- Faceted center column eliminates column rotation
- Built-in low angle adapter in the center column for ground level shots
- Leg warmers on 2 legs ease handling in extreme weather conditions, and help to protect the legs
- Four leg-angle settings (25,46,66 & 88°)
- Maximum height (with center column down), 56″
Product Description
The 055XPROB makes the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature even easier to use. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung around to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself, so switching between framing and positioning setups is more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks themselves have also been greatly improved.
David Darick @ 10:06 pm
Isn’t it both amazing and quite frustrating that we as consumers must weed through what seems like hundreds of reviews just to gather enough information about a single product that ONE review should be able to produce? After literally reading hundreds of reviews for a camera body, lenses, tripods, etc, I feel like the work and time should go towards saving someone else from the toil of doing the same.
First of all, if you’re like me, you’re out looking for the tripod recommended by Scott Kelby’s great, simple book, The Digital Photography Book. He recommends the Bogen 3001BD as the most affordable tripod which is still of good build quality. This recently has become the Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB which is very, very similar to the 055XPROB. The differences are as follows:
055XPROB – can support 15.4 pounds
190XPROB – supports 11 pounds
055XPROB – leg diameters 29.4, 25, 20 mm
109XPROB – leg diameters 25, 20, 16 mm
055XPROB – min/max. height 3.9″/70.3″
190XPROB – min/max. height 3.3″/57.5″
055XPROB – weighs 5 pounds
190XPROB – weighs 4 pounds
Otherwise, they are the same basic tripod. Both are made out of patented aluminum and have the same features such as Bogen’s fold-down center column which allows you to get great macro shots as close as a few inches from the ground and they both have the newer flip type leg locks which are a little stiff when new but hold the legs nice and tightly.
In summary, if you’re looking for the best, cheapest tripod for your point and shoot or entry level digital SLR, I’d recommend the 190XPROB for the few dollars in savings, the pound you save in weight, and all of the professional quality and features of a Bogen tripod. If you are like me and are using that entry level DSLR and are looking to upgrade in the future with a larger camera body, larger lenses, flashes, etc, I’d recommend the 055XPROB for it’s larger size (I’m 6′1″), heavier construction and higher load capacity. All in all, they are both excellent tripods that are nearly identical. If you ask me, I’d go with the 055XPROB regardless; is the fifteen dollars and the pound in difference really worth gaining, in sacrifice of a sturdier tripod? I don’t think so. I hope this helped.
I purchased this product from Amazon on Jan 13th. The shipping was amazingly fast and the price was the best I could find on the internet, hands down. The one I ordered actually shipped from one town away so it arrived next day! It was a perfect transaction.
Denise Fisher @ 12:21 am
This tripod has the flip type of leg locks (which I like SO much better than the twist-screw leg locks) and has the weight and stability to hold your camera securely in whatever position you lock it into. There is no perceptable “play” in any of the tripod components. It has a sturdy but smooth resistance, so you can make micro adjustments easily, and wherever you lock it, it stays exactly there. It also has individual leg adjustments that allow you to extend one, two, or three of the legs beyond their usual locked position (which I’ve used more than I thought I would). The center post also pulls out to slide into a horizontal position, should you need the additional stability. Only a couple of minor drawbacks: It would have been nice if it had a hook at the bottom of the center post, and a handle for carrying it in the collapsed position would have been an added bonus. If you’re going to travel with this tripod, be aware that it’s too tall to fit into your carry-on luggage (even with the head removed). You’ll either need a tripod case, or you’ll have to put it in your full-size check-in luggage. It also weighs a ton when you’re carrying it with all your other stuff … until you get ready to use it – in which case, the weight ceases to be a detriment and becomes more of an asset. Other than that, I love this tripod. It’s solid.
Florent M. MARTIN @ 12:28 am
I use it combined with a 488RC4 ballhead. This tripod is a good one: stable, sturdy, reliable, flexible. I like the leg warmers, the built-in low angle system and level spirit but it still has some caveats:
- The paint scratchs easily–even the first time I used it–no big deal though. So that a tripod bag is recommended but…pricy. Got myself the MBAG80P; it fits the tripod and 488RC4 ballhead.
- One of the multiple plastic caps that hide the screws cracked and felt the second time I used it.
- It’s supposed to have legs that do not turn (more reliable and robust); this is not true: the lowest sections turn–disappointing for the price.
- The knob of the center column is made of super cheap plastic. I believe it is not gonna be reliable on the long term. I need to look for a replacement one–just in case. Too bad!
- Quite pricy. Wish they had used either carbon or a better leg locking system (not plastic) for this price and provided the leash, standard.
Other than that, nice tripod; it does the job and–so far–looks professional–meaning sturdy but flexible and convenient. Not sure it’s a travel tripod but with a tripod bag it’s easy to carry around. Nice tripod, you’ll like it!
M. ANNE @ 2:40 am
Bought this tripod after a disastrous day with a tripod which flexed and caused many soft shots. When this came out of the box it seemed like it weighed a ton. After a couple of days’ use, it now feels solid and comfortable, like an old friend. Very stable, easy to set up and use. Would be a bit much for hiking, but does the job I bought it for, and seems less heavy as time goes on. Highly recommend.
Richard D. Silvius Jr. @ 3:00 am
I purchased these tripod legs along with the 488RC4 ballhead, and I’ve been very happy with both.
I use this ‘pod with a Canon 40D with a battery grip and a variety of lenses. No problems–this tripod holds everything fine, even in horizontal position.
The tripod offers great flexibility–I chose it because of how easy it is to flip the center column horizontal. This is a must-have feature if you’re into macro, and very helpful for everyone else too. Makes ultra-low angle shooting a breeze. There’s a built in bubble level which becomes redundant if using the 488RC4 head, but if you opt for a head without any levels it could be useful, although I should point out it’s way easier to adjust your head to be level than your legs, regardless of brand.
The 055XProB is rated to something like 15.4 lbs–so of course it’s a little heavy. I don’t get why so many complain about that–if you need this level of support and you don’t want the weight, sorry–you just have to fork over the $$ for a carbon fiber.
Quick Summary:
-Great Value
-Ability to flip center column horizontal
-Bubble Level
-Felxible (4 different angle options for each leg, individually adjustable)
-Easy to set up/ break down
-Supports over 15 lbs
It’s a great, pro-level tripod that will handle just about any DSLR equipment you can mount on it. Also use it with your medium format gear, and I think it could even handle some large format equipment.
I did tons of research before buying this. There are some other good options out there if you aren’t particular about the horizontal column thing, namely the Slik 700 Pro DX. Check it out. It’s got rave reviews, and is considerably cheaper. Also there are Induro tripods which have the center column option. I have tried some in a camera store, and they are very sturdy.