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Although I'm probably a few weeks off getting one, I am starting to think about upgrading my tripod. I will mainly be using it for landscape work and would probably prefere a ball head, and an adjustable centre column (horizontaly).
The couple that I am looking at at the moment is a Manfrotto 055Pro, and the Giottos Innovator (Alloy).
Does anybody have any experience with these tripods or does anybody have any firther suggestions, budget is around 120.
Thanks in advance for your help
Stu
I have the Giottos Innovator. I find that it is problematic at times, sometimes you struggle extending the legs. Also, the central column does not tighten enough, so when you have a camera on, it can slip down sometimes. It has leg locks to prevent the legs opening or closing but I have not got mine to work.
It is a shame really has it does have some great concepts, but is let down by build quality.
The 055 is a proper bit of kit and rightfully been around for a number of years now...but it isn't lightweight when it comes carrying it about.
If you could run to another 40, the Manfrotto 443 carbon fibre is available from the EPZ shop. You don't get the horizontal arm for that price however.
The 055Pro is a tank of a tripod. I did not buy one, as the center collum was quite long, restricting the lowest possible position (OK, so you can take the center column off, but still...) I decided to go for the 190Pro instead. Just like the 055, but slightly smaller, slightly cheeper (maybe within you price range, given you need to buy the Head AND the legs), and a fair bit lighter - perfect for carying around all day.
Mattw
If you can add about 50 then have a look at the aluminium Gitzo exploreres. If not, then although it's heavy, nothing beats a Benbo Mk 1 for rigidity but field flexibility. (Just stay away from the Benbo Trekker unless you use a compact camera or a very lightweight DSLR - it's not sturdy enough for anything else!)
Dave
Stu,....I've been using the 055 for a couple of years and as Keith has said it isn't lightweight.....I've just recently bought a Manfrotto 443 and it's excellent.....Warehouse express (EPZ shop) has it on offer at the moment for 159...bargain.........chris.
Stu... If you want to have a fiddle with the 055ProB we can meet up at some point. I swear by it though. Nice and light and very carry-able but solid as a rock. Chose it over the 190 as it can put the centre column horizontal when required and 190 can't. This is a suprisingly usefull feature.
David
I have a 190pro and top arm can go horizontal and very happy with it
Geoff
Yes, The 190pro is just like the 055Pro (just slightly smaller).
The Center column on the 190Pro can be taken off and mounted horizontly (can get the camera down to an inch off the floor with that setup).
When I played with the two tripods in the shop, I found that the 190Pro had more scope for working at the hight I like to work at without having to remove the center column (usefull if you need to setup in a hurry). Of course, the 190Pro cannot go as high os the 055Pro fully entended, but that has yet to prove itself a problem for me.
Mattw
If you are not carrying it any distance the Benbos are great. Rock solid and the legs can be put into positions the equal of which I have not found amongst competitors.
However travelling any distance becomes a trial. They are heavy, and they always seem to have a nobbly bit that finds the sensistive spot on your spine.
I use a velbon cx-640 which i've been using since december. great tripod. very sturdy and easy to use ... quick to setup as well. I also think its pretty light ... carried it on a few hikes ...
http://www.velbon-tripod.com/cx.htm
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