Manfrotto 190CX PRO 3

[aikensflame]

Is anyone using the 190CX PRO 3? I'd love to hear your comments. Also which ball head are using with it"

[rpk717]

I have no personal experience with this tripod but I checked it out and can make some comments.

Some of the highlighted features included:

• 3-faceted 100% carbon fiber center column, which totally eliminates column rotation

This sounds good. The legs not rotating sure helps speed up the setup in the field.

• Redesigned more ergonomic flip locks

I personally don't like the flip locks, for one thing they make a noise and if you're trying to be quiet and not scare the subject that could be a problem.

• Built-in low angle adapter in the center column for ground level shots

I would not buy a tripod with a center column. Effectively turns a tripod into a monopod.

• Four leg-angle settings (25,46,66 & 88°)

This seems very limited, I would want to be able to spread the legs out to a 180° so I could get down to ground level.

Overall this would not meet my needs for a tripod for my shooting style. I would get a Gitzo.

[calmerini]

I have seen others using this tripod and they were positive in their comments.

I am not sure you want another opinion on this but I 2nd the idea for the Gitzo. as 3 time purchaser of the wrong tripod, I finally splurged on the Gitzo Carbon Fiber GT2530 and removed the center column- Kirk sells a very nice self-conversion kit. This tripod fit my requirements of laying flat (after conversion), height & most importantly weight. My biggest lens currently is a 300mm F4 Nikon with my D300 fit very well with the load requirements.

Bigger lenses on your part may require a GT3530 or bigger tripod by Gitzo.

As for the Ball Head Choice it is similar to the tripod- go and buy the one forever now. I use Kirk BH-3 on mine and love it. The Arca Swiss Ball Head style is really the way to go- Kirk, Arca Swiss & Really Right Stuff are all excellant and will last.

Good Luck!

[SkipP]

I have the aluminum version of this tripod so some of the features will cross over. First is Robert's point. Why is says the max leg angle is 88 degrees, I have no clue. Perhaps it's 88 degrees from the center column angle? This thing will sit almost flat to the ground. I find that part very useful. Also, the center column will adjust so it's is parallel to the ground. It then becomes, not a "center column", but a horizontal slide.

This is not my "primary" tripod and, if it were, it would be a disappointment. I wanted a tripod that would work low for macro shooting and for this, it's great. Once you get the hang of the center column and making it parallel to the ground, it's amazingly useful. It doesn't feel stable enough for my 30D with Sigma 100-300 f4 though. Especially with the legs at their minimum angle setting.

The Manfrotto 055 is the big brother to this tripod but I don't know if there is a Carbon fiber version or not.

I'm convinced that the "perfect" tripod has yet to be made!

[rpk717]

First is Robert's point. Why is says the max leg angle is 88 degrees, I have no clue. Perhaps it's 88 degrees from the center column angle? This thing will sit almost flat to the ground. I find that part very useful. Also, the center column will adjust so it's is parallel to the ground. It then becomes, not a "center column", but a horizontal slide.

I'm convinced that the "perfect" tripod has yet to be made!

Well that changes my biggest issue with this tripod, actually sounds like it may be better than my Gitzo. I would like to be able to lock the legs almost flat with the ground.

I agree none are perfect. Thanks for the clarification Skip.

[aikensflame]

Thanks all for your input.
I went ahead and ordered the Manfrotto 190CX PRO 3 together with a Kirk BH-3 ball head.
I hope this combo will serve me well for the equipment I shoot and the way I do it.

Thanks again, for your helpful advice.

Mike Kleiman