Manfrotto 055PROB & 488Rc4

[Greg B]

Yes, tripod lust permeates the very fibre of our being here at d70Users. Our beloved Patron is a Gitzo guru, others are hot for the Manfrotto, still others have disgraceful pieces of crapolla (that would be me) (although it looks real nice and it has a handle)

Having decided against spending four figures plus on a leg and head combo, but not wanting to get another interim pod, I have been agonising. Big time. I have read all threads and posts with great interest.

And I think I might have decided.

How about this then...

Manfrotto legs... 055 PRO Black (Vanbar price $282-70)
Manfrotto head.. 488 Rc4 ball head (Vanbar price $166-10)

I have checked these items out at the Camera Exchange, and they look great. The ball head is very solid. The legs are great.

Any comments or words of warning would be welcome.

[Glen]

Good luck Greg, it is a bottomless pit you have just dived into, with opinions plentiful. Hope it goes well.



ps Good news is tripods don't generally get outdated just after you buy them

[Greg B]

Good luck Greg, it is a bottomless pit you have just dived into, with opinions plentiful. Hope it goes well.

ps Good news is tripods don't generally get outdated just after you buy them

Thanks Glen.

And as for your PS, I was thinking just that too!!

[genji]

I am also looking at a new tripod combination, in the near future. As a matter of interest why not the 190PRO? that is being discussed in the other thread.

[sirhc55]

Greg - I have the 055PRO legs with the 410 head and have been happy for quite some time with this combo. I am now looking towards a ball head but will keep the legs for now.

[Onyx]

Greg, consider the Magfiber range. They come in 055 specs, but with carbon fiber finish, for not much more (well, at least not as much as the jump to Gitzo of similar load capacity).

As genji mentioned, the 190 is the smaller brother of the 055 that you may wish to consider, if the slight lack of height (-10cm) and load capacity (-1kg) suits your needs, it'll be easier on your hip pocket - or greater money put towards a head.

[Greg B]

I am also looking at a new tripod combination, in the near future. As a matter of interest why not the 190PRO? that is being discussed in the other thread.

The 190PRO is good too genji, and in reality I haven't entirely decided bewteen the two (ie the 055 PRO and the 190 PRO).

[Greg B]

Greg, consider the Magfiber range. They come in 055 specs, but with carbon fiber finish, for not much more (well, at least not as much as the jump to Gitzo of similar load capacity).

As genji mentioned, the 190 is the smaller brother of the 055 that you may wish to consider, if the slight lack of height (-10cm) and load capacity (-1kg) suits your needs, it'll be easier on your hip pocket - or greater money put towards a head.

Onyx, the magfibres are $500++. Too much for this boy.

The 190PRO is $221, and the 055PRO is $282. What are the differences exactly, is it only height and load?

cheers

[johndec]

Greg, If you get the 488 head, please let us know what you think of it. I'm thinking of replacing my 141RC.

[Greg B]

Will do John.

I was impressed when looking at it in the shop, it is larger than expected, and very solid. When the ball is gripped, there was no sign of any movement.

But a usage test is required. I will almost certainly get this head, looks like good value.

So I will look forward do doing a report.

[Nicole]

Greg I've got the 055 PRO Black Legs and the 488 RC2 ball head. Yes it would be nice to have carbon fibre but I didn't want to spend that much money either.

I've been really happy with them both. It is does get a bit heavy at times but not too big a deal. I am pretty sure I bought mine at Camera Exchange.

[Glen]

Greg, the magfibre is available through Birddy/HK, is your price retail or from Birddy? It may only be a little extra from Birddy, you don't want to sell yourself short on a lifetime purchase if the difference is small.



ps Onyx, what is carbon fibre finish? A nice paint job?

[Killakoala]

I have the 055PROB and i am very happy with it. it is very solid and i am happier with it than i would be with a smaller tripod such as the 190.

I am waiting for the 40mm RRS ballhead to come on the market before i buy a decent head. Should be available in August.

Tough decisions. Have fun finding out.

[skyva]

Greg I have the set up you describe, and it works well for me. I take long exposures of the city at night, but with a d70 and kit lens I probably don't stress it out too much. It feels very solid and is not light at all, but the quality is good from what I can see. It is a big beast and takes up a lot of living room when set up, but I like the levels.
I am happy with my set up. The only thing I want now is a monopod. I have not tried walking around with the tripod and head yet as Melbourne city council bans tripods. I will sneak out soon though to give it a road test.

[Glen]

Skyva, how does the ban work? Sounds like Paris. Do the enforce it?

[birddog114]

Skyva, how does the ban work? Sounds like Paris. Do the enforce it?

Does Sydney City Council ban the tripod as Melbourne?

[birddog114]

Anyone know about this ban? and is this on the ban list of Sydney City Council?

If yes! can member still carry tripod to do night shooting around the Rock and other places on the 22/05?

[Glen]

This ban would be Melbourne exclusive because Greg B wants a new tripod. Obviously the powers decided it is unlikely for a price drop or for a tripod to be outdated, so just to muck poor Greg around, they will let him buy it and then they ban it!

[Greg B]

Curse those local government types with their regulations etc. Yes Glen, they have found a way to make my apparently future proof, price safe purchase still give me grief.

Damn.

Thanks for the feedback Skyva. I am convinced this is a very good option.

[genji]

I have not tried walking around with the tripod and head yet as Melbourne city council bans tripods. I will sneak out soon though to give it a road test.

I am appalled! Can u tell where this came from? I have never heard of this b4!

skyva, r u joking?

[Greg B]

skyva, I am interested in this too. I have just tried to get info through the MCC website etc but haven't found anything.

[Glen]

Guys, and I am serious here, it is time for a civil uprising. It really sounds ridiculous, it is not like every time I have been to Melbourne I came back with injuries from tripping over tripods. Is it worse for you guys who live there?


Or maybe it is a cunning plan by the council to imply how photogenic there city is?

[genji]

i thought april fool's was over with!