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 Location:  Home » Photo & Camera » Still Cameras & Camcorders » Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)September 6, 2008  
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Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)
Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)
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List Price: $194.00
Buy New: $173.95
You Save: $20.05 (10%)
Buy New from $173.95

Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(based on 21 reviews)
Category: Photography

Publisher: Manfrotto
Studio: Manfrotto
Brand: Bogen
Label: Manfrotto
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6.5
Dimensions (in): 26.3 x 5.9 x 5.5

MPN: 055XPROB
Model: 055XPROB
UPC: 719821276890
EAN: 0719821276890
ASIN: B000UMX7FI

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • 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)

Accessories:

  • Manfrotto Short Center Column for 3011N, 3021N, 3221WN, & 3021 Pro Series Tripods
  • Bogen - Manfrotto Low-Angle Center Column Adapter for 3011N/3011BN and 3021 Series Tripods
  • Bogen All Weather Tripod Shoes, Pack of 3, (#3255).
  • Bogen 3280 Padded Tripod Bag for 3011 and 3021 Series Tripods
  • Bogen 3430 14-Inch Leg Protectors for 3011 and 3021 Series Tripods (Set of 3)

Similar Items:

  • Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
  • Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)
  • Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271)
  • Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
  • The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Now the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature is even easier to use with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung round 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.

Load capacity - 15.4 pounds (7.00 kg) Patented Material - aluminum Leg cross-section - round Column cross-section - three-faceted Leg sections - 3 Bubble spirit level (no.) - 1 Leg angles - 23, 45, 65, 88 Center column - rapid Section center column - 1 Column tube diameter - 11 inches (28mm) Attachment - 3/8 Legs tube diameter - 1.2, 1, 0.8 inches (29.4, 25, 20 mm) Suggested dolly - 127, 127VS Color - black



Customer Reviews:   Read 16 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars Solid and reliable   September 3, 2008
Cost me $90 in 2006. Not sure if still is a bargain now. It doesn't go to the ground like some, not extra light weight, not extra short when fully folded, plain old aluminum tubes, no level indicator, nothing fancy. But this set is firm and solid and easy to use. My heaviest setup is 40D with rip + Sigma 170-500, the leg has no problem.


5 out of 5 stars solid   August 26, 2008
This is a nice solid tripod. It isn't as easy to change the bar to the horizontal position as I like and is a little on the heavy side. But it is rock solid.


5 out of 5 stars An excellent Choice   August 5, 2008
  2 out of 2 found this review helpful

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.





5 out of 5 stars Consumer Grade   August 1, 2008
for the money, this is an excellent tri-pod. Very sturdy and easy to use. Locking clamps work well and have had no issues to date. I have not used the center column much higher than 3" since I am not over 5'7". Over time, especially with set ups near oceans ect, I am sure the paint will eventually wear down on the legs. I clean them after a sunrise shoot, but everyone knows how sand is. This tri is all I need right now and it cost a whole lot less than the carbon one. I do not mind the weight at all. Just wish it came with a bag!


4 out of 5 stars Excellent tripod if your over 5'8", ok tripod if 5'8" or below   August 1, 2008
  1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I have owned one tripod prior to purchasing this bogen, a cheap slik with a built in head. I have to say that this is a fantastic improvement.

My first impression of the tripod was weight, this is not a light tripod, and while I hiked with it, I wouldn't recommend it for backpacking. The second thing I noticed, when I switched the center column from vertical to horizontal is that the collar around the mount is two pieces and seperates when you do this, While it has held up so far I worry that this piece may break if I repeatedly switch the columns direction.

The following is a description of my field test conditions and conclusions.

I field tested the tripod on an 11 day photography vacation to the national parks, Navajo parks, and monuments in the four corners area (petrified forest/painted desert, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, etc.) My kit included a Markins "Emille" Q-ball head and quick release plate, and a Panosaurus panoramic system.

Conclusions:
General:
Overall this is an excellent tripod, it stood up well to daily travel and hiking and survived the occasional scrape against a rock without any visual scratches or dents. The leg closures are easy to open and close and I never pinched my fingers. In one situation I did get some sand in the closures but some compressed air (the kind you use on computer keyboards etc.) fixed that problem handily. The presents on the legs made adjusting the height fairly simple and switching between horizontal and vertical orientation is a quick process (more on that later)

Specific:
1. I've read many places that the shifting central column is nothing but a gimmick as it moves the center of balance off of the support and negates a lot of the support the tripod provides. For the most part this is true, however when shooting close to the ground (flowers, bugs) the center of balance is so low that the tripod remains extremely sturdy despite the fact that the column is in a horizontal orientation. This setup lets the tripod lie completely flat allowing you to get the camera around 4" off the ground.

2. Many people have mentioned that this tripod is good if you are a tall person, I would argue that in fact it may be less than ideal if you are 5'7" or shorter (depending on the size of the head you are using). I am about 5'8" and was just at eye level with the camera when the tripod was at its full height (without raising the center column). If the ground in front of me was an inch or two above where i was standing then I had to be up on my toes. Using the Panosaurus the tripod was way to tall.

3. This is a heavy tripod, 5.3 lbs didn't sound like that much to me but when your hiking with it, its a lot. I rarely left it behind but I would need something lighter for backpacking.

Let me reiterate that this is a great product, it would have been perfect if I had been about 6' tall.


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