Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminium 3 Section Tripod with Horizontal Column

Product Information

As for the 190XPROB reviewed here, it’s hard not to be impressed with what you’re getting for the money. So with the centre column raised, the larger aluminium 055 tripod had virtually no stability benefit over the 190 with our test load. Also changing the central column from vertical to horizontal position and back to the vertical is easy. In this leg configuration, the central column needs to be raised to its maximum height, or more sensibly switched to the horizontal orientation (see below) to clear the ground, although you can also replace it for an optional shorter column if desired. When you add a K10/K5IIS with battery grip and L-bracket on top of all that the viewfinder is nearly at my eye level.

The ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks have also been improved. Full Disclosure: The tripod reviewed here was received as a gift from Manfrotto during a sponsored factory tour in May 2007. Manfrotto’s carbon fiber models employ a pull-winding manufacturing process said to maximise resistance and reliability.Today the same Manfrotto name and model numbers are now used worldwide, although both it and ‘rival’ Gitzo remain part of the same Vitec group. Of course, the subject could be flowers or macro stuff or any other work that requires getting above the subject for an overhead view, in or out of a studio. If your height is around 6 feet, this is a perfect tripod for you to see a viewfinder without bending. Then press the spring-loaded button in the end of the column – this lets you push the column up further still until it pops through the top of the legs and into the oval section.

Basic kit lenses start at around 200g, while general-purpose or basic telephoto zooms are around 600g. Digging deeper, if you want a tripod which dissipates vibrations as quickly as possible, then the carbon fiber versions are again much preferred, although if you’re operating in strong winds, the heavier aluminium models may have the edge. The locking handles/bolts are so smooth, you know when they are locked tight enough without over tightening them.seconds, around twice as fast as the aluminium 055 and roughly three times quicker than the aluminium 190. But conversely it’s important not to underestimate the strength and flexibility of the smaller 190 series, and the simple fact they’ll be good enough for most photographers. When shooting outdoors or doing macro work, I’d highly recommend using a remote as it would make life easier all around.