I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB but wanted to switch to the 055CXPRO3 because I wanted it to be able to handle a little more weight than my 190 and be a little more stable...while being relatively lighter weight to carry. I was just curious about the height of the tripod without the center column extended (56 inches). I don't know if it'll be too tall for me and if should just stick with the 190 or maybe go with the 190CXPRO3. I'm around 5'4". I would appreciate anyone who has used one that can give me a little more insight on this. Any suggestions for other alternative tripods (150-250$ range USED) are also welcome. Thanks.
Here is my review on the 055XPROB http://lambrightphotography.com/?p=492&preview=true I am 5'10 and mine the tripod to be a perfect height. So you would have to lower it a bit for you. I never touch the center column and I don't trust it's stability, although I'm using big telelphotos.