Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum 4-Section Tripod,Black

This tripod is exceptional. While in the market for a carbon fiber tripod to replace my aluminum tripod I was considering originally were, the meFoto backpacker, Manfrotto beFree carbon fiber, and the Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber tripods. The criteria I looked at was weighted to maximum height, weight, stability, cost, and folded length. Right off the bat, the meFoto and beFree were at a serious disadvantage due to their maximum height, however their weight, cost and compactness kept them in the running. The MT055CXPRO3 was right up my alley in terms of maximum height, however I was a little concerned about the cost and the compactness, and a little with the weight being almost three pounds heavier than the meFoto and beFree. I had rented the meFoto and beFree from a local camera shop, and I found they were good but their stability seriously lacked. Unfortunately I couldn't find anyone that rented the 055CXPRO3. Lucky for me my neighbor had purchased a Manfrotto MT190XCPRO4 so I asked him if I could rent it off him for a few trips as he only used it to take pictures in his garden. After borrowing this tripod for a few excursions into London and Thetford forest, I finally broke down and purchased one for myself as I felt it best met my criteria and represented a perfect balance between height, weight, cost and stability. It's heavier than the backpack tripods, but not by much (1.2lb over the meFoto backpacker and manfrotto beFree), which is an easy sacrifice when you need a taller tripod that is stable enough to handle a heavier kit. At the same time it was a little over 1 pound lighter than the CXPRO3. While it was $200 more than the meFoto, it was $100 less than the CXPRO3 so it was also a good middle ground on cost, and the stability on busy city streets, uneven ground in the forest, and windy nights is second to none.Most importantly for me, I cannot over emphasize the height. I'm 6'3" and with all three legs fully extended and in the third position down, I don't even need the center column extended after I add on the ball head and the battery grip for my 5DIII. Is the 1.2lb difference between this and the travel designed tripods going to make much of a difference over time? Probably not a significant one, and if you carry your gear enough you'll build up the strength and endurance anyways. I carried this around the London Super Comic Con for two days and it was really no different than not having it, or having my monopod on there.Recommendation: If you're looking for a tall tripod and can compromise 1.2 pounds on weight and a little compactness, I recommend this over the meFoto and beFree. If you're considering the 055CXPRO3 and are considering using it for hiking or walking around town, I recommend this as well. All in all, I think it is the perfect middle ground between a full size and travel specific tripod.

I am a reasonably serious amateur photographer and bought this to replace a 45 year old (really) Vivitar tripod that finally wore out. I was 16 then and am 61 now and so wanted a tripod that would last another 45 years. The Manfrotto 190 is a superb, mid-weight tripod. Coupled with a stout ball head or gimbal head, this tripod is steady even in a moderate wind. The clamp-style legs are smooth and easy to adjust. The center column is stiff and will extend out 90 degrees if you need that. I managed to drag the tripod through sand and surf on one outing, and with an Allen wrench and 8 mm socket I was able to disassemble and clean it easily.At 4.5 pounds and 23" folded it is not a travel tripod. But it will handle my Canon with a 400mm lens and extender without complaint. If you really need a heavy tripod (for a super telephoto or for semi-pro video) you'll be happier with the Manfrotto 055 series or an appropriate Gitzo or Induro tripod. This 190 series tripod is what I need for a mid-weight. I'll let you know in 45 years how it lasted. Recommended.

I received this yesterday and immediately put it to use on a three-hour shoot. I paired it with a Manfrotto Fluid Head Manfrotto XPRO Fluid Head with Fluidity Selector Plus Two Bonus Replacement Quick Release Plates for the RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter and a Manfrotto Carry Bag Manfrotto MB MBAG75PN Tripod Bag Padded 75cm (Black) and couldn't be happier. It looks great, is reasonably light and compact and easy to set up, as well as rock solid and incredibly versatile. Yes, I wish it was less expensive, but I couldn't find anything else to compare. Why I have to rely on Italian design for a product like this I don't know, but I'm convinced I won't be shopping for another tripod for a long time.

This thing is one well refined and solid device. I agree with the first poster about the arrow of the center column needing paint, other than that, it's a mean sleek machine. Pulling out the legs is a smooth and simple motion of itself. There are a few 'stops' that a leg can hit, the silver button lets the user go past those...for general use though, it isn't necessary to even interact with the leg buttons.Each leg brace is metal! I love that. The thumb grips are plastic with a slick metal slot interlocked through at the factory that pulls the (metal brace) tight to the perfect tension. Great tripod, can't wait to try it out. A bit more than the 055 but I am glad the 190 now been redesigned this way. It is a pound less than the 055 but only 2" shorter column down. Put a head of your choice on and good to go! The rubber leg cozies are high quality with a great look to top it all off!

Quality of Manfrotto is the best