Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head

by Manfrotto

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 21 x 4 x 4 inches ; 5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00091SBU6
• Item model number: 055MF3
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #89 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Tripod Legs
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 8, 2006

Product Description

Manufacturer Description

The Bogen-Manfrotto 055MF3 MagFiber is an ideal tripod for many applications. A 'beefier' tripod to the 190MF series, the 055MF3 provides professional photographers with a tripod that's still very light in weight, simple to use, strong, and extremely versatile to position.

The 055MF3 supports up to 15 pounds, offers a minimum height of only 4.3 inches -- which is perfect for low-angle shooting, and can extend to over 5.5 feet when needed.

Without compromising on stability or rigidity of the tripod, Manfrotto engineers reduced the weight of the 055MF3 by utilizing carbon fiber legs with quick action lever locks in magnesium and resin. In addition, they incorporated the patented design of the 3021PRO series top spider which offers four leg angle settings, and converts the center column into a lateral arm.

The center column itself is of the latest generation of aluminum and resin materials. The low-angle adapter forms the top section of the center column and is easily detached by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column. This enables the head to be left mounted on the center column when switching between low-angle and normal shooting positions.

All parts are assembled using a proven pressure clamp technology for greater durability and in-the-field serviceability. To make transportation even easier, the 055MF3 is supplied with a hand padded carrying strap that can also double as a hook to hang weight and increase stability during extreme wind conditions.

Features include:

• Carbon Fiber three-faced tubes for the tripod legs
• Aluminum and nylon polymer center column
• Magnesium die casting for all tripod parts and stainless steel nuts and bolts
• Ergonomic, user friendly features such as quick-action adjustable leg lever locks that instantly secure leg extensions firmly in place with no slippage or rotation
• Push buttons to operate leg angles to offer four degrees of inclination
• Center column with vertical/horizontal positioning
• Built-in low angle adapter

The two-part center column switches between normal and low-angle work without forcing you to remove the camera and head every time you need to change position.

What's in the Box:
Included carrying handle makes the tripod more comfortable to transport and stays conveniently and unobtrusively attached during use.

Product Description

The 055MF3 is an ideal tripod for many applications. A beefier tripod to the 190MF series, the 055MF3 provides professional photographers with a tripod that?s still very light in weight, simple to use, strong, and extremely versatile to position. The 055MF3 supports up to 15lbs, offers a minimum height of only 4.3 - which is perfect for low-angle shooting, and can extend to over 5.5 when needed. Without compromising on stability or rigidity of the tripod, Manfrotto engineers reduced the weight of the 055MF3 by utilizing carbon fiber legs with quick action lever locks in magnesium and resin. In addition, they incorporated the patended design of the 3021PRO series top spider which offers four leg angle settings, and converts the center column into a lateral arm. The center column itself is of the latest generation of aluminum and resin materials. The low-angle adapter forms the top section of the center column and is easily detached by simply unscrewing the knob at the bottom of the column. This enables the head to be left mounted on the center column when switching between low-angle and normal shooting positions. All parts are assembled using a proven pressure clamp technology for greater durability and in-the-field serviceability. To make transportation even easier, the 190MF3 is supplied with a hand padded carrying strap that can also double as a hook to hang weight and increase stability during extreme wind conditions. Features: Carbon Fiber three-faced tubes for the tripod legs Aluminum and nylon polymer center column Magnesium die casting for all tripod parts and stainless steel nuts and bolts Ergonomic, user friendly features such as quick-action adjustable leg lever locks that instantly secure leg extensions firmly in place with no slippage or rotation Push buttons to operate leg angles to offer four degrees of inclination Center column with vertical/horizontal positioning Built-in low angle adapter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, April 29, 2006

By 

Brian Koch "Aspiring Photographer" (MI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head (Electronics)

This tripod actually weighs a little more than some of my other tripods, but it is balanced so well that it feels lighter and is easier to carry around with you all day than my others. Also, despite the fact that Bogen does not recommend them, you can use the 3430 Tripod Leg Protectors with this tripod to help pad it some and keep your hands warmer in cold weather. They are not the easiest things to get on though due to the larger triangular leg shape of the 055, but with some pliers and a friend it can be done.

This tripod has a very solid feel and is very versatile with the various leg positions and repositional center column. It is also taller than many of the other options which keeps you from have to stoop over as much which can really save on your back after a long day of shooting. All the locks and leg segments are very sturdy and firm which gives you a real sens of stability when using this. A tripod is about the most important thing to consider when it comes to getting sharp photos. If you don't have an easy to use rock solid tripod, you will regret it when your pictures end up soft. So do yourself a favor and make sure you get a good tripod such as this one and use it regularly.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good design and build, but QC issue, September 19, 2008

By 

R. Kreis "livedeadcat" (LA CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head (Electronics)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Manfrotto tripod, July 31, 2008

By 

S. Michael Vardell "michael v" (washington, dc) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head (Electronics)

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