Manfrotto 055XPROB Black Tripod Review

I avoided upgrading my tripod for a long time - I just wasn't sure it was worth the cost. After struggling with cheap tripods for years, I finally gave in and eventually purchased the Manfrotto 055XPROB Black Tripod.

Before I placed my order, I researched tripods to death.

My wife thinks that's pretty funny (and frustrating) because most people selling photography equipment these days have a no-hassle return policy. Still, I can't help myself so I figured the least I could do was share my thoughts before you buy the 055XPROB so you can determine if it will work for you.

Why You Need a Well-Built Tripod

I was fed up with my existing tripod and I wanted to take better photos.

If your struggling with keeping your digital SLR in the same position from shot to shot, not being able to go low enough, or just pulling your hair out when you try to get portrait shots (turning your camera sideways 90 degrees) then you know how painful it can be to work with cheap equipment.

I didn't know it until I started using one, but professional tripods make life easy.

They are easy to adjust, they are solid and don't move around, and most importantly - they don't slip out of position under the weight of the camera.

This is a heavy-duty, aluminum tripod built by the folks at Manfrotto in Italy. It weighs 5.29 lbs (2.4 kilograms) and at first I thought it was going to be too heavy.

After I started using it, I changed my mind. In fact, I take it with me all over the place. It's definitely heavier than the cheap tripod that I used to use, but this thing stays in place and doesn't move my lens.

With that said, if you really need a lighter tripod, you might want to check out the Manfrotto 190XPROB which is 0.6 kilograms lighter. Check out the 190XPROB vs 055XPROB comparison chart (scroll about half way down the page).

Is This a Good Tripod for Macro Photography & Shots Taken Just Inches Above The Ground?

If you are into macro photography, you will often need to position your camera very close to your subject while still keeping your camera very still.

WIth some tripods this can be a pain because their design makes it difficult or wastes your time as you fiddle with moving the head (the part you screw your digital SLR onto).

Not so with the 055XPROB.

With this tripod, you can get position the head 10 centimeters above the ground. The best part is how easy it is - just pull the center column all the way up and it easily moves into the horizontal position.

How Much Weight It Handle?

This tripod will probably support all the gear you plan to put on top of it. It is setup to hold 15.4 pounds (7 kilograms).

I'm not great at estimating weight, so here's something to compare the weight capacity against:

...the Canon EOS 5D Mark II weighs 1.8 lbs. The Canon BG-E6 battery grip weighs 1 lb and the monstrous Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Super Telephoto lens weighs 9.9 lbs. That’s still just 12.7 lbs.

Remember to Get a Manfrotto Tripod Head

Professional tripods don't come with a head on them. The head is simply the piece that goes between your tripod center column and your camera. This isn't a ploy to make more money - its a plan to let you buy the right tripod head for your style of photography and your gear.

I love the Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head that allows you to quickly move your camera and then release the grip to lock it into position.

I shoot video as well, so I have a Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head which makes panning (moving from side to side) or up and down very smooth (not jerkly like it was with my old tripod).

Problems I've Had with My Manfrotto 055XPROB

About the only problem I've had with this tripod is with the little key that is used to adjust the brackets on the legs. It works great, but it does have a tendency to pop off of the tripod leg when I brush up against something (it flexes and then grabs the leg where it is supposed to stay).

My simple solution and recommendation to you is to just put it in your camera bag or in your pocket while you are shooting.

In Conclusion

In 3 words - "I love it."

This tripod is steady, doesn't move around on you, it is well-designed and has great Italian craftsmanship. If you are tall or short, you can easily adjust it to fit your situation. Plus, the ability to change tripod heads lets you use it for different types of digital SLR cameras and lenses or with video cameras.

It has helped me get more shots because I can setup faster, move my camera faster and it stays where I put it. If you get the 055XPROB or the 190XPROB I think you'll love it.