Manfrotto prices
Oct 9, 2015 10:19:02 #
The Manfrotto gimbal head price went from $175. to $215. B&H and Amazon. That's just about a 23% jump in price. Just wondering if all their prices went up.
Oct 9, 2015 10:43:27 #
Tomcat5133
Loc: Gladwyne PA
I think Manfrotto is an amazing company. More then 15 years ago I bought a simple pro tripod from them (green) I still have it and it is built like a truck. I have their fluid heads and for the price they are great. I needed a new tripod. Damaged my Manfrotto video tripod so I bought the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 055 Aluminium 3-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column (Black)
for $239 on Amazon. It is 24" folded down. Can take 19lb load. It is very well make and heavy duty. It has a center column with becomes horizontal great. A place to mount an LCD or whatever.
It will go up to 55" high low 4" This type of tripod is for stills or video and weigh's in at 5.5lbs. No it is not as strong as my green 15 year old Manfrotto. Manfrotto is building to a price. Manfrotto is a great value for it's design, build and even appearance. Quality tripods and heads go for a lot of money. I have their monopod with leg extenders and it is great. Just my opinion.
for $239 on Amazon. It is 24" folded down. Can take 19lb load. It is very well make and heavy duty. It has a center column with becomes horizontal great. A place to mount an LCD or whatever.
It will go up to 55" high low 4" This type of tripod is for stills or video and weigh's in at 5.5lbs. No it is not as strong as my green 15 year old Manfrotto. Manfrotto is building to a price. Manfrotto is a great value for it's design, build and even appearance. Quality tripods and heads go for a lot of money. I have their monopod with leg extenders and it is great. Just my opinion.
Oct 9, 2015 10:57:35 #
Tom Daniels wrote:
I think Manfrotto is an amazing company. More then... (show quote)
They are a good company. I was just wondering if they were raising all prices or just some. The gimbal price stayed the same for many years and was due for a price increase. I just wish Uncle Sam would give me a 23% raise.
Oct 9, 2015 12:26:41 #
Bill MN wrote:
The Manfrotto gimbal head price went from $175. to $215. B&H and Amazon. That's just about a 23% jump in price. Just wondering if all their prices went up.
Manfrotto has been steadily increasing their prices over the last 3 years. "Design Upgrades" is usually the reason given. I quit stocking the Manfrotto tripods and heads over a year ago as I felt they were no longer "price competitive" with other offerings on the market. Nothing wrong with their quality at all, I just think they need to look at their pricing structure in this highly competitive arena and come closer to meeting the standard.
In the case of the 393 Gimbal, there are absolutely no "upgrades" or design changes to the higher priced head, only the price tag. At least the 190 and 055 series tripods got some pretty new colors and features to justify their price jump. MANY of the Manfrotto designs sold today are no different at all from the original Bogen designs, except for the model numbering and the pricing.
Oct 10, 2015 06:58:27 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Manfrotto has been steadily increasing their price... (show quote)
Not justification for the increase but there are other factors and not just design changes that cause an increase in prices. It could be materials, machinery, R&D, etc. or maybe they pay their employees better.
I'm sure they are watching their bottom line to see they are not screwing themselves.
With stuff like this it is really hard to price quality.
Oct 10, 2015 07:53:53 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Manfrotto has been steadily increasing their prices over the last 3 years.
I use their tripod and QR plates, which have gotten more pricey, but there are third party duplicates available for a fraction of the price.
Oct 10, 2015 08:35:00 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I use their tripod and QR plates, which have gotten more pricey, but there are third party duplicates available for a fraction of the price.
True Jerry, but why are they cheaper is always the question. Are they of inferior quality, aka knockoffs, or just willing to make less? I bought an inexpensive Vanguard and it lasted about two years and not a lot of use. Go for a higher quality and not necessarily the cheapest, and you will have to add the tripod to your will.
Oct 10, 2015 08:50:07 #
pithydoug wrote:
True Jerry, but why are they cheaper is always the question. Are they of inferior quality, aka knockoffs, or just willing to make less? I bought an inexpensive Vanguard and it lasted about two years and not a lot of use. Go for a higher quality and not necessarily the cheapest, and you will have to add the tripod to your will.
I have bought only one of these "cheap" plates, and now I can't tell which is which. I know appearance isn't everything, but $9 vs $24 is something to consider.
Oct 10, 2015 09:31:36 #
Since camera sales are slumping, it may be that accessory sales are also on the decline. Broadening margins may be part of the pricing strategy, as companies fight to survive.
Oct 10, 2015 09:40:10 #
It may have something to do with the economy in Italy. They may be raising their taxes and everyone has to pay more for their products. That's a good deal for their competition.
Oct 10, 2015 09:43:16 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I have bought only one of these "cheap" plates, and now I can't tell which is which. I know appearance isn't everything, but $9 vs $24 is something to consider.
Eyes are the 2nd thing to go, hair is the 1st. :D :lol:
Oct 10, 2015 10:18:44 #
Bill MN wrote:
Eyes are the 2nd thing to go, hair is the 1st. :D :lol:
I can't argue with that.
Oct 10, 2015 12:02:11 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I have bought only one of these "cheap" plates, and now I can't tell which is which. I know appearance isn't everything, but $9 vs $24 is something to consider.
You trying to take it with you? :)
Oct 10, 2015 12:46:04 #
d2b2 wrote:
Since camera sales are slumping, it may be that accessory sales are also on the decline. Broadening margins may be part of the pricing strategy, as companies fight to survive.
According to the economic law of supply and demand, you are wr-wr-wrong. When fewer units are sold one does not raise the price hoping to make more money. One lowers the price and cost.
Oct 10, 2015 12:53:30 #
pithydoug wrote:
You trying to take it with you? :)
Not take it with me - just have more to spend before I make the trip. :D
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.