I'm looking at buying a Bogen/Manfrotto Mag Fiber 055MF3 Tripod. My gear is a 20d, 17-40, 70-200, and 100-400. I do mostly landscape and pano shots.
Any input on this tripod?
Thanks,
Gordon
It is my workhorse. It is a solid tripod that has great features for the money. Most of the time I don't carry the center column and it reduces the weight by 9 oz.
I have the 055MF4 for the added height and reduced folded size. Like jhom it's my workhorse and, again like jhom, I usually leave the center column at home. First, it reduces the weight and second it let's me get real low. Highly recommended - great price/performance ratio. Add a nice and light head (I use the Kirk BH-3, but the Markins Q-3 or M10, or the Really Right Stuff BH-40 are also great and fairly light) and you have a setup that will handle your stuff, take use and abuse and last for years and years. If I had an unlimited budget I'd probably have a Gitzo of some sort, but for now the Manfrotto is better than I need.
The 055 is a good tripod. Just be sure that you know that even though it is a composite tripod, it still isn't all tha light for its size. To get lighter though you need to spend a lot more money. All in all, a great compromise - stable, relatively inexpensive and relatively light.
if we compare apples with apples. the 055 vs the the G2228 its not that different. being just a few ounces apart. the Gitzo is more versatile but the price tag difference can be a sticking point at the time being nearly 2x of the 055.
the 055 is a good all around tripod in both quality and finction
