Manfrotto 055XPROB reviews? I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one...

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one when needed. I have a Manfrotto monopod and Manfrotto head and plate on my old tripod so I tend to trust Manfrotto products. My primary camera and lens is Canon 50D (kind of heavy) with 18-200. Does anyone have experience with the 055XPROB; if so what do you think?

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Yes, I have that one, combined with a 498RC2 ballhead.
I like it very much. Have had my E-5 camera with a heavy lens on it (total, if memory serves me right, 7 lbs) and no problems.
Like, you, I don't use it very much, but it has been valuable when needed.
The tripod itself is quite weighty, so I only take it with me when traveling by car. I wouldn't be able to carry it any distance.
If I needed a tripod again, I wouldn't hesitate getting this one again, although I am not completely satisfied with the head. Will heave to think it through and figure out what it is that bothers me...

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

waegwan wrote:

I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one when needed. I have a Manfrotto monopod and Manfrotto head and plate on my old tripod so I tend to trust Manfrotto products. My primary camera and lens is Canon 50D (kind of heavy) with 18-200. Does anyone have experience with the 055XPROB; if so what do you think?

Owned it for some time and is quite stable, but heavy if you hike around much. I switched to CF because of the weight... :thumbup:

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I have one and it is more that capable of handling your rig. What head are you considering? ;)

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I have one and haven't had any issues with it. It's rated for 15.4 lbs (7kg) capacity, which should be plenty for your set up. It's pretty solid and quite articulate, I've had mine in some pretty awkward configurations with no problems.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Morning Star wrote:

Yes, I have that one, combined with a 498RC2 ballh... (show quote)

Thanks for the info. I have a Manfrotto ball head that I like a lot that I would put on it. If I go very far with it I would be in a car or on my bike so that should not be an issue. I use the monopod for light work and hiking. I have a good old Velbon tripod but it is short, I have often wanted a taller one that is stable but don't want to spend what the carbon fiber systems cost as I just don't use it that often.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Erik_H wrote:

I have one and haven't had any issues with it. It's rated for 15.4 lbs (7kg) capacity, which should be plenty for your set up. It's pretty solid and quite articulate, I've had mine in some pretty awkward configurations with no problems.

I think I'm sold. Thanks :)

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Db7423 wrote:

I have one and it is more that capable of handling your rig. What head are you considering? ;)

I have a Manfrotto ball head and plate on my Velbon tripod that I will be using. I don't remember the number on it and it is out in the van and I'm too lazy to go out and look :D But is works well on my Velbon so I know it will work well on the Manfrotto. I was mostly concerned about the sturdiness of the legs on the Manfrotto. I've never used a tripod that doesn't have the legs tied to the center post. The Velbon is sturdy but often too short for me. The reviews on the 055XPROB show it to be plenty tall. All of the reviews on this one have been great but it is sometimes hard to trust paid commercials. I'd rather trust the folks on UHH :)

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

waegwan wrote:

I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one when needed. I have a Manfrotto monopod and Manfrotto head and plate on my old tripod so I tend to trust Manfrotto products. My primary camera and lens is Canon 50D (kind of heavy) with 18-200. Does anyone have experience with the 055XPROB; if so what do you think?

:thumbup:

jrb1213 Loc: McDonough GEorgia

I am 6'3" and can almost use the Manfrotto without extending the center post. This is a very stable, durable tripod.

Dan821 Loc: Traveling........

I have one that has been all over the world.

Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas

I keep a gimbal head on mine and use it with my Sigma 150-500.

Pop0904 Loc: Jacksonville, Fl

waegwan wrote:

I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one when needed. I have a Manfrotto monopod and Manfrotto head and plate on my old tripod so I tend to trust Manfrotto products. My primary camera and lens is Canon 50D (kind of heavy) with 18-200. Does anyone have experience with the 055XPROB; if so what do you think?

Do yourself a favor and call Carter ( MTSOOTER ) before you purchase any tripod. Carter will be able to assist you.

http://www.cameracottage.com

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

waegwan wrote:

I'm looking real hard at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod to use as a main tripod. I don't use a tripod much but I know the photographic value of a good one when needed. I have a Manfrotto monopod and Manfrotto head and plate on my old tripod so I tend to trust Manfrotto products. My primary camera and lens is Canon 50D (kind of heavy) with 18-200. Does anyone have experience with the 055XPROB; if so what do you think?

One of my students has one - its not particularly stable with long focal lengths - you might find this when you use your lens at 200mm (320mm effective focal length). For shorter focal length shots it should be fine. The camera and lens is not particularly heavy at just slightly over 3 lbs. But if you've read any of my postings on tripods, I've provided links that refute using load capacity as a criteria in selecting tripods. Better to use your own experience with a particular tripod, or purchase from a company that states performance in terms of focal length. Longer focal lengths require heftier tripods, and vice versa, regardless of weight.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Gene51 wrote:

One of my students has one - its not particularly ... (show quote)

Thanks Gene, this is some of the kind of info I was looking for. I fully understand the the difference between weight capacity and stability.