Manfrotto 055XPROB (1 Viewer)

[oldgiteggy]

I'm thinking of buying the Manfrotto 055XPROB because I want a full height tripod for scoping, but like the horizontal arm for low macro photo work. Any opinions welcome, including a multi use head or places to buy, before I spend the Christmas money. Thanks

 

[Jim M.]

I'm thinking of buying the Manfrotto 055XPROB because I want a full height tripod for scoping

Hi Steven,

If you use an angled spotting scope (which I strongly prefer), the 055 series likely gives you more height than you need (which means you are carrying unnecessary weight) for scoping alone. I am 6 foot 2.5 inches, and find that 60 inches of total tripod height (including head) is entirely adequate, and 65 inches is plenty with an angled scope. The Manfrotto tripods are either too short (around 58 inches) or too tall (around 70 inches) for my purposes.

Since you are also using it for photography, this may not be an issue.

Jim

 

[RAH]

I think that the 190XPROB, which has the same horizontal center column capability, might be high enough, when you consider that a head adds at least another 4 or 5 inches, and especially if you have an angled scope. I have a 3001BPRO (which the 190XPROB replaces), and it is fine, although I'm not real tall.

I agree with your decision to get a tripod with the horizontal center column capability, if you are even thinking you might want to use it for photography. It adds little to the weight and not much to the price.

As far as a universal head good for scoping and photography, I suppose it depends on which you do most. I have a 700RC2 (the 701 is also popular but more expensive). It could be used for photography too, but it won't go vertical like a photo head will. A regular photo head like the 804RC2 (which I also have) wouldn't be too good to use for scoping, I don't think. One thing you could do, which I have had good success with, is buy a video head and a photo head, plus a short column (about $35) and permanently mount the less-used head on the short column. You can then switch heads quickly by just switching columns. (Of course, a short column wouldn't be much use horizontally. I just suggest it because they are cheaper than full-length columns)

 

[Tom Huck]

I have two 3021prob pods, (the forerunner to the 055) and the new 055xprob. It is a great setup for macro. I use the 055 with a sliding plate and qr adaptor, And find it excellent. I keep one 3021 in the trunk of the car, and one setup on the back deck where the deer and coyotes pass thru. I can put any camera on any tripod in a moments time, so the only thing I have to do is attach the lens to the camera body I want to use, no digging the pod out of the carrry case and extending the legs It works very well for me. I use strictly 488 ballheads, with rc2 qr plates, but as Rah says, the 3 way head might serve you very well. Good luck and God bless