Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsPerfect tripod between height, weight and cost.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2015
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.
