Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black)
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.
- Center column can be quickly and easily swung from vertical to horizontal without any disassembly
- Horizontal column feature allows the tripod to reach extremely low positions
- 3-faceted center column which totally eliminates column rotation
- Redesigned more ergonomic flip locks, with only 45° of movement
- Leg warmers on 2 legs ease handling in extreme weather conditions, and help to protect the legs
- Four leg-angle settings (25, 46, 66 & 88°)
- Bubble level included
| 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) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 684 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (652)
- Unfolds quickly (472)
- Folds away (167)
- Lightweight (151)
- Versatile (14)
Cons
- Heavy (247)
- Cumbersome (13)
- A little heavy (6)
- Slightly heavy (4)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
Best Uses
- Portraits (433)
- Landscape/scenery (403)
- Night shots (369)
- Home (222)
- Wildlife (209)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (308), Semi-pro photographer (176), Pro photographer (87), Casual photographer (44), Enthusiast (32)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (377), Yes (16)
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.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Heavy but Study
Aluminum body is quite heavy.
When center column is fully extended and moved to a horizontal position, it feels less sturdy.
Good overall hight
Legs feel solid and slide in and out easily.
Aluminum body is quite heavy.
When center column is fully extended and moved to a horizontal position, it feels less sturdy.
Good overall hight
Legs feel solid and slide in and out easily.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 684 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Adjustable angle legs
- Good Stability
- Sturdy
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Very sturdy tripod, legs have good adjusting catches and the ability to alter the angles of the legs really helps get the right camera set up for every location.
The ability to shoot at only 3" from the ground is the main reason for buying this model.
Along with the 322RC2 grip action ball-head this tripod stands out above other manufacturers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Very sturdy and well built tripod legs. The ability to turn the center column horizontal is extremely nice and it's a very simple to do. I have the Manfrotto gearhead as the head and it's a great combination.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I've had multiple sets of Manfrotto legs over the last decade for various purposes, along with other manufacturer's offerings as well. Once I tried the 055XPROB, I'd found the one set I need for everything except ultralight traveling (for which I have a modifed ZipShot set).
I liked these so much, I sold off every other set of legs and use these exclusively. From Macro, to nature, to product shots for a catalog, these do it all. If you need weight and not your money, the carbon version is great, but for the money, the aluminum is a great set, and super sturdy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I use a Canon 7D for both stills and video, but primarily the latter. I purchased this tripod because I wanted durability and ease of use at a decent price.
This tripod would work fine, but you could also go with the Manfrotto 190XB. It's the exact same tripod, minus the fancy handgrip that this one has at the top of the legs.
I should also note that the piece on the 190xbPro that diffreniates itself from the standard 190xb is the exact piece that fell apart on the tripod that I received. I hadn't had it two weeks and was running a practice shoot when several components essentially fell apart. I would assume that it was a defective model and (hopefully) not the case for the entire line. But nonetheless, it reinforced the point that I was paying a good $70 more for something that is more a marketing tool than really useful and necessary.
Sent this one back and went for the 190xb.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
This tripod is durable and heavy duty but light and easy to move around. I've used it for work and it was wonderful in tight spaces.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Just a little heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I can say that this is the grand daddy of tripods
easy to set up, far as weight just a little heavy than others, but not bad enough. I would buy this over and over again,
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I already have had ballhead from the same manufacture, and I use with this tripod to take some shoots of birds in the park and others shoots of Potomac river. It is a nice stuff, sturdy and steady. Even I let myself for a little carelessness and my tripod just take care its-self. Of course it is a little heavy, but it gain me much much more than it is.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Solid build
Cons
- Heavy
- Too Big For Traveling
Best Uses
- Fire Works
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Use it to take photos at night and firework. also use it to record some videos on my little one. the Tripod is great very easy to use and very solid.
I would of rather have a lighter smaller Tripod for traveling. this Tripod was too big and heavy for traveling.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Product Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
This is my first Manfrotto Tripod, my homework and the reviews didn't lie to me. It is everything I wanted in a tripod at a reasonable price. Not too heavy and small enough when folded up. The ball head I got for it cost just as much as the tripod did but that is a separate review.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Heavy duty good outdoors on windy and all types of weather
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Great Construction
- Trust with expensive gear
- Unfolds Quickly
- Worth bit extra weight
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I use it with a Manfrotto 410 junior gear head which I also recommend.I put my celestron (also recommend) regal 100 F-ED spotting scope. Magic combo for looking at stars and also whales. Because of the high magnification and distant objects I need something that is completely sturdy and also easy to focus and refocus. The geared movement of the 410 makes this a dream. It is so easy I love it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I purchased another tripod from another web site and after getting this one I sent the other one back. This is solid and sturdy and holds my Nikon D7000 very nicely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I really like the sturdiness of this trip. It is light and easy to use after I figured out how to adjust the center pole to go sideways. I would recommend this tripod to everyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
I got the tripod to use in studio settings. It is perfect! Very easy to
adjust height and easy to move around. I would not suggest as a hiking or travel tripod, as the legs are pretty heavy!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Overall the tripod is nice and offers a lot of setup options.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
What I expected. Well made functions as advertised.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
It's a great tripod that I ever have. Strong and stable. One thing I like much is I have 234RC monopod ball head w/quick release plate permanently attach to my camera because it is compatible with my 496RC ball head plate that I use for this tripod...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Folds Small
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Very stable, great options on spreading the legs real wide for windy situations.
Macro mode a must for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
A solid platform for my DSLR, spotting scope and video camera. Manfrotto quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Unfolds Quickly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black):
Very sold product easy to use and very stable fully extended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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