September 2007 | Margaret Brown
Two highly-adjustable, professional-quality tripods for photographers with DLSR and medium-format cameras.
RRP: $310, $255.99
Rating (out of 10):
Manfrotto's 190 series tripods were first introduced 20 years ago and the design remains popular with photographers, both professional and enthusiast. The new 190XPROB model retains all the best-loved features of its predecessors but provides improvements in build, compactness and ease of use. A 'big brother' to the 190XPROB model, the 055XPROB has many of the same features but is larger and more solidly built and can carry greater loads.
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Manfrotto's 190 series tripods were first introduced 20 years ago and the design remains popular with photographers, both professional and enthusiast. The new 190XPROB model retains all the best-loved features of its predecessors but provides improvements in build, compactness and ease of use. A 'big brother' to the 190XPROB model, the 055XPROB has many of the same features but is larger and more solidly built and can carry greater loads.
Build quality and finish of both models is excellent. Key features include quick-action leg locks, leg-angle adjustments and a vertical column that can be swung round to horizontal without removing the head, allowing photographers to change the position of a camera quickly and with minimal fuss. Each leg consists of three sections, which telescope into each other when the tripod is closed for transport and are secured by flip lever locks.
The levers are large and grip securely when the legs are extended. A locking button at the top of each leg allows the angle of the spread to be adjusted to one of four set points. A spring-loaded step mechanism provides stability at all angles. When all legs are set at 88 degrees, floor-level shooting is possible. A small spirit level is provided to help photographers ensure their cameras are correctly positioned.
The MF 190XPROB with the centre column in horizontal position.
The angle of each leg can also be adjusted independently to provide a wide range of camera positions and shooting angles. The tension of the leg locks is user-adjustable and all parts can be easily serviced or replaced.
Swinging the centre column from vertical to horizontal position is straightforward. You simply release the column locking knob and raise the column while pressing the button at the base of the column. When the column is in its highest position, this button triggers a release that allows it to be swung into horizontal position. The camera can then be balanced by sliding the entire column forwards. Reversing these steps restores the column to its vertical position.
The MF 055XPROB with the centre column in horizontal position.
This adjustability is valuable for macro photography, low angle shooting, extreme balance points and off-centre work. It will also be valuable for chair-bound photographers, who can sit beside instead of behind the tripod and be much closer to the camera's viewfinder. A ring is supplied for attaching a counterweight to the top of the tripod when shooting in windy conditions.
Both tripods are sold without heads and will accept a variety of head types, including standard pan/tilt heads, grip action heads and panning head. The head screws onto the top of the column, which is protected by a plastic cap. Three setting screws are supplied to hold the head in place.
Performance
The 190XPROB recently won a T.I.P.A. (Technical Image Press Association) European Photo & Imaging Award as the best accessory product for 2007. The judges cited the ability to switch the column quickly between vertical and horizontal positions as having particular value for macro and nature photographers as a key factor in this award. They also praised refinements to the leg locking system.
In our tests we found the flip lever locks on both tripods tight but easy to adjust and very secure. Leg angle adjustments were easily accomplished and the overall stability of these tripods in most configurations was very good.
However, with a camera and lens combination weighing approximately 1.5 kg, some instability was found with both tripods (but particularly with the 190XPROB model) when the column was positioned horizontally and fully extended from the top of the tripod. Fortunately, counterweights could easily be attached to the leg locks on the opposite side to the camera to improve stability. Where the legs were evenly extended, overall stability was excellent.
Both tripods were quick to unpack and set up, and equally quick to collapse and pack away. Neither is supplied with a carry bag but a range of accessories, including leg warmers for use in freezing conditions, is available.
Closed length: 66.5 cm (055XPROB); 57.0 cm (190XPROB)
Minimum height: 10 cm (055XPROB); 8.5 cm (190XPROB)
Maximum height: 178.5 cm (055XPROB); 146.0 cm (190XPROB)
Weight: 2.40 kg (055XPROB); 1.80 kg (190XPROB)
Load capacity: 7.00 kg (055XPROB); 5.00 kg (190XPROB)
Construction material: aluminium
Leg cross section: round
Bubble spirit level: yes (one)
Leg angles: 23°, 45°, 65°, 88° (055XPROB); 25°, 46°, 66°, 88° (190XPROB)