Manfrotto 190 (Bogen 3001) or Manfrotto 055 (Bogen 3021)? (3 Viewers)

[Jacamar]

I'm looking for opinions about which one of these tripod legs is more recommended for general birding with a Kowa TS-611 (60 mm):

Manfrotto 190 (Bogen 3001)
Manfrotto 055 (Bogen 3021)

I am 5' 9", so the extra height of the 055 is not essential, but I like the easier method of locking the legs (it has flip tabs, while the 190 has winged screw knobs). The only downside for me is that the 055 weighs a while pound more than the 190. Is this extra weight worth the convenience of being able to set up the tripod faster? I have almost no experience with carrying a tripod and scope, so I don't know how much difference a pound will make.

By the way, I am not planning to take up digiscoping, so that does not have to figure in your response.

Thanks,

 

[postcardcv]

Given your height and the fact that you're using an angled scope I am sure that the 190 will be fine. It is not quite as stable as the 055, but this only really becomes an issue for digiscoping, so not aproblem for you. As for the leg locks, you should be able to get the 190 with the lift locks rather than the twist ones - look out for a 190v.

 

[scampo]

The 190 will be absolutely fine - the locking mechanism is still easy and quick. The extra weight of the 055 makes a definite difference if you travel with your kit. If you do intend to travel far, a carbon fibre tripod + 700RC2 is unbeatable. I now couple a Velbon CF tripod with the 700RC2; with the Nikon ED50 it creates the most portable kit imaginable outside of using a shoulder pod.

 

[Jacamar]

Thanks for the advice.

Steve, can you recommend your Velbon model for use with the Kowa 60mm? If so, what model is it (or is it a carbon fibre)? I'm hoping to buy from eBay (provided I can get a good deal), so the more options I have the easier it will be to find a good deal.

 

[RAH]

I agree that the 190V is what you want. The V model (similar to the US model 3001BD) has flip-lever leglocks. You can see it here (I don't know this store, but I found it with a search):

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/page268.htm

As I mentioned elsewhere, you can get the enhanced "pro" model with a collar that allows horizontal mounting of the center column. It is model 190PROB and only costs 5 more than the 190V.

I use this model (actually the US version 3001BPRO), plus the 700RC2 head. Works great.

 

[scampo]

Thanks for the advice.

Steve, can you recommend your Velbon model for use with the Kowa 60mm? If so, what model is it (or is it a carbon fibre)? I'm hoping to buy from eBay (provided I can get a good deal), so the more options I have the easier it will be to find a good deal.

Hi - it's the Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-531 EL. I bought it for around £120.00 in the UK - which seemed a good price at the time. It's at the lower end of Velbon's carbon fibre range from what I can see - I don't know what the higher models offer that this lacks. I've put the 700RC2 head on it which creates a combination that provides solid support for either my Nikon ED50 or Zeiss 85. It's not as tall as the Manfrotto 055 and this does mean that I have to raise the centre column more - but then I am 6' 4". I haven't, so far, noticed this has caused stability problems.

 

[baillieswells]

Hi - it's the Velbon Sherpa Pro CF-531 EL. I bought it for around £120.00 in the UK - which seemed a good price at the time. It's at the lower end of Velbon's carbon fibre range from what I can see - I don't know what the higher models offer that this lacks. I've put the 700RC2 head on it which creates a combination that provides solid support for either my Nikon ED50 or Zeiss 85. It's not as tall as the Manfrotto 055 and this does mean that I have to raise the centre column more - but then I am 6' 4". I haven't, so far, noticed this has caused stability problems.

I too use a Velbon/Manfrotto combination, with which I am most satisfied. The Velbon carbon fibre Sherpa Pro CF 630 with the Manfrotto 701RC2 head. I tried both the Velbon and Manfrotto carbon fibre tripods and preferred the Velbon. However, my heaviest combination is a Canon 350D with a Sigma 170-500mm lens. You shouldn't really decide until you have tried whatever models you are considering.