Manfrotto Tripods

Pallingham · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:21 PM

Hi, can anyone give me some guidance about Manfrotto tripods. I would really like the 055XB or XPROB however the bank balance won't run to that for quite some time. I have been looking at the 190X instead but am unsure whether this is beefy enough for the weight of my camera equipment. The longest lense I have at the moment is 70-200mm but will eventually go up to 300mm, this is coupled with a Canon 400D. Is this too heavy for this tripod? At present I have a cheap and cheerful tripod which can't cope and won't lock off so is next to useless, I therefore need to get something very soon as its restricting my photography greatly. Thanks for any views / experiences with similar kit.

**Dennyboy** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 11:29 AM

Hi Ann

Manfrotto.com - homepage

If you go to the web site (link above) they have a handy configurator which works out the ideal tripod for you and your kit based on what you want to do with it.

Hope this helps

**Eos1nrs** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 02:11 PM

your 70-200 should have its own tripod adapter round the lens. pop this on the tripod and the camera shouldnt really offset the balance too much.

i have a serious beefy manfrotto, all 400 quids worth (back when i had money) never going back..alternatively, try the second hand market for an older but heavy tripod.

MXV Photographic Ltd. Fine, used photographic equipment bought and sold since 1990.

or the back pages of amateur photography

Pallingham · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2008, 10:09 PM

Thank you to both of you, have checked out the configurator and the kit seems to match which is great news! Will check out the second hand market as suggested and see what I can find.

cyclone · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 04:45 PM

When Manfrotto offered a discount on kits I was going to buy one, but when I looked for a dealer I found this:-
Slik Pro 700DX AMT Tripod Kit inc p&p uk mainland
I travelled to the shop so I could compare the two and prefered the Slik as it felt more sturdy, the cheaper price was merely a bonus. See what you thik.

Jadon · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 05:40 PM

I am also on the lookout for a new tripod and have just got my digital photo mag...the february edition and they have done a pro tripod test which include the Manfrotto 055XPROB which gets the Gold award but no head and the slik 700DX ( plus others )which gets 4 out of 5 stars overall, this is quite tempting as the head is included in the price, just unsure wether to go for ball and socket head or 3 way head if I get a tripod without a headMmmmm!!!

OBTW Dennis, I found the Manfrotto configurater link very interesting, thanks.

**Alistair** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 05:47 PM

Ball and socket every time ...........

**Ogofmole** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 06:51 PM

I there say that we all get use to the kit that we use, I personally love my Manfrotto 055PRO and 804RC2 head.

Jadon · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 08:36 PM

Why ball and socket every time Alistair ??...If you dont mind me asking!!!
Cheers..