Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

by Manfrotto

• Faceted center column eliminates column rotation
• Built-in low angle adapter in the center column for ground level shots
• Leg warmers on 2 legs ease handling in extreme weather conditions, and help to protect the legs
• Four leg-angle settings (25,46,66 & 88°)
• Maximum height (with center column down), 56"

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 26 inches ; 5.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000UMX7FI
• Item model number: 055XPROB
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (242 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #4 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Tripod & Monopod Accessories
  • #15 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Complete Tripod Units
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

			Designed for professional photographers, this is an extremely versatile tripod, ideal for small and medium format cameras.The 055XPROB 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 and the quick action leg locks add to the key features of this professional tripod.  Also features two legs equipped with permanent leg warmers.

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.			Built-in bubble spirit level makes camera alignment quick and easy.
	Center column can be quickly and easily swung from vertical to horizontal without any dis-assembly.			Leg angle release mechanism allows for 23°, 45°, 65°, or 88° angles

Technical Specs:

		Attaches by	3/8" attachment type
		Bubble Spirit Level (No.)	1
		Center Column	rapid
		Maximum Height	178.5 cm • 70.3 in
		Maximum Height (with Center Column down)	142 cm • 55.9 in
		Minimum Height	10 cm • 3.9 in
		Closed Length	65.5 cm • 25.8 in
		Weight	2.4 kg • 5.3 lb
		Load Capacity	7 kg • 15.4 lb
		Column Cross Section	three-faceted
		Column Tube Diameter	28 mm
		Leg Sections	3 number
		Leg Angles	23°, 45°, 65°, 88°
		Legs Tube Diameter	29.4, 25, 20 mm
		Material	Aluminum

Product Description

The 055XPROB makes the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature even easier to use. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung around to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself, so switching between framing and positioning setups is more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks themselves have also been greatly improved.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1,175 of 1,183 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Practical Review February 3, 2009

By David Darick

Amazon Verified Purchase

Isn't it both amazing and quite frustrating that we as consumers must weed through what seems like hundreds of reviews just to gather enough information about a single product that ONE review should be able to produce? After literally reading hundreds of reviews for a camera body, lenses, tripods, etc, I feel like the work and time should go towards saving someone else from the toil of doing the same.

First of all, if you're like me, you're out looking for the tripod recommended by Scott Kelby's great, simple book, The Digital Photography Book. He recommends the Bogen 3001BD as the most affordable tripod which is still of good build quality. This recently has become the Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB which is very, very similar to the 055XPROB. The differences are as follows:

055XPROB - can support 15.4 pounds
190XPROB - supports 11 pounds

055XPROB - leg diameters 29.4, 25, 20 mm
109XPROB - leg diameters 25, 20, 16 mm

055XPROB - min/max. height 3.9"/70.3"
190XPROB - min/max. height 3.3"/57.5"

055XPROB - weighs 5 pounds
190XPROB - weighs 4 pounds

Otherwise, they are the same basic tripod. Both are made out of patented aluminum and have the same features such as Bogen's fold-down center column which allows you to get great macro shots as close as a few inches from the ground and they both have the newer flip type leg locks which are a little stiff when new but hold the legs nice and tightly.

In summary, if you're looking for the best, cheapest tripod for your point and shoot or entry level digital SLR, I'd recommend the 190XPROB for the few dollars in savings, the pound you save in weight, and all of the professional quality and features of a Bogen tripod.... If you are like me and are using that entry level DSLR and are looking to upgrade in the future with a larger camera body, larger lenses, flashes, etc, I'd recommend the 055XPROB for it's larger size (I'm 6'1"), heavier construction and higher load capacity. All in all, they are both excellent tripods that are nearly identical. If you ask me, I'd go with the 055XPROB regardless; is the fifteen dollars and the pound in difference really worth gaining, in sacrifice of a sturdier tripod? I don't think so. I hope this helped.

I purchased this product from Amazon on Jan 13th. The shipping was amazingly fast and the price was the best I could find on the internet, hands down. The one I ordered actually shipped from one town away so it arrived next day! It was a perfect transaction. Read more ›

145 of 146 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good news is it's heavy and sturdy; bad news is it's heavy and sturdy. November 6, 2007

By Denise Fisher

This tripod has the flip type of leg locks (which I like SO much better than the twist-screw leg locks) and has the weight and stability to hold your camera securely in whatever position you lock it into. There is no perceptable "play" in any of the tripod components. It has a sturdy but smooth resistance, so you can make micro adjustments easily, and wherever you lock it, it stays exactly there. It also has individual leg adjustments that allow you to extend one, two, or three of the legs beyond their usual locked position (which I've used more than I thought I would). The center post also pulls out to slide into a horizontal position, should you need the additional stability. Only a couple of minor drawbacks: It would have been nice if it had a hook at the bottom of the center post, and a handle for carrying it in the collapsed position would have been an added bonus. If you're going to travel with this tripod, be aware that it's too tall to fit into your carry-on luggage (even with the head removed). You'll either need a tripod case, or you'll have to put it in your full-size check-in luggage. It also weighs a ton when you're carrying it with all your other stuff ... until you get ready to use it - in which case, the weight ceases to be a detriment and becomes more of an asset. Other than that, I love this tripod. It's solid.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent Choice August 5, 2008

By Justaguy

Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased these tripod legs along with the 488RC4 ballhead, and I've been very happy with both.

I use this 'pod with a Canon 40D with a battery grip and a variety of lenses. No problems--this tripod holds everything fine, even in horizontal position.

The tripod offers great flexibility--I chose it because of how easy it is to flip the center column horizontal. This is a must-have feature if you're into macro, and very helpful for everyone else too. Makes ultra-low angle shooting a breeze. There's a built in bubble level which becomes redundant if using the 488RC4 head, but if you opt for a head without any levels it could be useful, although I should point out it's way easier to adjust your head to be level than your legs, regardless of brand.

The 055XProB is rated to something like 15.4 lbs--so of course it's a little heavy. I don't get why so many complain about that--if you need this level of support and you don't want the weight, sorry--you just have to fork over the $$ for a carbon fiber.

Quick Summary:

-Great Value
-Ability to flip center column horizontal
-Bubble Level
-Felxible (4 different angle options for each leg, individually adjustable)
-Easy to set up/ break down
-Supports over 15 lbs

It's a great, pro-level tripod that will handle just about any DSLR equipment you can mount on it. Also use it with your medium format gear, and I think it could even handle some large format equipment.

I did tons of research before buying this. There are some other good options out there if you aren't particular about the horizontal column thing, namely the Slik 700 Pro DX. Check it out. It's got rave reviews, and is considerably cheaper.... Also there are Induro tripods which have the center column option. I have tried some in a camera store, and they are very sturdy. Read more ›

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tripod if your over 5'8", ok tripod if 5'8" or below August 1, 2008

By Eliezer Kolatch VINE™ VOICE

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have owned one tripod prior to purchasing this bogen, a cheap slik with a built in head. I have to say that this is a fantastic improvement.

My first impression of the tripod was weight, this is not a light tripod, and while I hiked with it, I wouldn't recommend it for backpacking. The second thing I noticed, when I switched the center column from vertical to horizontal is that the collar around the mount is two pieces and seperates when you do this, While it has held up so far I worry that this piece may break if I repeatedly switch the columns direction.

The following is a description of my field test conditions and conclusions.

I field tested the tripod on an 11 day photography vacation to the national parks, Navajo parks, and monuments in the four corners area (petrified forest/painted desert, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Grand Canyon, etc.) My kit included a Markins "Emille" Q-ball head and quick release plate, and a Panosaurus panoramic system.

Conclusions:
General:
Overall this is an excellent tripod, it stood up well to daily travel and hiking and survived the occasional scrape against a rock without any visual scratches or dents. The leg closures are easy to open and close and I never pinched my fingers. In one situation I did get some sand in the closures but some compressed air (the kind you use on computer keyboards etc.) fixed that problem handily. The presents on the legs made adjusting the height fairly simple and switching between horizontal and vertical orientation is a quick process (more on that later)

Specific:
1.... I've read many places that the shifting central column is nothing but a gimmick as it moves the center of balance off of the support and negates a lot of the support the tripod provides. For the most part this is true, however when shooting close to the ground (flowers, bugs) the center of balance is so low that the tripod remains extremely sturdy despite the fact that the column is in a horizontal orientation. This setup lets the tripod lie completely flat allowing you to get the camera around 4" off the ground.

2. Many people have mentioned that this tripod is good if you are a tall person, I would argue that in fact it may be less than ideal if you are 5'7" or shorter (depending on the size of the head you are using). I am about 5'8" and was just at eye level with the camera when the tripod was at its full height (without raising the center column). If the ground in front of me was an inch or two above where i was standing then I had to be up on my toes. Using the Panosaurus the tripod was way to tall.

3. This is a heavy tripod, 5.3 lbs didn't sound like that much to me but when your hiking with it, its a lot. I rarely left it behind but I would need something lighter for backpacking.

Let me reiterate that this is a great product, it would have been perfect if I had been about 6' tall. Read more ›