The Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs builds on the success of the 3011/3021 series, but has been redesigned to offer even better ergonomics of the leg-angle release mechanism, and improved quick action leg locks. While it can reach a maximum working height of 70" (178cm), it can also be used as low as 2.8" (7cm) by using the low angle adapter built in to the center column.
The 055XB provides speedy set-up coupled with added security with quick action, lever-type leg locks, low angle adapter and leg warmers. It is ideal for use with 35mm and light medium format photographic cameras, and digital or conventional type video camcorders.
| Maximum Height | 70.3" (178.5 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 54.1" (137.5 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 2.8" (7.0 cm) |
| Folded Length | 24" (61.0 cm) |
| Load Capacity | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip levers |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Center Column Sections | 1 (with built-in low angle adapter) |
| Center Column Type | Rapid sliding |
| Center Brace | No |
| Spiked Feet | Optional (190SPK2N) |
| Head Type | None |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 5 lbs (2.268 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Good Tripod
I like this tripod. It's a lot lighter then i thought it would be. And the quick release clamps on the legs for adjusting height are a MUST in my book! When you're out...Read complete review
I like this tripod. It's a lot lighter then i thought it would be. And the quick release clamps on the legs for adjusting height are a MUST in my book! When you're out on a job or trying to capture a moment you need to be able to adjust fast! And they quick clamps have always allowed me to do that. I wont buy the tripods with the screw nob type tighteners on the legs.
Also, I nice compact sized tripod. Great for storage or carrying around.
I bought this tripod as part of a kit with the Manfrotto 501 fluid head... and the only downside is that it didn't come with a carrying case.
I took an old folding lawn chair bag and use that sometimes. I also use an old duffle bag and carry a couple tri-pods at a time.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Three feet of clay
The centre column of this tripod will disappoint. First, it fits loosely and sloppily into the tripod main casting. It will raise the camera, certainly, but it inspires little confidence. Second, while...Read complete review
The centre column of this tripod will disappoint. First, it fits loosely and sloppily into the tripod main casting. It will raise the camera, certainly, but it inspires little confidence. Second, while the top plate of the centre column can be attached securely to the selected tripod head, no such assurance exists with the head attachment plate. This cleverly fits into the bottom of the column for storage, and that's where it should be left. When actually used, its lack of set screws (there are three in the full-sized column mounting casting) means that it's likely to unscrew inadvertently when panning to the left. This is not a good thing.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 119 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I had a hard time deciding between this tripod and the 190xb because of it's height and weight (i'm almost two meters).
this was no doubt the better choice for me as the maximum height with out the center column extended is 178 cm as opposed to the 118 cm 190xb and the difference between them is only 460 grams.
it's fast to open and close, durable and great to carry with a shoulder strap.
i use it with the 496RC2 Compact Ball Head - a match made in heaven!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
This is the third Manfrotto Tripod system I have bought. It has a very smooth pan and tilt. The legs stay locked and has not slipped.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
This is the third Manfrotto Tripod system I have bought. It has a very smooth pan and tilt. The legs stay locked and has not slopped.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I use the Manfrotto 055XB legs with the 501HDV video head for video and sometimes for stills. Even with the 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens, Zoom H4N, Rode mic and LED on-camera light mounted on the 7D or 5DMk2, these legs feel stable and secure. With the video head, the tripod setup is heavy to lug around over a day, but this is a great value for this price level.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I chose this model for general use with a Canon 7D and up to a 70-200mm zoom. It is well made, very sturdy, and provides a very stable platform. This model has a 74-inch maximum height, which makes it useful as a "light stand" for an off-camera flash. With this extra height, this tripod is a little heavier and longer when folded than ideal. I feel that the trade-off was worth it. My only minor criticism is the plastic wrench that is used to adjust the leg clamps. It snaps onto a leg for storage, but is knocked off too easily. I attached it to a tether to solve the problem.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I use this with a 5D Mk2 with a bracket and flash. it holds up nicely.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
This is an excellent tripod-definitely worth every penny! I highly recommended it for professional and personal projects!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I use this tripod with my DVX-100a, and a Manfrotto 503HDV head. It is more than sufficient, and provides a great platform for shooting video, concerts, and my Documentary films. It is a bit heavy, as it's not titanium, but then again, it's quite a bit cheaper than the titanium counterparts. I like the ease of use of the leg adjustment levers, and the option to change the spread on the legs, depending on the situation. The extended center rail is acceptable, but obviously without a gear driven rise, it's impossible to take the camera higher during shooting.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
A strong tripod for doing HDSLR video and for long exposures at night. Rugged and durable for traveling and all environments. Use it to support a 1Dmk4 and heavy glass regularly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I wanted a good tripod that would give me a stable platform to shoot off. It is a little heavy but not enough to really bother me and I feel the weight adds to the stability. I am very pleased with this tripod. A very good buy. I have come to expect quality from Manfrotto and this tripod did not disappoint me ! Would not hesitate to recommend this to my friends.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
Sturdiness and full length extention
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
It is a very stable and heavy duty tripod. It is able to adjust to many different heights and angles without much trouble. Can easily handle my D90 with no vibration.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
Solid feel.
Ability to get above a crowd at events.
Leg locks perform well.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
This is a wonderful tripod, strong and sturdy without being too heavy! I paired it with my Canon 7D and my 70-200 and it held up just fine! Love it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I bought this tripod legs with Manfrotto head. Fits well. No issues.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
Really great tripod for the money! Very sturdy and seems strong. Some might think it a bit heavy, but in my opinion I woudn't want it too much lighter because the weigh makes it just heavy enough to be very stable, but light enough to put over your shoulder and carry around. I bought it for a hunting/outdoor production and have plans too carry it all over themountains of Montana, so althouh I woudn't want to go any heavier, I think this is a good balance of the two.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I love this tripod! It's very sturdy and well-built. The range of height is fantastic and the legs are easy to adjust. Definitely a great purchase!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
The Manfrotto 055XB tripod is an extremely versatile tripod. I use it for both still photography as well as videography (DSLR) because it's both a light weight, yet very sturdy piece of equipment, that gets the job done. It's easy to carry around due to its minimum height when the legs are closed down, but the leg extensions also get to a good height for any shots that might call for it. The fact that the tripod itself comes with a low angle adapter that can be put in but just removing the main rod gives both photographers and videographers the ability to get low the ground without having to go out and invest in a hi hat. This feature in combination with the varying leg angles allowing the tripod to be completely flat with the ground make for a great purchase. Overall this tripod has everything that somebody shooting with a medium format camera could want. However, the only one thing that I WISH this tripod came with is a bubble level, however a Manfrotto spirit level can be purchased separately.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I originally bought a Manfrotto 294 with a panning head, then returned it for the 055 and 322 head.
This is rock steady, and the ball head with the "joystick" is a real pleasure to use.
I'm an "advanced amateur", and it is great that manfrotto makes professional gear at a realistic price point for people like me. At least for me, this is much easier to set up and use than the 294, and only a bit heavier and only a bit more expensive, especially with the rebate. At the same time, it is incredibly cheaper than the super fancy equipment that would be the next step up from here.
You shouldn't have any concerns about getting this unit.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 055XB Tripod Legs (Black) - Supports 15.4 lbs (7kg):
I was looking for a tripod that could be used in many outdoor situations from uneven surfaces to ground-level macro photography. So far I have been pleased. The tripod is easy to adjust, and the horizontal center post position allows me to extend the camera out over a subject, even at ground level. Everything works smoothly and quickly and holds steady under all situations I have encountered. The horizontal center post requires some common sense---don't try to place the camera too far out from the legs. And I would have preferred the lighter, but more expensive, carbon materials. But for my use, this is an excellent tripod.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »