Hello All,
B&H is running a sale on the Manfrotto 055XPROB sticks with the 498 RC2 ballhead. I am considering making a purchase in the near future. But before I do, I figure, lemme run it by the FM gurus for feedback.
So waddayathink?
My gear is currently a Canon 20D with 18 - 55 kit lens & 50mm 1.8, & 55-250 IS. I am in the market for a 5DII, 24-70L, & if I'm lucky a 70-200 2.8 II.
I think the legs are a great value. I'm not as big a fan of the head - I find it kind of fiddly. Hard to beat the overall price.
I wound up with a BH-40 and I'm thrilled, plus Arca gives you more versatility for L-plates, etc. But is is pricey. Staying with Manfrotto, I think their new Magnesium heads are pretty nice, and less fiddly than the 498RC2.
Thanks M635,
that's definitely something to consider. A friend recommended this combo, so I have no experience with it, or with any quality tripod set-up. I know that the mantra around these parts is to "spend the dough for quality your first time out, 'cause you will eventually". But I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost. The good thing is, the sale is on until mid Jan. so I have time to think.
Thanks Again & on a completely unrelated note, I have an old 633csi which I don't use much anymore. still runs & looks good though. Great Cars!
TurnerProfit wrote:
Thanks M635,
that's definitely something to consider. A friend recommended this combo, so I have no experience with it, or with any quality tripod set-up. I know that the mantra around these parts is to "spend the dough for quality your first time out, 'cause you will eventually". But I'm not sure I can justify the extra cost. The good thing is, the sale is on until mid Jan. so I have time to think.
Thanks Again
I think it boils down to your goals, what you shoot and your budget. I've been writing about this general area a fair bit on my blog lately - my semi-organized thoughts on tripods are here.
If you move around a lot, do landscapes, etc., you may find the 055's heavy. If you're OK dealing with that, they are great. They are also a little long to travel with on airplanes, etc. But in terms of load capacity and stability, the 055 with the Magnesium head would give you a great, quality setup with good handling for reasonable money.
Another thing to consider is whether you shoot portrait a lot. I'm loving the L-plate. A lot. But that puts you on Arca, which would be a bigger investment, especially since the the RRS L-plate for the 20D is $140.
There are some other thoughts on my blog on the tripod, etc. you might find interesting.
TurnerProfit wrote:
On a completely unrelated note, I have an old 633csi which I don't use much anymore. still runs & looks good though. Great Cars!
The legs are a good value. I have these exact same feet. I will say they are not for people with a heart condition. This is a somewhat heavy rig. I topped my unit off with the 327RC2 Joystick Ball Head to which you couldn't pry away from me with a tractor.
Looking mighty fine man! Mine is not in that condition, I'll see if I can get a decent pic.
John Skinner wrote:
The legs are a good value. I have these exact same feet. I will say they are not for people with a heart condition. This is a somewhat heavy rig. I topped my unit off with the 327RC2 Joystick Ball Head to which you couldn't pry away from me with a tractor.
The head is the best part... as usual
I love the joystick function but I'm a bit concerned about load capacity. According to the specs, the 498rc2 can hold a few more pounds & the Manfrotto 054 can hold even more. But I am considering it (054). All that aside, I did notice a B&H package delivered to my wife & it may contain the 498rc2 (it was about that size). If it is, & I decide I want the 054, I can just return it & upgrade since I live in NYC.
So I'm sold on the 055XPROB legs, just have a little thinking to do about the head.
gardenvalley wrote:
I`m not an expert but I think your car`s performance may improve slightly if you unhitch that large and ungainly display stand which you are towing
Yeah - that photo is pretty old, but I didn't have a lot of flexibility for framing. I was in an airplane hanger with a rare bird...
The guy who helped bring that plane up from under nearly 300 feet of ice was kind enough to open the doors and let me back in!
I have these legs along with the 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead. I use this with the pro series Nikon body, and a lens as large as a 300 2.8 and everything in between.
I've had people trip over the legs of this while it was loaded, I've hit it myself quite hard while working and not holding on to it.. I've never had so much as a near miss or fault.
Great legs though.. A bit on the heavy side, but it's well made and very sturdy..
LOVE your 635. When I was a teenager in the 80s, I dreamed of having one of those. I take trips to Germany every so often and did get to drive my friends 850i wide open on the autobahn last year. Loved it!
But that puts you on Arca, which would be a bigger investment, especially since the 
