Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head

I bought this tripod after previously owning 2 "cheaper" tripods. Its a world of difference! This tripod is extremely solid and very well built. The features of this tripod are outstanding. I often shoot very low to the ground for interesting perspectives, and the horizontal center column mount is awesome. The 3 leg positions are extrememly handy. I paired this tripod with the 322RC2 grip ballhead and could not be happier. I use this tripod for landscape, wildlife and still life work. When shooting wildlife, I mainly use a Sigma 50-500 on my 40D with grip and the tripod remains rock steady.

As a lesser note, the carbon fiber looks great and isn't cold to the touch in winter like aluminum is. However, as someone that really likes to take very good care of their equipment, I wish that a couple of the legs had been padded anyways and with the head I chose, I am having problems finding a bag long enough to put it in without disassembly.

This tripod seemed a good price-performance compromise for this slim-walleted amateur photographer. I was interested in a tall, sturdy platform for taking landscapes and panorama sequences, yet flexible enough to be useful for most purposes. With the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head mounted on the tripod and my dSLR camera on top of that, and with the legs fully extended but with the center column completely down, the eyepiece of the camera is just above the level of my eye (I am six foot).

I selected the model with three leg sections over the one with four leg sections (055MF4) because the four saved inches in collapsed length did not seem as important to me as the compromised sturdiness might be. After comparing with a 055MF4 recently purchased by my Photoshop instructor, I am satisfied with my choice. (Also, set-up is reduced by three leg-extending actions, a welcome simplification.)

This is my second set of Manfrotto sticks, so I am used to the locking lever configuration used on the leg sections. I have used tripods with locking knobs on the legs, and I much prefer the levers. The pricey Gitzo tripods feature twist-collars to lock their legs, and I have read critical comments about that configuration (no direct experience). These were never really an option for me, anyway, as all Gitzo gear is made of unobtainum.

A clip-on carry handle is included with the tripod, but I would have preferred a carry sack. Sharp edges on the ends of the bolts used with the leg clamps gouge the finish of adjacent clamps when the tripod is stowed.

To tighten the leg hinges, the center column clamps must be removed, a simple trick (remove center column, then poke a chopstick through a hole on the inside of the clamp and push the spring-loaded locking block out of the way to allow clamps to be lifted out).

I have rated this product with four stars rather than five because I have an unresolved QC issue with my tripod: The built-in spirit level on the column clamp is off by half a bubble. This is unacceptable for a level the brochure claims was "hand-set" for accuracy. I will rewrite this review with a five star rating when Bogen comes through and stands behind their product. To this point, they have not responded to my email.

First class tripod! Light, sturdy, easily adjustable. Excellent for pro or serious amateur. Horizontal option for center post a plus.

Love it!! Sturdy light weight,and with the Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, really fast and easy to set up shots. AAAA++++

Bogen-Manfrotto...what can I say, the tripod is sturdy, well constructed and rock solid. I coupled it with the Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System and WOW! Granted it may be a little pricey for the casual photographer but if you are an enthusiast like myself you get alot of bang for the buck. Thank you Bogen-Manfrotto!