Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber 3 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black)

by Manfrotto

• Ultra light carbon fiber and magnesium construction
• 3 section legs for compactness.
• Quick center column system.
• 3 layered 100% full carbon tubes for improved rigidity and lightness.
• New ergonomic leg locking levers.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 5.4 x 26.3 inches ; 3.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001GIPR5S
• Item model number: 055CXPRO3
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Designed for professional photographers in extreme outdoor environments, this is an extremely versatile tripod, ideal for small and medium format cameras.  the legs and column are made of 100% carbon fiber combined with magnesium die-casting quick action lever locking collars. The 055CXPRO3 makes the famous Manfrotto-patented Q90 center column even easier to use. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, the Q90 center column allows the change from a vertical to horizontal position without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. Making setups between framing and positioning more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism allows for 23º, 47º, 66º, or 89º angles; and the quick action leg locks add to the key features of this professional tripod.

Key Features:
	Q90 horizontal column feature allows the tripod to reach extremely low positions, reaching ground level easily for unusual perspectives and stunning macro shots. The column can be quickly and easily swung from vertical to horizontal without any disassembly.
	Built-in bubble spirit level makes camera alignment quick and easy.

								Technical Specs:
									Attaches By	3/8" attachment type
									Bubble Spirit Level (No.)	1
									Center Column	rapid
									Maximum Height	175cm • 68.9in
									Maximum Height (with Center Column Down)	140cm • 55.12in
									Minimum Height	11.5cm • 4.53in
									Closed Length	65cm • 25.59in
									Weight	1.65kg • 3.64lb
									Load Capacity	8kg • 17.64lb
									Column Cross Section	three-faceted
									Column Tube Diameter	28mm
									Leg Sections	3 number
									Leg Angles	23º, 47º, 66º, 89º
									Leg Cross Section	round
									Legs Tube Diameter	29.2, 24.8, 20.4 mm
									Material	Carbon Fiber tubing + Magnesium Castings

Product Description

Developed to meet the needs of the most demanding professionals and photography enthusiasts who want the best in terms of performance and quality, the new 055CX PRO3 carbon tripods are extremely versatile and feature an eye-catching, ergonomic design. This tripod presents outstanding qualities in terms of height, rigidity, payload and setup, offering incredible lightness thanks to the carbon fiber structure. Equipped with a tri-faceted carbon fiber central column, magnesium top spider die casting and leveling bubble integrated on the magnesium top plate the renowned patented Q90° center column system (Quick Center Column System), which allows positioning the central column horizontally without having to remove the head or the column itself. One of the core pillars for Manfrotto is design. With the 055CXPRO3, all the locking collars, levers and main castings have been redesigned to allow for reliable, ergonomic and lighter tripods. By using 100% carbon fiber tubes, and not mixing any other types of fiber, the quality and performance is uncompromised. High-quality “Pull-Winding” production technology has been used in order to guarantee constant high quality tube construction. The structure combines a perfect harmony between the number of layers and angle of the fiber directions to achieve an optimum balance between rigidity and compression resistance. The new angle selector levers have been designed to improve ergonomics. The new magnesium top plate now features a bubble to help in leveling the tripod and camera. It has also been highly refined to create a very appealing design that also reduces weight. The new ergonomic leg locking levers have been completely redesigned to improve functionality. They are much easier to operate and have become a seamless element of the tripod.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

87 of 88 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Steady, Convenient, Insanely Light (and don't forget the 055SPK2 spiked feet) November 20, 2008

By approach

Amazon Verified Purchase

Really, you won't believe how light this thing is until you see it in the flesh and actually pick it up.

It's very nicely made (100% carbon fiber in the legs, and magnesium castings). It's solid as a rock, too. The base plate has a bubble level in it (moderately useful), and three set screws that push against your tripod head to make the head/tripod connection absolutely tight.

The 90 degree column rotation feature works very well. I haven't used it yet, but I'm guessing that it'll be quite useful for certain shots. You can get the tripod very low via the adjustable leg angles.

I use the tripod with a Manfrotto 488rc2. I think it's a very nice combination. Very light and very solid.

One more thing: this tripod is TALL, and that's a good thing. I'm 6'1", and with the legs extended, my Nikon D300 is right at eye level. Why is that good? Well, it means that for most (if not all) shots, I don't need to extend the center column. That makes the entire setup just that much more unshakeable.

400 bucks is quite a bit of money, but I think I got what I paid for.

P.S. I got Manfrotto's 055SPK2 spiked feet (Amazon). They have rubber feet with an extendable hardened aluminum spike in the middle. Very nice. If you get them, be careful during the install--you need to wedge the feet open so they slide onto the tripod legs without catching. A little water helps here too, and will evaporate when you're done.

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for using in creeks and lakes. Changed my photography. September 8, 2009

By Jerald Winter

Amazon Verified Purchase

Scott Kelby recommends this tripod in his top seller, Digital Photography. It is definitely one of the best pieces of advice I ever read. While pricey, this tripod is worth every buck. Using it near daily for several months and capturing several thousand photos has changed my photography for the better, especially landscapes and water shots.

1. Bring on the water. This tripod is ideal for getting in the water--creeks, rivers, lakes, marshes, etc. It lures one into deeper water for unique shots that cannot be gotten from shore. (Watch out for forgotten cellphones in pockets.) Sand, mud, clay, bird dropping, etc, do not impede the latching. It cleans easily with a water hose. Drains best upside down (or down the back of a shirt.)

2. Stable. The magnesium leg hinges change angles with a firm press, then maintain their angle solidly. The legs extend/collapse quickly and hold their position without slipping.

3. Get all the angles. The 90 degree column is fast and especially useful for near-ground shots or up against a rock face or tree. There is hardly any angle the plate cannot be set to, or location this tripod can't be set up on (haven't tried ice, yet.)

4. Surprise benefit. An adjunct hiking "stick" to get up or down banks or ledges--a great combo with a separate hiking stick for getting to optimum capture sites.

5. Carbon fiber. Worth it. Damps vibration compared to aluminum. Light weight is perfect for hiking with camera attached and ready to shoot.

6. Pairing: Needs a separately purchased head. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) pairs nicely with it.

Numerous photography authors advise getting a really good tripod. If you got a cheap tripod, upgrade to this one.... If you don't have a tripod, then do your photography addiction a favor and get this one! Read more ›

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Carbon Fiber Value December 21, 2008

By Jimmy S. Greene

A couple years ago I bought one of those cheap, Chinese knock-offs on Ebay. Sure, it was light, but it looked like some amateur had made the thing without the instruction sheet. That one had twist locks that were literally painful to use and made my hand raw during a trip to Alaska. I couldn't sell it fast enough after I got back.

I just couldn't get myself to pay the $700+ for a Gitzo, so when Manfrotto came out with this model I was excited. Everything I read or saw about the piece was positive, and I can only parrot those reviews.

At $400 it's not cheap, but since it works so well, it's a GREAT value. The leg locks are flip-locks that I love. With a little adjusting, they open and close easily and securely. Out of the box, I found them to be a bit tight. Adjustment is a breeze with the supplied tool.

I mounted my Arcaswiss ballhead on it, and it's still amazingly light. A HUGE relief from my old Manfrotto 3221.

The only problem I've encountered is the little lock adjustment tool that snaps onto the legs. It snaps right OFF, too. I fixed this with a little spring loaded, locking ring I had laying around, and a piece of fishing line. There are a couple nice convenient loops on the top to attach this to.

Unless you want to show off the fact that you have a "Gitzo", and you're budget doesn't stretch this fat, I highly recommend this tripod, or perhaps others in the series.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Is this the perfect tripod? January 17, 2010

By G. Berger

Well, nothing is perfect but this tripod is awfully close. I was looking to replace a 3021 and needed:

1. Light weight (3021 is over 9-1/2 lbs. with the head and carrying it through the woods for several hours is tiring).
2. Height - I'm 6' and don't want to bend over if I don't have to.
3. Wider range of adjustments - the 3021 will not get right down to the ground.

This tripod fits all three criteria. It's 3.6 lbs. (without the head). Even with the head it's light as a feather. The first few times I picked it up with the camera attached I almost threw it up into the air, being used to the weight of the 3021. With the head and the camera, it easily gets up to eye level without extending the center column more than an inch or so.
The center column can be pulled all the way up and flipped to a horizontal position on top of the tripod. You have to see how this works, it's hard to explain but simple and quick to do. Then the legs can be flipped out to 90 degrees. The tripod is now resting flat on the ground with the camera pointed down (if desired). You have to see this demonstrated to understand it, but it's fantastic.
As a bonus, it's aesthetically beautiful. Why do the Italians excel at designing beauty into their products, and why can't everyone?
I purchased the Manfrotto ball head for 120.00, and there is currently a 50.00 rebate when you buy the tripod and a head. Between the tripod itself and the ball head, I feel like I'm in a new world.
Expensive, yes, but worth every cent.