2008-05-23T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Increase Your Tripod's Flexibility
I purchased this product, the Bogen-Manfrotto 190TSB Two-Section Center Column, for use with my 190XPROB legs and 322RC2 grip ball head. I use it for adding flexibility for low-angle shots, such as cars shows. You can remove about 10 inches of the center column to allow getting very close to the ground; I find I can get down to about 6" from the floor. It also adds a lanyard ring for the attachment of a carrying strap.
Unfortunately, the fit is not as good as most of Manfrotto's products. The screw-cap at the base does not allow for quick removal of the column extension and there is a space between the head shaft and the extension. The unit adds a new rattle to the kit. I also miss the button at the end of the column to pop it out of the legs and replace it in the horizontal position.
That said, I still use it as my primary center column. I'm not surprised it is the standard center column for the Carbon Fiber models. A few improvements could make it perfect. Personally, I would like to buy an extra stub-end, to allow use with a second head.
J T.
