Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Black Aluminum Tripod Legs with 128RC Micro Fluid Head with Quick Release, Max Load: Legs: 11 lbs/Head: 8.9 lb.

2013-02-25T19:00:00

This replaced a very inexpensive, lightweight Radian tripod/head combo that shook at the slightest breeze an could not pan smoothly at all, so made for very unstable image viewing with a spotting scope. The difference is startling and there is no comparison. This Manfrotto is so well constructed and solid that I immediately regretted cheaping out. Knowing what I know now, I would get a quality tripod like this to begin with and a smoothly tilting-panning head like this combination and never look back. Could it be lighter? Yes, but that gets you into carbon-fiber and many more dollars. If you can afford this as your first tripod, get it. You won't be sorry.

Glenn H.