the manfrotto/bogen tripods are the same it seems except the MF3 has mag fibre legs. It costs much more but only weighs 1/2 pound less (5lbs vs 4.5 lbs). I'd love to save weight without sacrificing stability but this isnt much. Can anyone who knows these offer a comment ? (I'll use a pan/tilt head 804RC2 probably)
The 055 is the same as the old 3021 and the two you listed are essentially the same except their leg material. Manfrotto does some different things with the center column on the various 055 or 3021 models.
Honestly there are lighter carbon tripods of the same quality level in the same price range. Velbon, Giottos and Slik and some bigger names. Feisol and Benro plus Adorama's flashpoint series are out there too.
I personally have a 3021BN and a Velbon 630. The velbon is noticeably stiffer than the 3021BN and 2 pounds lighter. Unfortunately its also slightly shorter (maybe an inch or two). It doesn't have the horizontal center column option of the 055XPROB, but that isn't a feature I'm interested in using.
Besides the material difference between the aluminum XProB and the CF MF3, there is a major feature difference, the center column. The XProB has a single section column while the MF3 has a two section column. The MF3 will allow you to get closer to the ground by removing one section of the column. In turn, you will reduce the weight of the MF3 by 9 oz. The stability of the two is comparable. However, CF should give you more vibration reduction. If you don't use the center column much or want to reduce weight on some occasions, the MF3 will give you the advantage.
Thanks for these comments so far.
I am looking at the Manfrottos because I like the new quick releasing snap leg locks, and also the horizontal column.
I have a Feisol CT-3401 (CF) that I'll be selling after I get a replacement.
It's light and small and firm but it doesnt have enough height for me and also I'm tired of the rotating collar leg locks And of course no horizontal arm.
Except as a horizontal arm, I dont like to use the centre column if I can help it as it begins to vibrate and you start to lose the benefit of 3 legs. So the higher the legs go the better for me without column.
Regarding the comparisons of the Manfrotto aluminum and CF I cant quite visualize the advantage/disadvantage of a 2 part centre column? Unfortunately the local store doesnt carry them for me to see.
thanks
Frank
The split center column allows you to unscrew or remove part of the center column to get closer to the ground (with the legs spread out to their furthest articulation. The 055XPROB doesn't need this as the center column can rotate to horizontal to accomplish the same purpose.
Velbon has a similar flip lock to the Manfrotto for the legs. My Velbon 630 also has a 30/70 split center column for low angle work (or for just ditching some weight). As I mentioned my 630 is slightly shorter than the Manfrotto 055/3021, but I think taller than the Feisol you have if I remember which model that is correctly. The 055/3021 3 section tripod plate sits at 53" and my Velbon is right about 51" or 52".
Its not really clear if weight is a major consideration. It was for me.
It seems height is a major consideration for you. One of the tallest (and lightest) tripods in this class is the Gitzo 1540, but it also has a twist lock. The other tall tripod in the class is the Manfrotto 055MF4 (4 section carbon). According to Manfrotto's site, the 055MF4 is slightly taller than the MF3 and also more compact when folded.
The height of the head you choose can also make a difference. I have a nice 3-way panning head that is probably 4-5" tall. On the other hand my acratech ballhead is only 2" tall. You can tell a difference, but I'd rather carry the <1 pound ballhead in the field rather than the 3 pound panning head.
Usage is a factor here too - note that the MF3 is suitable for extreme environments, in other words no corrosion issues if you tend to use tripods on wet, sandy beaches, in shallow streams, swampy ground etc., in other words it's an 055 PRO B for the great outdoors. I am also considering these two tripods, have had a hands on with the aluminium 055, but find it heavy - I will need it for hiking and travel as well as out of the car boot and at home. So the versatility of the MF3 is attractive, but at 2kgs, there probably are lighter CF tripods - other brands could drop 500g (over 1 lb) on this, but for me, stability and solidity with tripods is a bonus. I had an episode with a light DV camera on a tripod on a windy day... good thing the camera was insured!!! I'm waiting for the camera store I use to get the MF3s in stock so I can get a real hands on.
