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September 20, 2007
[ REVIEW—MANFROTTO 055XPRO tripod ]
Price: $308
The Ferrari of tripods
The low-down: This is an aluminium tripod with a closed length of 65.5cm and a maximum height of 178.5cm. The tripod legs can also be splayed out at 90 degrees to the centre column so that it sits rigid and spider-like on the ground. The centre column can be set at a right angle to the vertical with the column fully extended so that the camera faces directly downwards, clear of the legs. With the legs splayed and the column horizontal the camera can be set up a few centimetres from the ground, handy for macros of flowers or small creatures. The finish on the unit is matte black and the top sections of the legs are enclosed in a rubberised sleeve. There is a spirit level. Weight is 2.4 kilograms.
Like: Manfrotto tripods are famous for their rigidity and this model is no exception. Ergonomics are generally good with the levered leg locks holding the extensions rigidly in place.
Dislike: The tripod is not supplied with a head, either ball and socket or pan and tilt, so this must be factored into the price.
Verdict: The engineering and design problem facing tripod makers is how to get the maximum rigidity with the minimum mass. For professional cameramen rigidity is more important than lightness, so it is not an issue. For amateurs, faced with lugging a camera and tripod up Kilimanjaro the trade off is important. If it is too heavy it will be left behind. If it is too light it will blow away in the wind. The Manfrotto is not light but the balance is just about perfect. After twenty years in the business the Italian made Manfrotto tripod has become one of those gadgets that has a special status and recognition, a bit like the Apple iPod. After all, there are plenty of portable music players but there is only one iPod. Just so, there are plenty of tripods to choose from but Manfrotto is special. It costs more, but then so does a Ferrari.
Posted by terry at September 20, 2007 08:25 AM
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