Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod by Manfrotto
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Digital camera reviews of Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod
Digital camera Review: 190XPROB vs 055XPROB
Summary: 4 Stars
Having tried both the 055XPROB and the 190XPROB, I chose the 190. I liked the lighter weight and shorter height of the 190 and it was sturdy enough for my camera and long lenses (I have a Canon 40D). Here are the differences with the 190 listed first:
Weight: 4 lbs vs 6.4 lbs
Height w/out extension: 48" vs 60"
Max height: 57.5" vs 70"
Max load: 11 lbs vs 15.5 lbs
Everything else is pretty much the same. FWIW, I am 6 ft tall and the 190's max height (center column extended) put the eyepiece just at my eye level. The unextended height of the 055 is just a bit higher; I would have to stand on a brick to use its extended height. The 055 is just too tall for me. Alternatively, it you are taller than 6 ft, you might not be able to use the 190; go for the 055.
So, the 055 is heavier, taller and can carry more weight (camera and lens).
Two negatives with both: First, the center column can go horizontal which is handy in many situations. However it is hard to set in an exactly horizontal axis (it sags). You must have a ball mount to adjust your view to a true horizontal. Secondly, they are not ruggedized. If you use it inside, all's well. But if you go into the woods or the rocks, they will get scratched pretty easily. There also is a lot of plastic that will probably break and the legs have rubber feet (not that useful when you are trying to use it on rocks, cement, etc.)
Definitely go with a ball mount (I have the Manfrotto 488RC2). Unless you shoot in a studio you will be shooting from some very unlevel places. The ball allows you to get a horizontal view in your shot regardless of the configuration of the tripod. The head I use also has a pan lever which allows me to lock the ball into place and then pan along the horizontal axis.
Digital camera Review: 190xprob tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
Very pleased with this purchase. The tripod functions well and is easy to transport.Digital camera Review: A light weight versatile aluminium tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
Does what it is supposed to well, light weight handy & flexible while stably supporting a reasonable amount of weight
An excellent combination with a Manfrotto 498 rc2 ball head
Digital camera Review: A very sturdy, well built tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently took this tripod on a backpacking trip through Yosemite, and could not be happier with it's performance. The tripod feels very sturdy, without being too heavy or expensive. I was able to carry the tripod along with all my other backpacking and camera gear for 40+ miles in the High Sierras and not once resented having to carry around the weight of this tripod.
The tripod itself is a mostly aluminum construction with plastic quick release fasteners, which work very well for quick set up. Two of the legs have a foam padding on them which help greatly in resting the tripod on my shoulders while walking. The legs feature a bubble level on the center column, a feature which I haven't used much as I have a ball head on the tripod, making a level on the legs somewhat irrelevant. The center column also extends a fair amount, and is able to rotate 90 degrees, which may be useful for moving in a close subject, however I haven't had much of a chance to use this feature as of yet. My only gripe with this tripod is that the legs are a bit stiff rotate out from center...which makes it a little difficult to set up with just one hand.
In short, this is an excellent tripod that has the perfect blend of quality, weight and price for everyday hiking or even long expeditions.
Digital camera Review: Amazing tripod
Summary: 4 Stars
This tripod is amazing and you can position it the way you like. Good for macro and indoor photography. I have a wide angle lens and I wanted to shoot my living room and the best spot was to almost attach the camera to a wall where you cannot look throught the view finder. With this tripod you can make it by using the extended bar that can be repositioned to an L-like position. My only gripe about this tripod is that it is relatively heavy. It doesn't come with a head, so you would still need to buy one and that would add more weight.