Home > Consumer Reviews > Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber 3 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black)

In addition to other attributes, this tripod had the best height to weight ratio at the price that I could find. By height I mean the height without the center pole extended. Very complete information was available to be sure this tripod had the specs required for my camera, plus lens, and my height.

Scott Kelby recommends this tripod in his top seller, Digital Photography. It is definitely one of the best pieces of advice I ever read. While pricey, this tripod is worth every buck. Using it near daily for several months and capturing several thousand photos has changed my photography for the better, especially landscapes and water shots.

1. Bring on the water. This tripod is ideal for getting in the water--creeks, rivers, lakes, marshes, etc. It lures one into deeper water for unique shots that cannot be gotten from shore. (Watch out for forgotten cellphones in pockets.) Sand, mud, clay, bird dropping, etc, do not impede the latching. It cleans easily with a water hose. Drains best upside down (or down the back of a shirt.)

2. Stable. The magnesium leg hinges change angles with a firm press, then maintain their angle solidly. The legs extend/collapse quickly and hold their position without slipping.

3. Get all the angles. The 90 degree column is fast and especially useful for near-ground shots or up against a rock face or tree. There is hardly any angle the plate cannot be set to, or location this tripod can't be set up on (haven't tried ice, yet.)

4. Surprise benefit. An adjunct hiking "stick" to get up or down banks or ledges--a great combo with a separate hiking stick for getting to optimum capture sites.

5. Carbon fiber. Worth it. Damps vibration compared to aluminum. Light weight is perfect for hiking with camera attached and ready to shoot.

6. Pairing: Needs a separately purchased head. Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) pairs nicely with it.


Numerous photography authors advise getting a really good tripod. If you got a cheap tripod, upgrade to this one. If you don't have a tripod, then do your photography addiction a favor and get this one!

$400 (average price)...hard to stomach at the store or "purchase" button. But, once it's in your hands and holding your camera and lens rock solid, flipping to macro mode, quick-flipping to adjust the legs, pleasurably carrying it on hikes, etc., you'll realize you spent your money well. This is one large but lightweight tripod. It holds up to 17 lbs. so bring on the biggest tele lens you have. (I pop my Sony A700 + Tamron 200-500 on it with no worries.) I put the 486R2 ballhead on the top; it compliments the legs well. For anyone 6+' tall, this tripod will not make you slouch over. No bag, but oh well. You'll enjoy these legs.

This is the best tripod I have ever owned. It is very lightweight and the legs extend with such ease. Also the column tilts to make macro shots much easier to take. I recommend this to everyone.

The tripod is made very well, is fairly light weight for the weight that it is able to hold and withstands vibration pretty well. All in all a very good tripod for the price.