Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod 3-Section with Q90 Column Magnesium Castings

2014-08-18T21:00:00

What you expect for a pair of high-end carbon fiber legs. Rigid, very stable and fully adjustable. The machined metal fittings do add some weight but should provide greater product life especially with hard use. Height is very good. Even without the raising the extension tube, the ball head and camera bring the fully extended legs and camera to just above to eye level at my 5'9".

Thomas S.

2013-12-30T19:00:00

I've only used the tripod a couple of times and have not really needed to put it through its paces. I use it with a jobu head and a Nikor 300mm f2.8 lens with a 2X teleconverter and a Nikon D610 camera. The tripod was very sturdy and was about the same weight as the one I was using. I love the locking legs, although I will test them on an African safari later this year to see how well they hold up in a bouncing jeep. So far I'm really happy with the purchase.

MARIAN H.

2013-09-23T21:00:00

I just received this item. It is sturdy, lightweight, flexible and well constructed. I have not had a chance to take it on the road, but it is already an improvement over my old aluminum tripods. It would have been a nice plus to have a bag, but not a deal breaker. This review may be upgraded or downgraded once I have more experience with the tripod.

GWEN R.

2013-05-06T21:00:00

This is even lighter than my carbon tripod of 5 years ago. Flip locks for the legs are great and the newer lock system for the center column is a big improvement.

MICHAEL B.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

I am an architectural photographer. This tripod is exactly what i wanted, lightweight, easy to use, levels included, and is has the fun feature to take straight up and down photographs with the center leg. i would highly recommend this tripod to someone who is on location a lot and that travels.

NESoP P.

2012-12-12T19:00:00

I bought these legs and paired them with a Vanguard arca swiss ballhead and they are a rock solid combo even with my Nikon, battery grip and a 70-200vr. I don't think they would have any trouble supporting a 400mm lens solidly. A little bit bulky for backpacking (which I expected with it being a 3 piece tripod), but the weight is much less than the aluminum model. The horizontal center column is quick and easy to use and I can see where it could be handy for someone who does a lot of macro photos. I am impressed by the quality but for a little over $300 bucks it should be well built. I am pleased so far. It appears that it will do everything I need it to do for much less than a Gitzo.

Waknstak

2012-09-16T21:00:00

This is a strong, stable platform that is small and very light weight; to be used in any photography assignment.

daled78596

2012-09-02T21:00:00

It is a great tripod.

Joy

2012-08-19T21:00:00

Primarily using it for Macro but will be using it for landscape.

Colorado J.

2012-08-19T21:00:00

I love this tripod, and will buy another one next month. I put a Canon 5D with a heavy F4 zoom lens on it and the tripod does not topple forward. You can spread the legs right out almost horizontal and still it stays perfectly stable. Someone asked me why it doesn't it have support strut arms, and you can easily see it does not need it with the carbon fiber and magnesium construction remains totally stable fully loaded at any angle or height. I like everything about this tripod particularly when I combine it with the HDV503 fluid head and a second telescopic pan handle. You cannot go wrong for the price.

Mike S.

2012-08-12T21:00:00

Although I was hesitant to stretch my budget, I'm glad I did.. I wont be buying another tripod for a very long time. I wish it collapsed to a little shorter height but that is not really a negative, I was going for stability and I got it! I narrowed it down to the 3 and 4 section manfrottos and came to the conclusion that the carbon fiber unit was worth the extra money. For travelling and hiking the 4 section version may be better for you. Initially I had an issue returning the center colun to vertical and stowing it. I found that I wasn't unscrewing the vertical column clamp quite enough, now it operates very smoothly. I would buy this one again!

STEVE G.

2012-07-27T21:00:00

After years of carrying a heavy tripod, now I'm quite light with this one, and it's very sturdy.

Dr H.

2012-07-15T21:00:00

This is a well built and stable tripod. The high ratings by serious photographers and pros led me to this model. I am certainly not disappointed with my choice. I haven't used the flip-over center column yet, but I"m sure I will. The design is ingenious and works like a charm (Very easy and stable). The flip-lock legs are quick and secure. The fact that it is 3-sections instead of 4 sections makes it not as compact, but makes up for it in added stability.

Ray N.

2012-05-14T21:00:00

Using this to support a Swarovski spotting scope and it works great. It is light enough to pack in and steady enough to glass at full magnification all day.

STEVE Y.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Hiking in to a shot is more pleasant with the lighter tripod. It's plenty stable in any situation I've thrown at it. I'm not as happy about the way you have to move the post out of the way to get to low shots. It's awkward in many situations. A short center post is a MUCH better idea.

CAROL B.

2012-04-22T21:00:00

Solid and light this tripod equiped with the proper head will carry today's large DSLR and lens weight with no problem. Lacks integrated spikes at leg ends. Great feel of carbon construction. A great product which should last many years. Cons: environmental concern since there is no recycling for carbon fiber ..

Patrick B.

2012-04-02T21:00:00

I love this tripod. Previously I had the 190XPROB, which was a little shorter and not carbon fiber. I wish I had bought this one first. Though I'm only 5'5" for some reason, I sometimes need to use the tripod at it's full height. It's light enough to carry around for awhile too. Very pleased.

Cheryl T.

2012-04-01T21:00:00

Very well made product. Highly recommended.

Kevin O.

2012-04-01T21:00:00

OUNCE YOU USE THIS YOU WILL BE RUINED ON ALUMINUM OR OTHER TRIPODS! YOU WOULD NOT PUT WA--MART CHEAP TIRES ON YOUR FERRARI WOULD YOU? SAME PRINCIPAL APPLIES HERE ! IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD ONE OF THESE THEN SAVE TO GET IT! SIMPLE.

MIKE S.

2012-03-12T21:00:00

I would get this tripod again - just wish I had the money to also get a super light weight for backpacking! This is a bit bulky to put on the pack for any distance.

JD

2012-02-26T19:00:00

I bought the three section tripod for use with a gimbal head and a 600mm lens. The tripod works just like it should, keeping the lens steady. Since the legs are long, I am able to adjust for uneven terrain by adjusting leg length. It is lightweight and easy to carry.

Just B.

2012-02-14T19:00:00

This pod does it all. Rigid and lightweight all in one package. Love the horizontal center mast for macro and low angle shooting. So far all hardware and joint holding up well. Only down side is the price! But after just a couple of uses I have found that it was worth the cost!

Ronald W.

2012-02-13T19:00:00

I bought this from a suggestion on a web forum. I was looking for something that was a lot stronger than my cheap local tripod purchase. I was amazed at just how strong this construction is, plus I have the added benefit of a tilting upright for when I want to take pictures looking down. Coupled with a Induro BDH0 head, this is a lightweight fully adjustable combination.

Randall H.

2011-10-02T21:00:00

I use this tripod daily for whenever I need stable, secure shots with no movement! It is built very well, solid construction & I especially love the extension part of the column that quickly converts to horizontal positioning of the camera for close to the ground type of shots!

Gene B.

2011-09-30T21:00:00

Easy to carry and set-up for wildlife photography. Very stable platform with gimbal head and large lens.

Robert M.

2011-09-25T21:00:00

I have been a photographer for some time. Although I don't do it for a living, I do shoot several hundred shots per week. I take a lot of wildlife, landscape and night shots. It was time to upgrade the equipment. I have invested significantly in cameras and lenses and want them on something solid. I am not disappointed in this. I considered the 4-section option, but went with three after reading several reviews.

CRAIG H.

2011-09-24T21:00:00

I use this tripod daily for most of my shots that need a motionless camera-night shots, wildlife, scenery, time exposures, etc. It is a very reliable tripod, built well & several features that I could not live without!

Gene

2011-09-17T21:00:00

Much lighter than the aluminum version which I carried for several years. Love the ease of extension on the legs, no twisting involved and positive locking in place. The center column that goes horizontal is very useful at times. Height is perfect for me without extending the center column.

DAVID R.

2011-09-08T21:00:00

This tripod is a great product. It is very solid, lightweight and well built. It's much lighter than my old aluminum tripod and handles with ease. You can't go wrong with Manfrotto tripods, especially the higher end carbon fiber ones.

Mymax 7.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

Great carbon fiber tripod that is lightweight, stable, very adjustable and built in bubble level. Gave it to my buddy for a trip to China and it held up with no problem. Would recommend without hesitation.

Ben G.