Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg)
With a full range of professional features and the innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism, the 458B is geared for the professional photographer on location.
The Manfrotto 458B features the innovative NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism. The legs open up by simply pulling down on each one, and automatically lock into any position, with no screws, knobs or levers to tighten. By pressing the release button at the top of the legs the legs can be collapsed again fully, or locked at any intermediate point for perfect positioning. And this innovative mechanism exerts more locking power the heavier the weight pushing down on it from above.
Other professional features include improved minimum-maximum height range, two section center column for low angle work and four leg angle positions.
- NeoTec rapid opening and closing mechanism
- Four leg angle settings (25°, 43°, 73° & 90°)
- Two-part center column allows for low angle use without having to remove the camera or reverse the column
- Top casting allows for horizontal use of the center column, for macro or unusual angles
- Carrying strap can be used to support a counterweight
| Maximum Height | 61.4" (156 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 51.6" (131 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 3.9" (10 cm) |
| Folded Length | 25.2" (64 cm) |
| Load Capacity | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Push-pull (closes leg lock release button) |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Center Column Sections | 2 |
| Center Column Type | Sliding |
| Center Brace | No |
| Spikes | No |
| Head Type | None |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 5.3 lb (2.4 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 49 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (20)
- Unfolds quickly (20)
- Easily adjusted (18)
- Smooth movement (17)
- Good footing (16)
Cons
- Heavy (16)
Best Uses
- Home (19)
- Landscape/scenery (15)
- Travel (14)
- Night shots (12)
- Portraits (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (9), Pro photographer (9), Enthusiast (8), Semi-professional (7), Semi-pro photographer (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (16)
Most Liked Positive Review
Simply incredible!
I bought the NeoTec 458B as part of a package that included the 322RC2 ball grip and the quick release shoe mount. I hated using my old tripod. Each leg extension had to be ...Read complete review
I bought the NeoTec 458B as part of a package that included the 322RC2 ball grip and the quick release shoe mount. I hated using my old tripod. Each leg extension had to be released, positioned and locked. The camera was then mounted on the pan head and screw locked in place. After completing the shots, the camera had to be removed (I'd never trust carrying it on the tripod for more than a short distance.)
The NeoTec 458B is a joy to work with. I can quickly pull the legs out to the desired length without releasing latches. Each leg can be adjusted to a shorter length with the push of a button and pushing the leg up or just pressing down on the leg. The 322RC2 ball grip is perfect for quick adjustments and the quick release is great for fast removal of the camera. Then, I just collapse the tripod by pressing leg release buttons simultaneously and pushing down on the legs. I press the ball grip handle and the tripod and handle line up vertically. I'm ready to move to my next photo site.
There are additional features that are also great like legs that can be positioned horizontally to 180 degrees, removable center column that can also be positioned horizontally and an integrated carrying handle.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Didn't live up to the hype
After doing very extensive research, I took the plunge and ordered this tripod. Here are the main reasons I chose this one over the others I was considering:
1. No manua...Read complete review
After doing very extensive research, I took the plunge and ordered this tripod. Here are the main reasons I chose this one over the others I was considering:
1. No manual locks on the leg sections
2. Pull legs out instantly to lock them at any position
3. The ability to level it easily on uneven terrain
4. Many positive reviews
After receiving it, I certainly wasn't disappointed in the build quality. It feels good and solid in your hands, looks great, and it wasn't too heavy for me at all, even though some reviewers complained about the weight. Instead of feeling too heavy, it felt solid and well-built to me... a very important factor considering the fact that it is supporting thousands of dollars worth of gear on top!
The legs do, indeed, pull straight out without having to unlock any clips. This is a very nice feature. But unfortunately, that's where my love of this tripod ended. I hate to be the black sheep of the family and go against all the glowing reviews of this unit, but here are the reasons I couldn't end up keeping it:
1. Extending the legs is NOT a smooth process at all. In fact, these are without a doubt the least smooth legs I've ever encountered on any tripod. While I love being able to pull the legs out without fiddling with leg locks, I found that all three legs had to be tugged and persuaded considerably in order to extend. They stuck at different points and the movement felt somewhat gritty and "herky-jerky" rather than smooth. I worked with this over and over again, hoping it would start to loosen up, but it didn't. For the movement of a brand new tripod to feel like it was rusted just wasn't something I was willing to put up with.
2. As other reviewers have already pointed out, you cannot grab any of the legs in the upper two sections, or you will end up with a hand full of grease. The top two sections of each leg are coated in some kind of lubricant. Only the bottom section is dry. While this does not present a big problem when extending the legs (since you typically grab the bottom of each leg to pull them down,) this does present enormous problems when trying to perform all other adjustments on the legs. Just try changing the spread of the legs or picking the tripod up to move it without ever touching the upper two-thirds of the legs! That is an extremely difficult thing to do. The only place I found that you can grab without getting grease all over your hands in on any of the rings that connect the leg sections together. However, those rings are only about an inch tall at most, which means you can only grab them with your thumb and index finger... hardly enough to maneuver a large tripod with heavy gear on top.
3. One of the main reasons I was so eager to own this tripod is because it was supposed to be very easy to level the legs on uneven terrain. You just press the buttons on top of all three legs simultaneously, then lower or raise the unit to any desire position. Boy, what a photographer's dream that would be! Sadly, this feature didn't work well at all. With the legs fully extended, I pressed the three buttons on top, then pushed down on the tripod. It took a fair amount of force to lower the legs... but the real problem was that if you got the tripod lower than you wanted, you could lift it back up, but the legs would not extend back out on their own due to issue #1 I mentioned above! So you still had to end up reaching down to the very bottom of each leg and manually extending them again. This was a huge disappointment.
I eventually decided to return it, because, in reality, the very features I bought it for did not work as I had hoped. I ended up purchasing another model that was in my original top 3 -- the Manfrotto 055XPROB. Even though it was a fraction of the cost compared to the NeoTec, from the moment I unboxed the 055XPROB, I knew it was a much better choice. It is a rock solid unit which feels even sturdier and more rugged than the NeoTec. It stands much taller than the NeoTec, and since I'm 6'2" it means I can pretty much see through my viewfinder at eye level on this tripod without ever raising the middle extension tube, which of course means better stability all around. The legs on the 055XPROB are absolutely silky smooth to open and close -- the polar opposite of the NeoTec! And the 055XPROB also comes with padding on two of the legs, which makes it much easier to grab and maneuver, gives better grip, keeps your hands from touching freezing metal in the winter, and provides nice cushioning while carrying the tripod and heavy ballhead and camera gear attached.
All in all I am extremely pleased with the 055XPROB over the NeoTec, even though I still have to mess with leg locks. I found that I can actually set up, adjust, level, and close this tripod faster than the NeoTec, because I'm not having to work around all those other issues I mentioned. Plus I don't end up with grease all over my hands... something I wasn't thrilled about when handling expensive cameras and lenses!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 49 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
This tripod is the fastest to setup and easiest to use that I have seen.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clever unlock design
- Good Stability
Cons
- Greasy
- Gritty leg movement
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
After doing very extensive research, I took the plunge and ordered this tripod. Here are the main reasons I chose this one over the others I was considering:
1. No manual locks on the leg sections
2. Pull legs out instantly to lock them at any position
3. The ability to level it easily on uneven terrain
4. Many positive reviews
After receiving it, I certainly wasn't disappointed in the build quality. It feels good and solid in your hands, looks great, and it wasn't too heavy for me at all, even though some reviewers complained about the weight. Instead of feeling too heavy, it felt solid and well-built to me... a very important factor considering the fact that it is supporting thousands of dollars worth of gear on top!
The legs do, indeed, pull straight out without having to unlock any clips. This is a very nice feature. But unfortunately, that's where my love of this tripod ended. I hate to be the black sheep of the family and go against all the glowing reviews of this unit, but here are the reasons I couldn't end up keeping it:
1. Extending the legs is NOT a smooth process at all. In fact, these are without a doubt the least smooth legs I've ever encountered on any tripod. While I love being able to pull the legs out without fiddling with leg locks, I found that all three legs had to be tugged and persuaded considerably in order to extend. They stuck at different points and the movement felt somewhat gritty and "herky-jerky" rather than smooth. I worked with this over and over again, hoping it would start to loosen up, but it didn't. For the movement of a brand new tripod to feel like it was rusted just wasn't something I was willing to put up with.
2. As other reviewers have already pointed out, you cannot grab any of the legs in the upper two sections, or you will end up with a hand full of grease. The top two sections of each leg are coated in some kind of lubricant. Only the bottom section is dry. While this does not present a big problem when extending the legs (since you typically grab the bottom of each leg to pull them down,) this does present enormous problems when trying to perform all other adjustments on the legs. Just try changing the spread of the legs or picking the tripod up to move it without ever touching the upper two-thirds of the legs! That is an extremely difficult thing to do. The only place I found that you can grab without getting grease all over your hands in on any of the rings that connect the leg sections together. However, those rings are only about an inch tall at most, which means you can only grab them with your thumb and index finger... hardly enough to maneuver a large tripod with heavy gear on top.
3. One of the main reasons I was so eager to own this tripod is because it was supposed to be very easy to level the legs on uneven terrain. You just press the buttons on top of all three legs simultaneously, then lower or raise the unit to any desire position. Boy, what a photographer's dream that would be! Sadly, this feature didn't work well at all. With the legs fully extended, I pressed the three buttons on top, then pushed down on the tripod. It took a fair amount of force to lower the legs... but the real problem was that if you got the tripod lower than you wanted, you could lift it back up, but the legs would not extend back out on their own due to issue #1 I mentioned above! So you still had to end up reaching down to the very bottom of each leg and manually extending them again. This was a huge disappointment.
I eventually decided to return it, because, in reality, the very features I bought it for did not work as I had hoped. I ended up purchasing another model that was in my original top 3 -- the Manfrotto 055XPROB. Even though it was a fraction of the cost compared to the NeoTec, from the moment I unboxed the 055XPROB, I knew it was a much better choice. It is a rock solid unit which feels even sturdier and more rugged than the NeoTec. It stands much taller than the NeoTec, and since I'm 6'2" it means I can pretty much see through my viewfinder at eye level on this tripod without ever raising the middle extension tube, which of course means better stability all around. The legs on the 055XPROB are absolutely silky smooth to open and close -- the polar opposite of the NeoTec! And the 055XPROB also comes with padding on two of the legs, which makes it much easier to grab and maneuver, gives better grip, keeps your hands from touching freezing metal in the winter, and provides nice cushioning while carrying the tripod and heavy ballhead and camera gear attached.
All in all I am extremely pleased with the 055XPROB over the NeoTec, even though I still have to mess with leg locks. I found that I can actually set up, adjust, level, and close this tripod faster than the NeoTec, because I'm not having to work around all those other issues I mentioned. Plus I don't end up with grease all over my hands... something I wasn't thrilled about when handling expensive cameras and lenses!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Easy set up and down. The unit is not the lightest, but is also not too heavy. Solid platform. I recommend the carry bag as it also carrys my Monopod. Very happy so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I've used a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod for several years and got this tripod after seeing it demonstrated at a recent photography meeting. The feature that caught my attention was the leg adjustment. Now that I have this tripod, this feature is nice. It takes a little getting used to the operation but it can make for easier height adjustments than the twist/screw mechanism on the Gitzo. I also like the removable center column that allows for low shooting. Removing this center column takes about a minute or two.
On the downside, this IS an aluminum tripod and this is the downside to this tripod. Fundamentally, a tripod needs to be stable and there's just nothing more rock-solid than carbon fiber. Just go to a camera store at some point and see for yourself. I wish this design were available in carbon fiber and not only aluminum. Also, the piece that attaches to the base of the camera or plate is made from plastic and althought this piece is high-quality plastic, this piece is not as rigid as metal.
This tripod is full of tradeoffs like so many pieces of gear including its price. I plan on keeping it to use in situations where my rock-solid Gitzo doesn't have the features that this tripod offers. In situations where the rigidity of the platform is paramount, this (or any aluminum tripod) is not the tripod of choice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Balanced combination of Weight and Steady,
Easy to use, since the tripod leg is controlled by three BUTTONS!
I use it with a Manfrotto 3 way standard head.
Highly recommanded.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I avoided using a tripod before because I couldn't be bothered with clipping and unclipping the legs. Problems solved. This tripod is so quick that its a pleasure to use. Just pull out the legs and your good to go.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I love how easy it is to adjust and collapse this tripod. It was a little heavier than expected, but it's a sweet piece of equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I am really happy with this product. I didn't want the hassle of turning knobs or screws, so this was the perfect solution. It sets up and adjusts quickly and is very good for adjusting on uneven surfaces. The only thing missing is a bag to carry it in:)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Architecture
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
This tripod uses a system where the legs can adjust with the reach of your finger tips is very convenient for all kinds of shootes especially for uneven rough terrain... The neotec is versatile and light for its class and price, I bring it on all my shoots!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Absolutely rock-solid
- Easy Levelling
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro photography
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I received my Manfrotto 458B Neo Tec Pro from B&H on August 23, 2010. I have used it extensively since and am absolutely happy with it.
I use it with Manfrotto's 405 Pro geared head and camera/lens loads of up to about 4kg.
The tripod is absolutely sturdy, showing no flex whatsoever. It is not a light-weight, but the solid construction makes it worth living with the weight. The weight also helps to steady the tripod and it is not easily tipped or blown over.
The leg adjustment and automatic lock work seamlessly and positively and without slip, and are a great improvement over the usual clamp system! They make fine adjustments to level the head a lot easier than they are with clamps!
Releasing the locks can sometimes be a little difficult, but rather that than that they should slip!
I highly recommend this tripod!
While I am not a pro-photographer, I have been using SLRs and tripods since 1964.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
A rock-solid perfomer!
The promise of a quick setup and leg adjustments (especially on uneven ground) is what attracted me to the NeoTec- it delivered.
The lubricated legs take a little getting used to but once you get into the habbit of handling the legs from the base, its a breeze and sticky fingers will not be an issue.
The legs are rock solid once fully extended, as expected.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid built
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
The build and the materials for the NeoTec Tripod is astonishing. The solidity and the way it stands perfect for sturdy jobs even if it requires heavy equipment to be attached.
The mechanism is solid.
The versatility of 90 degree twist on the middle pole is great.
satisfied.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Use this for all of my photo shoots outdoors. It is super quick to adjust the height compared to the old knob type.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I purchased this tripod for using with a 29" DP Slider and a Canon D7. It is easy to setup and lightweight so it is a good choice for the event filming I do. I wouldn't want to use my EX1-R on it, but it is perfect for the weight of a slider and a DLSR.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Stiffens with age
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I shoot portraits, weddings, and nature/wildlife. Quick setup during weddings mainly used with 70-200 2.8 and solid for wildlife and 300-400mm use. It's not as heavy as my old Bogen 3221 legs.
One draw back is that if you want to put shoulder pads on you'll have to extend legs first then install pads. This also means that you'll need to wear gloves if you plan on carrying it in cold weather unless you extend the first section of legs first and install pads.
After using for three years, the legs still slide out and lock in place without any give. I have noticed that they seem a little stiffer when shortening legs than when new. I haven't had any other issues with it. Still satisfied.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I mainly photograph families, children and newborns in my studio as well as on location. This tripod is perfect. So easy to use, the design is truly amazing. Love the carrying strap too!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Grease is a problem
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
The sticks are greasy so it was one more thing to remember when using this tripod. Grease on hands are not a useful addition when run and gun. [...] but the ease of resetting leg height was fantastic.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I used a friends tripod on a few occasions and fell in love with it. I have a much larger tripod that I use with big glass or when I'm stationary, but this tripod is great for on location work with small to medium lenses and travels very easily. It is super easy to move up/down the legs and make quick adjustments.
Pros
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Better built than I thought. It raises up pretty high for a medium tripod, and also a little heavier; good for stability, but not so much useful for hiking or prolonged use.
Never hold/grab/pull tripod by the legs during transportation; they will come out/deploy themselves rapidly, as they are supposed to.
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod Legs - Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Super easy and quick to extend legs. Nice carrying strap-handle design.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Ball Heads
- Price: $135.99
Leg Protection
- Price: $29.29
Bags & Cases
- Price: $39.07
Dollies
- Price: $39.95
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
What's in the Box
- Detachable Carrying Handle
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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