Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

Awesome tripod. Looks great, folds up small, very versatile in how the legs can fold out to different angles, and the center column can be oriented in a horizontal position very easily. The unit comes with an 18" (top to bottom) center column but I also purchased the short center column which is about 6 inches. I read other reviews on how you have to do a little work to get the tripod low with the long center column. I will rarely need extra height so I usually have the short center column in place. The carbon fiber center column at 18" actually weighs less than the aluminum short center column at 6".

This is my first "real" tripod. I've had cheap ones before and even a $125 Sony remote control tripod and this one is clearly superior. I'm using this tripod for a Nikon D90 DSLR and Sony HDR-SR11 HD video camera. I have the 496RC2 ball head and HDV701 fluid video head.

When looking for a tripod, I looked at the cheaper models but when you hold them and compare the weight against a carbon fiber tripod, it's night and day. Not that I would be hiking with this on my back all day long but the light weight does make it easier to maneuver. Also, being that it's light means that I won't balk when I think about taking it somewhere.

The composite material tripods also handle vibration better than any other material and since I am using this with a video camera, that was important.

If I could find any downside to this tripod is that it's very light when using my HDV701 video head and Sony HD camera. The video head is maybe just a little tight so when I'm using the arm to move the camera, I will sometimes make the tripod move. One fix that I found for this is to hang my camera bag on the provided center column hook. Not only does this keep my gear off of the dirty ground, but it provides the extra weight needed to stabilize the tripod. No issues at all when using my D90 on it in a static position.

I looked at the 055CXPRO3 tripod but got the 055CXPRO4 because it folded up into a smaller package. This unit will be going on vacations with me and I'm not looking to see how much space my gear can take up. Very highly recommended and definitely worth the extra money. Spend a little more now to get a tripod to last you a lifetime. In the end, this is cheaper.

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

BEST TRIPOD IN THE FIELD AND IN THE STUDIO. I USE THEIR MONO-POD ALSO AND THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME OUTSTANDING BUILD...

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

For goodness sake, if you are like me and want the best, "GET IT!!" The price has nothing to do with how good this product is!! I have had the best, this is even better!! W.T.H. Over!! KMW

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

I needed a lighter and more compact tripod for hiking and travel and this unit fits the bill. The quick adjustment from vertical to horizontal also is very helpful. I also am looking forward to not freezing my hands this winter (since this is not a cold aluminum tripod). The only negative is the price (expensive).

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

I use for outdoor photography, very light weight, yet stable.

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

Solidly holds my DSLR and its long lens...something like 15 lbs. Used for everything from long exposures on windy exposed ridges stretched to full height to macro photography of plants a fraction of an inch above the ground.
Straps nicely to outside of my backpack with bungee cord. Does not seem to be affected by cold or snow. Solidly built, yet very light.
I almost bought one of the cheaper carbon fiber tripods, but am very happy I bought this one instead. The cheaper ones were several inches shorter which would have been a real problem for me.
This is one of the few purchases I ever made that actually does everything I ask of it and more.

Comments about Bogen Imaging Bogen - Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs, 4 Section Legs with Q90 Column System, Maximum Height 66.9", Supports 17 lbs.:

This tripod gives you almost unlimited options for positioning your camera on a relatively light weight but sturdy base. The rubber tips on the feet are not very thick and there is no option for spikes, as with other Manfrottos, so it is not well suited for rocky outdoor sites which a light tripod should be used for. It also requires 3 screws for securing a ball head so changing the head is not a quick operation. But he overall ease and flexibility of use outweigh these shortcomings.