Does anyone own a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod?

I've been meaning to upgrade my current old 3001 Manfrotto tripod for one that stands a bit higher with the center post down and I've narrowed it down to the 055X series. So I was wondering if anyone else has this tripod and if so would they buy it again?

TIA

Yep, I have it, and would buy it again. One word of warning. This beast is heavy, but built like a rock. I would not take it on too far of a hike.

I'm 5.6" and this thing will tower over me fully extended.

D90 f2.8 70-200 mounted under the camera not by the lens and this thing still did not move in the wind.

For table shot shots I like how the center post goes horizontal, you will need to use a counter weight depending how far out you go.

Ball head of your choice, that another thread, I got a monster on mine which adds even more weight for me. (322RC2 ball head)

What Rick said. Absolutely rock solid tripod, but not a lightweight. That said, I've thrown it over my shoulder in a bat bag for long walks in the woods and not been bothered by it. You could pay a lot more for a carbon fiber one if you wanted lighter, but you wouldn't get more solid.

Fantastic! Thanks guys. I don't mind the weight at all, just looking for tall and sturdy. I'm going to go ahead and buy this pup and sell my 3001. Thanks again! I wonder if Helen gives us Nikonites a "friends" discount?

I am 6' 4" and use the older (guessing) 3021 with a 329 head, heavy but absolutely the most solid tripod I have ever used. My 70-200 is nothing and even my sigma 50-500 is rock solid. I will never part with it, lots of quick release plates and I'm good to go. If I need a tripod this is what I use.

I have the older 055 (aluminum) Manfrotto, and I would never sell it. Absolutely rock solid. And yes, it's heavy.....but these things aren't THAT heavy! Come on, guys!

You're right Jack it's not that heavy I don't want to miss lead someone into thinking that is was not. When I first opened the box it came in I was surprised at the weight of it which was quickly overshadowed by the build quality.

I have carried this tripod for over two miles by hand, yeah after a while I had to switch hands and move it around from time to time, but it was really no big thing.

I have also strapped this thing to my Lowpro 400AW a walked around the Zoo all day. Outside of being a little "wide" in the back it was nothing.

When it come down to the weight I guess if you're a big boy you can handle it, if you're a little sissy boy, you better bring your wagon.

I have the 055xprob with 498RC2 ball head.
totally satisfied with it.. weight is on the higher side but not unmanageable..
have seen a few others but for tripods i think manfrotto kills the rest..
don't think you will be disappointed

Quick question - how often do you use the horizontal column feature? I'm trying to gauge the usefulness of this feature because I've found another tripod with a slightly higher weight rating and a few more features (Induro AT213) but lacks the horizontal column. The Induro comes with steel spikes, a counterbalance feature on the center post and twist releases on the legs but doesn't have that cool horizontal column thingie.

Dave, that's one feature I'd love to have on my old 055. But...I improvise when I have to shoot anything that's "out of reach", as it were. For instance...



...one leg on the floor, the other two spread out on top of the bench. Gets the camera in close for the shot. Not perfect, but manageable.

I think you'll find it very useful when you have it... it's very useful for table shots, close ups and macro..and other situations that may come up..

The column on its own is handy..can't always be adjusting the legs to get the right height

Sent from my Incredible S using Tapatalk 2

Dave_W said:

how often do you use the horizontal column feature?

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Well it one of those things where if I didn't have it I would want to use it. Now that I have it I don't use it as much as I thought I would. But it is nice knowing it there.

I'll have to agree with WhiteLight on it's uses.

fotojack said:

Dave, that's one feature I'd love to have on my old 055. But...I improvise when I have to shoot anything that's "out of reach", as it were. For instance...

View attachment 26550

...one leg on the floor, the other two spread out on top of the bench. Gets the camera in close for the shot. Not perfect, but manageable.

Click to expand...

Hey Jack, where did that parking meter come from ?

Marcel said:

Hey Jack, where did that parking meter come from ?

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hehehe ..shhhhh....don't ask.

I have a varient of the 055 tripod one with the removable column so it will go horizontal; I have as far as heavy things go put a 10x8 on her with no problems. Yes it is a weighty tripod but that makes it a sturdy tripod in howling winds etc, I would go for one again if it was say stolen. Can't see it breaking and mine has been well used over the years I have had it and dropped on numerous occasions, I use a three way head though just can not get on with a ball head and its a lot easier with a Large Format to use as you are only fighting one movement. I bought mine used for a lot less than it would cost new so if you want to save some money thats the way to do it or you could get a beefier tripod for the same money as a new one.

Been using if for more than 5 years.
Very happy with it.

I should add be carefull what head you go for, whilst a lot are good for say medium format they may be wanting for a large format or one of these massive telephoto lenses. Get a head that will support a lot more weight than you anticipate. A friend of mine who does motor racing photography swears by a gimbal head, I think its not so secure but gives an easier time with his crazy big tele.