Posted by Basil Greber on December 10, 2006 at 6:52 PM
Hi all
Some may remember that I asked about tripods a while ago. Well, in the meantime, I narrowed down the decision basically to the Manfrotto 055 (sturdy) and Manfrotto 190 (lighter, smaller) tripods.
Basically, my question is: How much stability do I give up by going for the 190 instead of the 055? Has anybody used both? How do they compare?
Many thanks!
Basil
Posted by Ott Luuk on December 10, 2006 at 10:20 PM
I`ve used both. I started out with a 190DB and a cheapo ballhead (352 IIRC). I sold it because I won a 055PRO and 141RC three-way head combo on a competition a couple of years later.
I used light camera gear on (my biggest lens was a cheap Canon 90-300) the 190 and it did very well and could have taken more. The 190 legset should be OK with lenses up to 300/4 with no problems, I think. I never had camera shake problems, even though I used it in some relatively extreme positions. Do yourself a favor and get a decent head. If you can`t afford a really good ballhead, I`d prefer a three-way head, at least for general photography.
The reasons I went with the heavy 055PRO even though I have mostly used it with tiny 28 an 50 primes (obvious overkill stability wise):
a) a girl I knew really needed a tripod - so she got my lightweight set. ;)
b) the 055PRO has superior features compared to my version of the 190: flip-locks on legs instead of wingnuts, the center post can be split so that you can use only a short part of it (loses weight if you don`t need the extra extension and allows the legs to fold flat on the ground). The center post can be used as a horizontal arm (good for some tough camera positions). I think some of these features are available on 190 models too. The horizontal arm configuration would IMHO be too much for the lighter legset.
c) the 055 is somewhat taller. I`m a bit over 180cm and I found the 190 legs tad too short without the centerpost extended.
d) the 055 has larger diameter legs and more mass - so it`s more stable. Even if it`s an overkill now, I don`t have to worry about the legset when I decide to upgrade to heavier gear. The heft of the 055 makes it much more stable on soft surface like thick peatbog moss or soft snow that I often have to struggle with. I`ve seen people use Canon`s older _non-stabilized_ 400/2.8L and 600/4L monster lenses with confidence and good results on the 055 legs (I wouldn`t recommend it for a 6kg lens, though). Others prefer heavier `pods with fully braced legs even if they never go bigger than a 500/4 IS.
A word of caution - the aluminum 055 legs such as mine are really HEAVY and BULKY compared to carbon fibre tripods of similar strength! Don`t get a tripod that you are not willing to carry.
One good piece of advice is to go to a camera shop and try them out - literally kick the tires Set your camera on various tripods, focus a telephoto or macro lens on something close and give a _little_ kick to the tripod leg while looking through the viewfinder. If the vibration dies off quickly, it`s good. Also try to lift the thing and attach it to your backpack if possible.
Overall, I think Manfrotto makes good legs. They are reasonably rugged and cheap enough so I don`t have to worry about breaking it. You can take the whole tripod to bits and pieces on your own to clean it when it gets gritty. Mine`s survived a lot of sand, mud, water and knocks and does not complain.
Good luck.
Posted by Kent Staubus on December 10, 2006 at 11:08 PM
One thing I've found with tripods was that I was better off buying "more" tripod than I thought I would need. After awhile, you get new camera gear and suddenly you need "more" tripod! Unless you do a lot of hiking, I would suggest going with the more solid of the two. Otto is right--don't be cheap with the head. I think it's actually more important than the tripod. The AcraTech Ultimate is excellent and one of the lower priced ballheads.
Kent in SD
Posted by Ed Dubois on December 10, 2006 at 11:24 PM
Hi Basil,
You don't mention what camera and largest lens you plan to use (unless I missed it in Part 1). I've used both and would recommend the 055 over the 190 as the 190 is pretty light. If your budget will allow it, the Gitzo 1325 is the same weight (or very close) as the the 055 but much more stable. I found that using my 500 f4 IS on the 055 I was losing shots because it just wasn't as stable as I needed. The Gitzo costs quite a bit more but is guaranteed for life so it should last you forever.
If your budget doesn't all the Gitzo then get the 055 and get some pipe insulation from a hardware store to pad and insulate the upper legs. This will make it easier to carry over your shoulder and much less cold on the hands.
Don't forget to get a good (or even better, excellent) ballhead. Since you're in Switzerland I suggest you look at the Arca-Swiss B1. This head will last you the remainder of you photographic life (with reasonable care) and can hold tremendous amounts of weight (over 40 kilograms if I recall correctly) without being heavy itself. Again, it'll cost a little more up front but consider it an investment.
Good luck.
Posted by Ott Luuk on December 11, 2006 at 12:15 AM
As to the insulation - my 055PRO came (factory spec) with handwarmers/paddings on _two_ legs. Weird that they skimped on the third leg but the existing pads improve the handling a great deal, especially with the -25 degrees (C) weathers we get from time to time
Posted by Basil Greber on December 11, 2006 at 1:23 AM
Thanks for your answers. I'm using a Nikon D100. The heaviest lens I have is a Sigma 500/7.2, which is pretty light for a 500. I'd guess it's not heavier than a 70-200/2.8 VR (which I don't have...).
Basil
Posted by Kent Staubus on December 11, 2006 at 9:30 AM
Basil--
My point was that right now you're using a somewhat light camera/lens, but if you eventually do get something bigger you will also be stuck having to buy a second tripod.
Kent in SD
Posted by Basil Greber on December 11, 2006 at 6:43 PM
Hi Kent
Yes, I did get your point. My reply was directed to Ed Dubois, who was wondering what kind of equipment I'd be going to load onto the pod. The biggest factor for me is stability vs. weight. The most fantastic tripod won't be of much use if it's too heavy for me to take on longer hikes, for example... I'm trying to figure out which compromise is the best one.
regards
Basil
Posted by Ed Dubois on December 11, 2006 at 6:54 PM
Hi again Basil. I guess only you can answer the question about how much weight you're comfortable carrying. My experience with the carbon fiber tripods is that they seem more inert when it comes to transmitting vibration. Since I shoot a large percentage of the time with my 500, frequently with a 1.4, 2X or even a combination of the 2 this feature is very important to me.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the ballhead is another source of possible looseness and vibration. If you try the combination of your longest focal length on a set of legs and a head you will see easily how all the components need to be easy to tighten to be sure you get maximum stability.
Discussion
8 repliesSome may remember that I asked about tripods a while ago. Well, in the meantime, I narrowed down the decision basically to the Manfrotto 055 (sturdy) and Manfrotto 190 (lighter, smaller) tripods.
Basically, my question is: How much stability do I give up by going for the 190 instead of the 055? Has anybody used both? How do they compare?
Many thanks!
Basil
I used light camera gear on (my biggest lens was a cheap Canon 90-300) the 190 and it did very well and could have taken more. The 190 legset should be OK with lenses up to 300/4 with no problems, I think. I never had camera shake problems, even though I used it in some relatively extreme positions. Do yourself a favor and get a decent head. If you can`t afford a really good ballhead, I`d prefer a three-way head, at least for general photography.
The reasons I went with the heavy 055PRO even though I have mostly used it with tiny 28 an 50 primes (obvious overkill stability wise):
a) a girl I knew really needed a tripod - so she got my lightweight set. ;)
b) the 055PRO has superior features compared to my version of the 190: flip-locks on legs instead of wingnuts, the center post can be split so that you can use only a short part of it (loses weight if you don`t need the extra extension and allows the legs to fold flat on the ground). The center post can be used as a horizontal arm (good for some tough camera positions). I think some of these features are available on 190 models too. The horizontal arm configuration would IMHO be too much for the lighter legset.
c) the 055 is somewhat taller. I`m a bit over 180cm and I found the 190 legs tad too short without the centerpost extended.
d) the 055 has larger diameter legs and more mass - so it`s more stable. Even if it`s an overkill now, I don`t have to worry about the legset when I decide to upgrade to heavier gear. The heft of the 055 makes it much more stable on soft surface like thick peatbog moss or soft snow that I often have to struggle with. I`ve seen people use Canon`s older _non-stabilized_ 400/2.8L and 600/4L monster lenses with confidence and good results on the 055 legs (I wouldn`t recommend it for a 6kg lens, though). Others prefer heavier `pods with fully braced legs even if they never go bigger than a 500/4 IS.
A word of caution - the aluminum 055 legs such as mine are really HEAVY and BULKY compared to carbon fibre tripods of similar strength! Don`t get a tripod that you are not willing to carry.
One good piece of advice is to go to a camera shop and try them out - literally kick the tires
Overall, I think Manfrotto makes good legs. They are reasonably rugged and cheap enough so I don`t have to worry about breaking it. You can take the whole tripod to bits and pieces on your own to clean it when it gets gritty. Mine`s survived a lot of sand, mud, water and knocks and does not complain.
Good luck.
Kent in SD
You don't mention what camera and largest lens you plan to use (unless I missed it in Part 1). I've used both and would recommend the 055 over the 190 as the 190 is pretty light. If your budget will allow it, the Gitzo 1325 is the same weight (or very close) as the the 055 but much more stable. I found that using my 500 f4 IS on the 055 I was losing shots because it just wasn't as stable as I needed. The Gitzo costs quite a bit more but is guaranteed for life so it should last you forever.
If your budget doesn't all the Gitzo then get the 055 and get some pipe insulation from a hardware store to pad and insulate the upper legs. This will make it easier to carry over your shoulder and much less cold on the hands.
Don't forget to get a good (or even better, excellent) ballhead. Since you're in Switzerland I suggest you look at the Arca-Swiss B1. This head will last you the remainder of you photographic life (with reasonable care) and can hold tremendous amounts of weight (over 40 kilograms if I recall correctly) without being heavy itself. Again, it'll cost a little more up front but consider it an investment.
Good luck.
Basil
My point was that right now you're using a somewhat light camera/lens, but if you eventually do get something bigger you will also be stuck having to buy a second tripod.
Kent in SD
Yes, I did get your point.
regards
Basil
Another thing to keep in mind is that the ballhead is another source of possible looseness and vibration. If you try the combination of your longest focal length on a set of legs and a head you will see easily how all the components need to be easy to tighten to be sure you get maximum stability.