Customer Reviews

Manfrotto 190MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought a 190MF3 with an Acratech ball head a couple years ago after using a Bogen 3001 legs with a 3029 pan-tilt head for several years. There were several reasons for the change: I wanted to move to an Arca-Swiss type quick-release system to make setup and lens changes more fluid, carbon fiber absorbs vibration to make a more stable platform, and I needed to reduce weight on the tripod and head. I also liked the features available on this tripod: the center column can be removed quickly and legs splayed flat, perfect for macro work close to the ground; the center column can also slide crossways through the base allowing the head to extend outward from the legs, thereby lessening the need for a macro slider; the center column has a triangular shape, keeping it from slipping and rotating unintentionally; the leg locks are quick and sure, and can be adjusted for tightness if they loosen up (though they haven't yet).

The drawbacks are few. Carbon fiber won't support a lot of weight, so be careful not to treat your tripod as a walking stick between shots. I wish the center column unscrewed a bit faster. And the feet are only held on by tension, as I discovered when a foot slipped off and sank into the water never to be seen again--I keep a spare in my photo pack now.

The price keeps this from being a toy of the casual photographer. Instead, view it as a tool for the advanced amateur or professional. If weight and features to support macrophotography are important considerations, there are few tripods the equal of this one. Consider the 3001 legs if you can settle for a little less--they're a great value.

I was using a heavy all metal tripod for years and finally bought my first MagFiber tripod. I like the easy leg lock/release controls as opposed to twist/locking. The carry strap is great when you're carrying it and other equipment. The screw lock base plate is a nice feature too. I haven't used the lateral arm yet.

This is the first quality tripod that I have owned so I don't have a lot to compare it to. It is very solid and functional. The velco strap at the bottom can be easily used to hang your camera bag adding a little weight and stability when needed. I would heartily recommend it.

Top quality at a competitive price. However, support is very poor from Manfrotto. You don't get a bag with this tripod. It is not light even though it's supposed to be made from carbon fibre.

Good value for a titanium tripod. Hard for me to believe that for a lot more money one could do better.