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Author
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P-E
Growing roots
Registered: August 2005
Location: Sheffield, S.Yorkshire UK
Posts: 8018
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Review Date: Mon June 12, 2006
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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Solid quality build
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Cons:
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Just a little to heavy for my needs
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I had the non MF version for a short while which is a well built quality tripod.
Unfortunately weighing in at 2.4kg I found it a little to heavy to walk around with for any length of time.
If weight is critical to you then look elsewhere if not then this a well built tripod at a reasonable price.
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VikingPhotography
Forum Regular
Registered: July 2006
Location: Just south of Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 807
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Review Date: Sun May 20, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £150.00
| Rating: 6
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Pros:
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Solid, easy to adjust and robust
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Cons:
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Far too heavy for extended trekking
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I have the 055CL variation of this tripod which does not have the ability to horizontally mount the centre column.
I purchased it as a kit on special offer with the 141RC head over three years ago and, in that time, I've learned a lot more about various tripod & head combination options, particularly with a view to weight considerations.
The 055CL is a good tripod but since it is so heavy, it is best suited to use in situations where you will not need to carry it around for extended periods of time. Even using one of Manfrotto's tripod soft bags instead of the carry strap does not alleviate the problem.
If you have a low to moderate weight dSLR and would need moderate use from your tripod, then this would suit. For anyone interested in trekking or using a tripod for extended periods in the field, I would strongly recommend a carbon fibre alternative.
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VinnyP
Forum Regular
Registered: February 2006
Location: Surbiton Surrey
Posts: 682
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Review Date: Sat September 15, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £80.00
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Soild sturdy strong.
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Cons:
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Hefty, would be nice if it went higher.
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This is my workhorse tripod and it is built to last. I have owned/abused this for about 8 years and see no need to replace it. So if you see one second hand go for it I'd be surprised if there were any issues. My trecking tripods and heads get replaced far more often. I didn't buy it for trecking and completely agree this is one you should pass over if you are going to be carrying it any distance.
The weight makes it very sturdy and easily capable of supporting big lenses and heavy kit. It's a good studio tripod but I'd like to be able to get more height for my occasional studio work. (plenty high enough for me at 6'3" to stand up but sometimes you want to look down from a step ladder and this isn't up to the job). It's easy and quick to set up but the locks will catch your fingers one day. Again for trecking I prefer twist legs but for less spontaneous events then lever locks are better.
This is my first choice for weddings and portrait work as once set it's rock solid and the weight adds a bit of peace of mind that the darling little ankle biters won't knock it flying. Also for some reason the thump of the leg locks make you feel like you know what you are doing. 
So in summary I would recommend this if you want cheap and sturdy with a good if not amazing working height. Remember when buying a tripod you can get any 2 of cheap sturdy light. 
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M1ke A
Been here a while
Registered: November 2007
Location: Sussex
Posts: 369
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Review Date: Sun November 18, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: None indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Sturdy, quality brand and reasonable price
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Cons:
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Relatively heavy, centre column placement is a faff
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I've had a pro version for a few years partnered with a 029 head.
Nice and sturdy metal contruction , especially compared to my old Slik 88 that I've had since 1988.
It's been on two long haul trips as I wanted to do panormic shots and was prepared to lug it around.
The 029 head is quite a beast so I got a 488 B/S in an attempt too lighten the load for our recent trip to Hong Kong and Bali. The C/F versions aren't that much lighter especially compared to their considerably higher price.
Most recently got a 303 pan head for VR pano work.
Definitely recommend it but thought it useful to mention the following
Niggles:
Undoing the centre column to mount it horizontally is not particularly quick, especially when out in the field.
Raising it to its maximum does introduce quite a lot of wobble, especially with a heavy camera and lens. The obvious answer is move onto something like a triaut 058 but they're really heavy.
I've never managed to get my 'frotto 440 strap to really keep the tripod where I want it. It tends to slip about, meaning the head tips down.
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_MB_
Forum Regular
Registered: March 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 829
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Review Date: Wed December 5, 2007
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Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Price you paid?: £120.00
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Solid, neoprene grips, flexibility, spirit levels
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Cons:
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Weight, bulk
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You should treat a tripod as a product for life. I can't see this failing me any time soon.
Partnered with a 222 joystick head then when lenses got too heavy a 044 3-way head, it is a joy to use. The latches are nice and chunky, makes doing up/undoing leg sections easy. It packs down to a decent height and the third leg section is still thick and sturdy. All hinges are well greased but this does mean if you use it in a dusty/sandy environment they do collect particles. Just leave it upside down in the shower for 10 minutes and its fine.
You can remove the centre column and lay this tripod out virtually flat or you can have it set up more or less 6 feet high. It has good sized metal loops at the top and bottom of the column which can be used to hang weight from if its windy or hook onto your rucksack if you're walking. Its also possible to mount the head upside down if you so desired.
Being all metal it gets cold when the air does so its good that 2 of the legs have neoprene covers on them, makes moving it around less painful. They don't slip at all.
The only gripe I have with this is in transit as it is heavy and quite bulky despite being reasonably compact when folded. That said it's big enough you can sling it over your shoulder reasonably comfortably, I've had it up Munros without too much complaining the day after. There's no fear of your camera falling off either. Highly recommended.
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