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New Tripod!


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10 replies to this topic

#1
TKC_TX

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I just upgraded from my Walmart Velbon tripod to this! bf78e5c4083b302a711eeae4cc3af853.jpgA Manfrotto 055XPRO3 Aluminum tripod with an XPRO Ball head. I haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but it feels very sturdy and seems to be high quality. Reviews to come as soon as I get a chance to strap the D500 to it and shoot some.


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#2
Merco_61

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Congrats!

It is a nice, mature design that has lost the less than stellar solutions the early 055 models had 20 years ago. I know that there are quite a few members on the forum who use and like it. I, personally prefer twist-collars to lock the leg extensions, but that is a matter of preference. 



#3
Thumper

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Nice tripod!!  I have an 055, and I love it.  Solid as a rock. 



#4
deano

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I have one as well, and as Thumper says, solid as a rock.  A bit heavy though.



#5
Wayben

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Nice!!  Manfrotto makes some very nice tripods.



#6
Thumper

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I have one as well, and as Thumper says, solid as a rock.  A bit heavy though.

Very true.  I have the 4-section carbon fiber model with the pan/video head, and it is not light.  Very solid though.  No vibration (unless you trip over it or something).   I got the padded carry case for mine as well. It makes it a lot easier to transport, and it protects the tripod and head. 

 

 

I am looking forward to TKC_TX's review of his.



#7
TKC_TX

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After almost 2 months of shooting with my new tripod, I Love it... mostly..,

First, it is Very stable and quick to setup. I mostly use it at the local bird sanctuary from the Blinds area or lake shore. So far it has worked in every situation I have tried it in.

Biggest negative? It is Heavy! I tried attaching it to my backpack, but it was too much, so now I just carry it in my hand. Functionality the main issue I'm having is sticky legs from using it in the mud and muck along the shore. I clean them after every trip, but it hasn't seemed to be enough. Thoughts???

Oh. I did change the clamp to an Arca Swiss type but that's just a personal preference thing.


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#8
Merco_61

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I treated the bottom section on mine with Sonax car wax to make it easier to clean when I had a 055. The wax didn't seem to cause any slippage. The anodized surface on the metal manfrottos seem to attract dirt.



#9
Thumper

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They are heavy.  I used a sling camera bag/backpack that has tripod staps, and I discovered quickly that the 055's are just too heavy to attach to a bag.  I got one of these for mine (there are various sizes depending on the model/size of tripod that you have), and I use it to transport mine.  It makes it much easier to carry, and it helps protect the tripod, but the downside is that it is another bag to keep up with once you are setup (unless you just keep it on your person as it does have a strap).  I usually just carry mine in my hand, but if I do sling it, I just wear it right along with my sling camera bag.  But I only take that tripod if I know that I am going to be needing a tripod.  If I am just out on a photo romp and I don't know if I might run into a situation that would require a tripod, I have a travel/mini version of the 055 that is more easily carried and can be attached to my bag.  It isn't even close to the same stability, but it is very stable for light travel tripod.  (I always reference my friend's advice to me on tripods.  There are 3 things to consider in getting a tripod.  Price, weight, and stability.  Pick two and run with it.  So far, I haven't found that advice inaccurate). 

 

I normally keep a few of those urethane bags (like what you get your purchases in at grocery stores or Walmart) in my camera bag just in case I might have an odd need for one.  A few of those and some rubber bands might make for some nice booties for your tripod legs when you are in conditions that might see your tripod legs in weird substances.  (Think waders for your tripod).  



#10
TBonz

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Good ideas from Merco and Thumper.  And, that is why I switched to carbon fiber Thumper :)!  I guess I'm just too old to haul heavy stuff (that isn't a camera or a lens) around!  



#11
Thumper

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Good ideas from Merco and Thumper.  And, that is why I switched to carbon fiber Thumper :)!  I guess I'm just too old to haul heavy stuff (that isn't a camera or a lens) around!  

I totally agree.  I have the 4 section 055 in carbon fiber.  It weighs 4.6 pounds (without the head), and its 4 section aluminum counterpart weighs in at 7.7 pounds.  5 pounds may not sound like much, but when you strap that thing to the side of a bag, it changes the game a lot.  (Plus its size makes it kind of cumbersome, and then there are the lenses ).  The 8 pounder would really be more than I would want to tote around like that.  I don't mind it much with the tripod case, even over my shoulder, but I sure wouldn't want to pack that sucker around all day if I was out on a photo walk or on vacation/holiday. 

 

But that tripod is just so solid, and for the price, it is really impressive.