. It came with the 3 way head but I often use a gimbal head on it. It is not some big hulk of a heavy duty tripod that can support a smaller version of the hale telescope. The heaviest lens I've mounted on that tripod is the Sigma 150-600 Sport attached to the matching Sigma 1.4X teleconverter attached to a Canon 5DIV without any problems. I've also used it to take long exposures of the night sky. It's best if you use a remote shutter release. It's a decent tripod for the money if you are looking for a good lightweight tripod.

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 01:55:27   #
Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!
 
Metpin777 wrote:
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit

Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00


I don't know much about that tripod, I bought this one a couple of months ago and I love it....nice features and very sturdy.

Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AP Aluminum-Alloy Tripod Kit with Alta PH-32 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1332556-REG/vanguard_alta_pro_2_263ap.html

Reply
 
 
Sep 22, 2017 06:00:49   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
Metpin777 wrote:
Yes, wanted more trustworthy opinions, thx


Exactly why I look for online reviews. I have several tripods, and if anyone asked me how I liked them, I'd say they were fine. Someone who has examined hundreds of tripods would be able to pick out strengths and weaknesses in my tripods.

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 08:53:53   #
Mike Ga Loc: Long Island, NY
 
The weight capacity appears to be little to light. It's 8.8lbs.

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 09:25:58   #
Metpin777 Loc: Fort Wayne, IN
 
Thank you everyone for your help, just ordered, will mostly be for portraits

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 10:15:14   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
Metpin777 wrote:
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra 3-Way Head Kit

Any reviews of this tripod? $179.00

If you have a camera-lens combination that has any weight to it, you may be disappointed. Read reviews, do some research - the better tripods, carbon fiber, start around $500. You don't want an unstable base for a good camera. There are plenty of threads on this subject that you could read.

Reply
 
 
Sep 22, 2017 12:21:49   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
SusanFromVermont wrote:
If you have a camera-lens combination that has any weight to it, you may be disappointed.


And if it has no weight to it, you've got an amazing thing on your hands.

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 13:39:47   #
wrangler5 Loc: Missouri
 
Good tripods are forever. My most solid tripod is an American Bolex Evn-Pan that my father bought in the late 1940s. The head would swivel and pan (but not tilt) and was controlled and locked by the single handle, which was perfect for his 16mm movie cameras. (I find this to be the most convenient head design for ME to use with still cameras, but I don't think I've ever seen another one that works this way.)

Point is - I'm sure it was expensive when purchased (probably at least $500 in today's money), but except for some dings in the paint it's still as solid as the day it was bought, and has been giving reliable service for 70+ years.

(Interesting trivia factoid: for those of you who have ever used (all "seasoned" photographers have at least seen) a Sekonic Studio Deluxe light meter - that device was originally built and sold by American Bolex, beginning in 1948.)

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 13:47:54   #
rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
 
Metpin777 wrote:
Thank you everyone for your help, just ordered, will mostly be for portraits


It will be fine for doing portraits. Like I stated previously, be sure to use a remote shutter release, preferably wireless. The less you have attached to the camera that moves, the less likely you will get the nasty camera shake. One thing I do to increase stability on mine and reduce shake is to hang a sand bag loaded with pennies under the tripod. It works quite well...

Reply
Sep 22, 2017 13:52:20   #
cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast
 
My Manfrottos have served me well for many years. I certainly will buy another when the need arises.

Reply
Page 1 of 2 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.