Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

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by: Kelly Martin (Moyock, NC, US)
on: Sunday, 17-October-2010

Extremely well built and sturdy. This tripod will handle the weight of my D300 and a very heavy lens without difficulty. Definitely worth the investment - I know I will use this tripod for years to come!

by: Lincoln F. Brigham Jr. (San Diego, CA USA)
on: Saturday, 25-September-2010

This was a Christmas gift. My poor little point n shoot camera was so embarrasingly dwarfed by this beast that I had to upgrade to a larger DSLR! However, Im 61 tall and literally a weightlifter so the extra bulk over the cheaper tripods I have used does not bother me. I actually love the heft for the stability it brings.

The flexibility and number of features this tripod offers is terrific. My only complaint is that mounting the camera to the head is a bit of a slow and awkward process; going from handheld to tripod is not exactly an easy and spontaneous process.

by: Daniel P. Lefebvre (United States)
on: Saturday, 18-September-2010

This is the second Manfrotto 055X PROB tripod that I have owned. I lost the first one and because I liked it so much I purchased another one just like it. Although not as light as a carbon fiber, it also does not cost as much. Besides, Im 70 years old and I figure if a few more ounces are to much for me,, then Id better start working out at a gym or do needle point instead of photography. Whatever you do, dont buy a cheap tripod. In a short time ,youll forget how much you saved ,but youll always be sorry you didnt get a better one. I use a Nikon D300 and a 80-200 f2.8 lens. Not the lightest combination but the tripod works perfectly.
The only reason I didnt give it five stars is because on this new one they changed the center post to a one piece post ,about 16 inches long.
With the prevvioue model I could screw off a 3/4 section of the post so as to splay out the legs and go to ground level.
With the new model I have to raise the post all the way up ( not an easy job with a camera and long lens attached )and then slide it back in sideways to a horozontal position so I can get to ground level. In this position with the camera off to the side of the tripod it is not very stable and is about impossible to pick up and throw over my shoulder. If this bothers you after using it for a while, do like I did and just cut the post down to about 4 inches. I think they had a great new idea but in reality I liked the old post where I could just screw off part of it.
But dont let this stop you from buying this tripod. It may not bother you at all and if it does , its easily corrected.
If you want a great tripod I wouldnt look any farther. Get this one, start shooting and dont look back. Youll love it.
By the way, Ive been doing photography for 35 years and have gone thru my share of cheap tripods. So get a good one like this and go out and have fun taking photos instead of pouring over any more reviews.

by: Jody Johnson (Colville Washington)
on: Sunday, 29-August-2010

This tripod is a quality product, is very versatile and easy enough to maneuver, a bit heavy, but I didnt want to spend the extra 120 bucks for the Carbon Fiber. All in all it is a winner.

by: Jason A. Laurain (Detroit, MI)
on: Tuesday, 27-July-2010

I have been researching tripods and it seemed that there was a big spread in the price range. I didnt know what to expect when I bought the Manfrotto. I read the reviews and gave it a shot. I am impressed with the quality, this thing feels like a tank. All of the machining is near perfect and everything fits snugly. The tripod is easy to setup and adjust. I have no issues with vibration as some other reviewers had complained about. I was planning on buying this set of legs and upgrading later down the road but I see no reason to upgrade from here, this is a great tripod. Buy one !!

by: opg (United States)
on: Monday, 28-June-2010

We looked at several tripods and chose the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod. So far it has been great. It is sturdy, easy to use and versatile.

by: C. Grear (Here and There)
on: Wednesday, 26-May-2010

This tripod [[ASIN:B000UMX7FI Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)] meets pretty much all of my expectations and handles practically all my needs as a photographer. The one minor exception: you would not want to pack this one for your climb to the top of Mt Everest. Its a little weighty for that. But for anything else it is a gem.

by: Photoboy10 (Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada)
on: Sunday, 16-May-2010

I bought this item at your site because I own one already that I have used for a year and find it a very good tripod, so I have invested in another one for my wife to use and enjoy. I have found it to be very useful in many situations. And I prefer the leg locks on it more so then the twist ones that other tripods have. The legs adjustments on this tripod can be used in many ways. The price on this item was also better then I could find any where else.

by: Kirk (United States)
on: Tuesday, 6-April-2010

Love this tripod. Top notch build quality, stable as a rock, and stylish to boot! Very easy to use and although its not the lightest tripod around its not too cumbersome to bring along with you on extended walks

by: Yu Lin Chen (United States)
on: Tuesday, 30-March-2010

I am glad to decide purchasing this product, and I am impressed its quality and appearance, just like the monopot I bought earlier. I have used in many occasions.

by: Rats56 (NJ)
on: Monday, 22-March-2010

When I received this tripod I was immediately impressed with the solid construction but a bit surprised at the weight. However after using it for a while I must say that it is not quite as heavy to carry as I first thought it would be, and further, this weight serves to keep it from moving in the wind. The height, without the center column extended is almost perfect for me to use and without the column extended it makes this tripod even more steady. I have yet to extend the center column fully, but I would need a step stool to reach my camera if I did! Seriously though, this tripod is excellent, sturdy, well-built, and perfect for what I need with maybe one exception - no retractable spiked feet. I hope to find these on-line as an option to install soon.

by: A. Russell (USA)
on: Saturday, 20-March-2010

awesome tripod, build quality is the best. using this with my d700 for outdoor and studio stuff. I guess this isnt the absolute best tripod out there, but I know those that do buy the carbon fiber stuff will shrink from using their overpriced and overdone tripod in water, ice, sand, etc... not this one. for the price, this is the best tripod you will find. I paired this with the new 498rc2 head. Both of which provide the best platform for any DSLR and any lens. Nobody should feel bad for using this in harsh environments as it can easily be replaced without seriously hurting your wallet

Dont waste your money on the carbon stuff. its overrated, overpriced, and does the same thing this does. The extra money is savings can go towards more important stuff.

by: sh00bie (Virginia, USA)
on: Friday, 5-March-2010

Pros: Sturdy, solid functions, horizontal/vertical center column, padded legs, built-in spirit-level, ratchet-locking legs that allow for a range of wide stances.

Cons: The tension-adjustment key that comes with the tripod to adjust the tension on the leg-locks (if you needed to at all) is a little plastic piece that clips onto one of the legs. It is easy to lose and is better kept in your bag or on a ring, and I dont trust it to hold up over time. Also the center-column can sometimes get stuck when transitioning from horizontal to vertical, but only if youre rough with it.

If youre looking for your first pro-grade tripod, this is a great option. Get it with a kit that comes with a head and save some money, like: Manfrotto 055XPROB Black Tripod Kit, with Manfrotto 322RC2 Head, Adorama Deluxe Tripod Case, Double Bubble Level, Tripod Hanger

If youre looking for a light tripod, this probably isnt it. Its not heavy, but its not super light nor is it carbon-fiber. Although if youre looking for a lighter tripod than what you have, just compare your tripods weight to the weight Manfrotto publishes, and make the judgment call.

by: Joseph B. Denny (Kentucky)
on: Sunday, 7-February-2010

Fantastic tripod especially if you are a taller person. It hold plenty of weight and is fairly comfortable to carry around. A good ball head really makes this an everday user for me.

by: scienceteacher79 (Lakeland, FL)
on: Wednesday, 3-February-2010

This tripod has been well documented in previous reviews. your site suggests its own tripod case for this, but it is not adequate protection or size if a ball head is to be used on this tripod. I urge you to spend a bit more and get the Adorama 35 Deluxe Padded Tripod Case, Color Black by Adorama. I purchased this case and love it. It is well constructed, durable, and a perfect match for this tripod.

by: Mr. Robert Carroll (Freedom ,Ca)
on: Wednesday, 27-January-2010

I really like this tripod. its sturdy and will hold cameras with a big lens well .

by: Kurt Wall (United States)
on: Monday, 25-January-2010

This is a great value in a tripod. I bought it with a Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head. It holds the weight of my Nikon D60 with 70-300mm lens securely, even in a strong wind. Its aluminum, so its heavier than one of the carbon fiber tripods, but I was willing to trade the weight for the cost. The leg locks are solid -- I prefer them to the twist-style locks because I find the latter slower to use. With the legs fully extended and the ball head mounted, the camera is right at eye level for me, and Im six feet tall.

I gave the tripod four stars instead of five because it didnt come with a bag and only two of the three legs have foam padding at the top. I wouldnt buy aluminum again, though; Id pay extra for carbon fiber or another lighter-weight material.

by: Pger (San Jose, Costa Rica)
on: Tuesday, 19-January-2010

I just cant believe I made it through 3 years with my $12 supermarket tripod. Once I got this I realized how naive I was. A good tripod makes your system more complete. This Manfrotto fits the bill, great Italian craftmanship, just makes you nostalgic for the era when all products were like this (remember when a Sony stereo was THE stereo?).

As I am 511 this tripod is great, whitout extending the center column I get my camera at eye level. I paired it with a Manfrotto/Bogen 496RC2, another top notch product (read my review here).

by: Jeffrey D. Hansen (Eldersburg, MD United States)
on: Monday, 4-January-2010

This is my third and I believe final tripod. It is very well made and I fully expect it to stand up to the rigors of the luxurious life it has ahead. With most of its time spent in a closet and then occasionally brought out for some special portaits and even more rarely to venture outdoors it should be more than adequate. Please note the preceding statement was dry humor. Seriously, there is simply no comparison to the less expensive models I have used in the past. If you plan to lug this thing around you might consider something lighter if it does not compromise your needs (or budget). For my needs I am very pleased.

by: rjgsphinx (Marietta, GA)
on: Thursday, 17-December-2009

I have had several tripods over the years, and this one is far and away the best. I am an amateur photographer who has been using DSLRs for the past several years. I have tried the cheaper tripods and was always disappointed. I have been taking classes on photography and the instructor recommended this for me. It is a little heavier than I would prefer but I really feel that is due to the quality, and I could not see spending hundreds more for a couple of pounds less (carbon). The features are well thought out and it has the stability of a much more expensive tripod.

I have teamed this up with the Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) and it is a great combo. The way these two items lock together is far and away better than anything I have ever worked with, they screw together, as normal, but then they have 3 set screws that you tighten up to lock them together. It is a much better system than any other I tried.

The Manfrotto name means a lot too, they stand behind their products.