The Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs builds on the success of the 3011/3021 series. It features the Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature, which allows the center column to flip quickly and easily from vertical to horizontal. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung over to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. The ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks have also been improved.
The 055XB provides speedy set-up coupled with added security with quick action, lever-type leg locks. It is ideal for use with 35mm and light medium-format photographic cameras, and digital or conventional type video camcorders.
| Material | Aluminum |
| Maximum Height | 70.3" (178.5 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 55.9" (142 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 3.9" (10 cm) |
| Folded Length | 25.8" (65.5 cm) |
| Load Capacity | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip levers |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Center Column Type | Rapid sliding |
| Center Brace | No |
| Spiked Feet | No |
| Level | Bubble |
| Head Type | None |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Sturdy good all rounder tripod
Tripods are one of those things where the best tripod is only going to be the one best suited to your overall needs. So I'll elaborate based on my own usage here and what worked...Read complete review
Tripods are one of those things where the best tripod is only going to be the one best suited to your overall needs. So I'll elaborate based on my own usage here and what worked for me.
My requirements for the tripod was that it be solid, realistically portable, overly configurable, and most importantly cope with the weight of a professional SLR body and large lens.
The 055XPROB for me fitted all these requirements the best, yet remained within the relatively affordable price bracket.
I use my tripod all general purpose activities, this includes landscape, events, portrait and macro photography.
The configuration I have uses a 488RC2 ball head, and the cameras used with it are a Canon EOS 5D with battery grip and a Canon EOS 1Ds MkII.
The hardest pushed use for it is probably in the macro field, where finite adjustment of axis and height can prove most useful. This tripod has no winding height adjustment, you just pull the column to height and wind the fastener to fix it there.
What it does have though is the ability to flip the vertical column horizontal, so the arm sticks out to the side. Which combined with a macro rail system for me proves more useful in macro photography than simply having the adjustable winding height.
The legs can be stepped out in independent angle stages, something you can't do when a brace links the legs together. Because the legs do move in stages though they won't slide out when used on slippery surfaces.
Your first inclination when thinking of angular stages though may be to think that having such stages rather limits the fluidness of angle you can set for the legs. In reality though the angles combined with the leg height adjustment provide you with smooth angular variations if needed.
So the system does differ to the simplicity of basic consumer setups, but once you learn how to use it you'll find that you're options are far greater, and with a little practice you can angle legs in a variety of different stages to sit the camera on a whole variety of ground bases and differing angles, something you can't do as widely with leg braces.
The weight of the tripod would probably be considered moderate to heavy, depending on your personal perspective. I'm used to hauling a lot of gear when hiking, so the weight for me is a manageable trade off for the option of having it on hand, when packed or carried right.
The fact the tripod legs and locking clips are both rounded in shape, and sit firmly in place, means that I can strap the tripod to my pack and not be concerned about having it pulled away or having clips unlocking or broken off when navigating dense scrub.
All in all this tripod might not be the smallest and lightest tripod to carry for extended periods of time, but it's level of sturdiness and ability to cope with the weight of a pro SLR, as well as configurable nature and reasonable price, I'd say make it a good all round choice for pro-sumer and professional needs.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Pretty good but not great
bought these legs for the included spirit level for panos but the one I received was very inaccurate which made keeping it pointless. Very sturdy legs for the price but if you're attracted to the...Read complete review
bought these legs for the included spirit level for panos but the one I received was very inaccurate which made keeping it pointless. Very sturdy legs for the price but if you're attracted to the leveling capabilities look elsewhere. I returned the legs for gitzo gt2531 and the acratech gp for panos. You get what you pay for.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
A great tripod for location work. I replaced 3021 legs with these legs. The 055XPROB has better locking mechanisms to allow fast release/locking of the center column and the legs. The only downside is default leg spread - the legs do not spread as wide at the first "stop" setting as the 3021. This leaves the tripod prone to tipping over. I have to move the legs to the second "stop" in a given situation to avoid disasters. Otherwise, these legs are lightweight, sturdy, and an excellent choice for location work. My previous 3021 legs are 25 years old, which speaks highly to Manfrotto's engineering and quality.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I read just about all the reviews on Tripods.I was at 1st. open to try a number of the many tripods on the market, but I live in small town in Southwest New Mexico witch does not have a retail camera store. So my only choice was to buy online.
I've had years of experience with Manfrotto Legs & my overall experince has been very good.So I went with a product I felt comfortable with. I have found the 055XPROB Alum. tripod to be what they should be a top level set of legs.They are a bit heavy & I'm not going to climb mountains with them.They are a little stiff to open but my experince with other Manfrottos tripods they loossen up after continued use.For the money they are the BEST! I also want add B&H is one of best online retailers out there.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
tripod is extremely sturdy. Works great with my horusbennu LX5 ball head. It is a little on a heavy side but if you dont do any advanced hiking you will be fine with moving it around. Also for the price after the rebate it was hard to beat. Nothing really could come close
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I bought the 055XPROB tripod as part of a B&H kit which also included the Manfrotto 501HDV. I am using this system for my Canon XF100 camcorder. The tripod itself is quite sturdy and I can't imagine needing anything more. The 501HDV is really nice. For one thing, it comes with both 3/8" and 1/4" screws so there is no need to pay [$] for Canon's 3/8" adapter base. It also comes with a quick release "plate" so you don't need to spend $150 for Canon's product. The pan/tilt action of the head unit is adjustable and very smooth. The only caveat would be that the whole system is a bit heavy and not suitable for backpacking. Otherwise, it feels very solid and dependable.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I'm giving 5 stars for price/value considerations. Having several low end tripods, I'm amazed the 055XPROB alum. tripod has the quality, endurance, and price that it has. With a $25 rebate, it is a no brainer. Sure it's a little heavy, aluminum, is noisey when opening if you aren't careful, but after several years of usage, all functional aspects of this tripod still work without degradation. My other tripods all have failures. I was thinking abour selling it and getting a Gitzo, but after realizing how little I paid for this lens and the quality of this product, I'm definately holding on to it.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Easy to use right out of the box, no directions necessary. I have a 35mm Nikon F5 and a Pentax 67II Medium Format camera, this Tripod holds the 7 pound camera effortlessly with no vibration, even with legs fully extend. My hands remain warm when grasping the rubber grip. Best feature center column goes from vertical to horizontal allowing you to get a stable clear shot in squeeze tight situations. Manfrotto is a one stop tripod.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
That is what my wife said until she seen the difference in the stability of this tripod and my cheap $60 tripod. I came too close to loosing my $2000 dollars worth of camera and lens on the cheap tripod. This one is a lot more stable. Its heavy enough to stay put when working around the camera. It is worth the piece of mind.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Great medium duty tripod. Sturdy, opens and closes easily. Supports D300 with grip and 80-200 with no problems.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I really like the flexibility this tripod gives me, with the articulating head and neck I can get some great angles for overhead product shots.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I'm a photo enthusiast (not a pro). This is the first real tripod I've purchased. It's very well made and great quality. I also bought the Manfrotto - 324RC2 Joystick Head to go with it. I'm very happy with the purchase. I wish I would have bought something like this 3 or 4 years ago. I highly recommend.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
This is a well built tripod and very versatile. It is very sturdy and I feel comfortable trusting my Canon 70-200L F2.8 IS on it. I wish I could have justified the price for the carbon fiber model but it was to expensive right now for me. But this aluminum version isn't to heavy. Given that my last tripod lasted me 22 years, I think this one will last even longer because it seems better made than my old SLIK tripod. The leg locks are much sturdier than the SLIK leg locks.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
When used for landscape and night time photography the 055XPROB legs are a must have. They are relatively cheap in comparison to their quality competitors and packed full of features. These legs are extremely stable,and support a huge 8KG of weight which is more than enough for most applications.
The only qualm I have with these legs is when changing to horizontal center column mode the center column support must be loosened and in turn feels somewhat flimsy, this plays on the mind a little however has no real life effect on quality or stability.
All in all this is a great set of tripod legs for a photo enthusiast, amateur or even professional looking for a quality set of legs on a budget.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Durable, strong, very good quality, holds my d700 with grip and 24-70 perfectly
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I like the range of this tripod and ease of use. It's was a great purchase for my photography travels.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Lighter would be better but not willing to spend for a CF. Very easy to use and solid.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Very versatile!
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I am in love with this tripod.. I am so happy I invested the money for this very versatile, quality tripod. Best tripod i ever owned.
I use it for landscape, beauty and portraits, and architecture photographer.
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Great for tall photographers (6'3"), but also can be used a few inches from the ground. The legs completely release and the center column can be used at a 45 degree or other angle for macro work. Even angled down you will have great support for your camera and lens.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I wanted a well built tripod for some long exposure and multiple exposure creative work - this met all my needs. I considered lighter carbon tripods, but I didn't need the benefit (i.e. I'm not taking my tripod backpacking). I also looked at high end products (Gitzo), but concluded that this well regarded workhorse was good enough for me. So far it has perfromed flawlessly in meeting all my applications.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I ordered this tripod as a kit combined with the 808RC4 Pan Head. I have found the combination to be very stable, and suitable for my main purpose in use to photograph birds. The head adjustments are very smooth, and the tripod solid. What more could you ask? As always, B & H came through with excellent pricing and prompt delivery.
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