Manfrotto Product Recommendations

[OsmosisStudios]

I've been looking at a serious tripod, primarily for landscape use but also for Macro.

I've narrowed things down to Manfrotto products. I know the head I want (listed below) but I'm debating between 2 sets of legs.

Head: 804RC2 3-way pan/tilt.

Legs: 055XPROB OR 190XPROB

The tripod should be able to hold up a D300s with a modestly heavy lens (70-200 f/2.8) or a light Bronic MF setup. Nothing extraordinary.

Mainly Im wondering whether the 2kg (5 vs 7) difference is worth the premium in both cost and weight. Any recommendations?

[Car2n]

Basically the same tripod and your height will determine which is best for you.
If you are around 6 ft or over, go with the 055. If you are of shorter stature, the 190.
I'm 6 foot and with a grip on my camera I have to stand up tall and straight to look through the view finder using the 055 with the legs fully extended and centre pole down.
Best to go into a store and try them.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Car2n

Basically the same tripod and your height will determine which is best for you.
If you are around 6 ft or over, go with the 055. If you are of shorter stature, the 190.
I'm 6 foot and with a grip on my camera I have to stand up tall and straight to look through the view finder using the 055 with the legs fully extended and centre pole down.
Best to go into a store and try them.

Thanks: that's essentially what I've gotten from others. Being 6'1", i'll likely have to go for the 055.

[dakwegmo]

I've got th 804RC2 and 055XPROB. I'm 5'11" and the legs are a bit tall for me, but I got them anyway because they felt more solid when I tried them out. That said, I really liked the head in the store, but once I got to using it in real world situations I grew to hate it and replaced it within six months.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

That said, I really liked the head in the store, but once I got to using it in real world situations I grew to hate it and replaced it within six months.

Anything in particular you didn't like?

[dakwegmo]

It's really just 3-way heads in general that I don't like. It felt like anytime I wante to recompose I was having to adjust all three knobs. It got old quick. Especially for slight adjustments. I replaced it with a pistol grip head and compared to the 3-way one, it's a joy to use.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

It's really just 3-way heads in general that I don't like. It felt like anytime I wante to recompose I was having to adjust all three knobs. It got old quick. Especially for slight adjustments. I replaced it with a pistol grip head and compared to the 3-way one, it's a joy to use.

That's what I figured: I personally love my 3-way heads. I can't stand ball/pistol/joystick heads. I guess I'll be happy then