OK, sounds like a kid's book title, but I once again turn to this forum's expertise for some guidance. I've think I've narrowed down my choices to the Manfrotto 190XPROB or 055xPROB.I'm wondering what others think about these if you have had the chance to use them before. I've got a dilemma everyone else has. The 055XPROB is a quite a bit taller without the column extended, but is a bit bulkier and a little over a pound heavier. I'm 5'9' with an XSi and the standard 18-55 and 55-250 kit lenses so my gear is obviously not that heavy. A nice telephoto is on my wish list but probably not for another year or so. I tend to shoot outdoors, wild critters and landscapes and the like.Thoughts? The 055 is only about $23 more at Amazon than the 190 at the moment so price isn't a big deal. Decisions, decisions...Thanks for any input.

It would help to know what is the heaviest lens you have (or have immediate plans to purchase).

I looked at and handled both. Thought the 055 a little too heavy to carry any distance. At the time this was for 30D and 55-250IS. In the end went for Giottos 9351B, which was in between the two Manfrottos weight and height-wise. Happy with it, not sure it's available in the US. I now have the 500D and am pretty sure it would be fine with the 190 unless you are going for a very heavy telephoto lens. Also, head needs to be appropriately strong and probably rated at twice the combined weight of your heaviest lens/body combo.

I'm 5'9' with an XSi and the standard 18-55 and 55-250 kit lenses so my gear is obviously not that heavy. A nice telephoto is on my wish list but probably not for another year or soTo be more specific the Canon 100-400mm is the telephoto I'm eyeing, but that's a ways away.Shorthandwrote:It would help to know what is the heaviest lens you have (or have immediate plans to purchase).

I just got the 190XPROB a week ago. I'm 1.75m (5'9) and I was just thinking yesterday, while trying to get some shots of stars up above, that maybe I should have gotten the 055 for those extra centimeters. I don't think it would matter too much as I'd still have to extend the center column so as to not crouch under it.Regardless, I don't think I'll regret the 190 because it will be easier to lug around on trips to the mountain or abroad, and the cases where I'll wish it was slightly taller are probably not that many.Oh, btw consider that your tripod's head will add some more height to the legs. The 498RC2 I have adds 11cm.

Thanks, I'm thinking of pairing this with the Manfrotto 496 head. Seems to be a pretty common and good value pairing.Faniswrote:I just got the 190XPROB a week ago. I'm 1.75m (5'9) and I was just thinking yesterday, while trying to get some shots of stars up above, that maybe I should have gotten the 055 for those extra centimeters. I don't think it would matter too much as I'd still have to extend the center column so as to not crouch under it.Regardless, I don't think I'll regret the 190 because it will be easier to lug around on trips to the mountain or abroad, and the cases where I'll wish it was slightly taller are probably not that many.Oh, btw consider that your tripod's head will add some more height to the legs. The 498RC2 I have adds 11cm.

Ive got the 055 and 498rc2. Built like a tank, very impressed with the quality and features, has no problems handling a 550d and Sigma 150-500mm. Im 5'11 and I like the fact that I dont need to extend the centre bar for my eye height. -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark-cooper/

Went through similar decision points. Decided on the Benro A1580F and am more than happy with it. Got it for somewhat less than the Manfrottos. Not sure if you are looking for Aluminum or Carbon Fiber - I decided on Aluminum at this time even though it is heavier than CF. Don't really trek around with a tripod that much.Also, picked up an inexpensive ballhead (~$25) that was surprisingly well made. Probably not as good as the 496RC2, but it seems to do the job OK so far at 1/3 the price. Good for over 8 lbs which is much more than any setup I presently have.Steve W.

I went through basically the same decision and got the 190cx3 with the 496 head. I was concerned about the height, but it has become a non issue. I don't spend hours and hours peering through the viewfinder and just don't feel a need for the extra couple of inches. The lighter weight makes the tripod much more usable on a regular basis. FYI, the tripod and head are both solid pieces of equipment.