Product Description

Newly redesigned, the 190XPROB makes the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column feature even easier to use. Now, by extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung around to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself, so switching between framing and positioning setups is more convenient than ever. The ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick action leg locks themselves have also been greatly improved.

Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Manfrotto
• Model: 190XPROB
• Dimensions: 5.00" h x 5.00" w x 22.44" l, 3.96 pounds

Features

• Leg angle pre-sets increase the tripod's stability in bad weather conditions or on uneven terrain.
• Quick action leg locks with new improved design.
• Horizontal column feature allows the tripod to reach extremely low positions. Center column can be quickly and easily swung vertical to horizontal without any disassembly
• Built-in bubble spirit level makes camera alignment quick and easy
• Requires tripod head - Head is not included

Amazon.com Product Description
The Manfrotto 190XPROB three-section tripod is ultra stable, flexible, and easy to use, making it a great choice for professional photographers everywhere. The tripod is distinguished by its Manfrotto-patented horizontal center column, which has been completely redesigned to create a more user-friendly feel. By extending the column to its highest vertical position, users can now swing the tripod round to horizontal without removing the head or disassembling the column itself. This makes switching between framing and positioning setups more convenient than ever. In addition, Manfrotto improved the ergonomics of the leg angle release mechanism and the quick-action leg locks, making it a breeze to open, position, and close the tripod in just a few seconds. The tension of the locking mechanism is even user-adjustable, so you can find the right tension for your comfort level.

The tripod's unique design allows the photographer to use the center column horizontally as an extending arm or vertically (both right-way-up and upside-down). When used horizontally, the center column can be turned 360 degrees around the tripod, making it useful for macro work, low-angle shooting, extreme balance points, and off-center work. This also makes the tripod a helpful accessory for chair-bound photographers, who can sit beside the tripod instead of behind it, putting them much closer to the camera viewfinder.

Should you need to balance the tripod on an uneven surface, you can set each of the legs to a different spread angle over the tripod's center of gravity--a must for nature shots on outdoor terrain. This also allows you to adjust the tripod to several different heights, with four preset independent leg angles and a spring-loaded step mechanism for extra stability.

Specifications

• Color: Black
• Includes tripod head: No
• Closed length: 22.4 inches
• Minimum height: 3.3 inches
• Maximum height: 57.5 inches
• Maximum height with center column down: 48 inches
• Load capacity: 11 pounds
• Material: Aluminum
• Leg cross section: Round
• Column cross section: 3-faceted
• Leg sections: 3
• Bubble spirit level: 1
• Leg angles: 25, 46, 66, and 88 degrees
• Center column: Rapid
• Section center column: 1
• Column tube diameter: 25mm
• Attachment: 3/8-inch screw
• Leg tube diameter: 25, 20, and 16 mm
• Suggested dolly: 127, 127VS
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Warranty: 2 years

Customer Reviews

Cheaper Manfrotto for DSLR's and Best too !
I wanted a decently affordable tripod with good stability, less weight and I was definitely sure that I wanted a "Manfrotto". After lot of research, visits to many local camera stores and playing around with several pieces i found this one meeting my needs. Light weight (around 4 pounds) & pretty good stable for my Rebel Xti with 70-200 mm on it.
Maximum load (11 lbs). One thing i didn't like is the leg locking mechanism. Sometimes it is hard to open the lock. I loved the 360 degree movement of the middle leg, when combined with Manfrotto 322RC2 it works like a charm. I highly recommend this product who is looking for a affordable Manfrotto with good durablity.

190XPROB vs 055XPROB
Having tried both the 055XPROB and the 190XPROB, I chose the 190. I liked the lighter weight and shorter height of the 190 and it was sturdy enough for my camera and long lenses (I have a Canon 40D). Here are the differences with the 190 listed first:

Weight: 4 lbs vs 6.4 lbs
Height w/out extension: 48" vs 60"
Max height: 57.5" vs 70"
Max load: 11 lbs vs 15.5 lbs

Everything else is pretty much the same. FWIW, I am 6 ft tall and the 190's max height (center column extended) put the eyepiece just at my eye level. The unextended height of the 055 is just a bit higher; I would have to stand on a brick to use its extended height. The 055 is just too tall for me. Alternatively, it you are taller than 6 ft, you might not be able to use the 190; go for the 055.

So, the 055 is heavier, taller and can carry more weight (camera and lens).

Two negatives with both: First, the center column can go horizontal which is handy in many situations. However it is hard to set in an exactly horizontal axis (it sags). You must have a ball mount to adjust your view to a true horizontal. Secondly, they are not ruggedized. If you use it inside, all's well. But if you go into the woods or the rocks, they will get scratched pretty easily. There also is a lot of plastic that will probably break and the legs have rubber feet (not that useful when you are trying to use it on rocks, cement, etc.)

Definitely go with a ball mount (I have the Manfrotto 488RC2). Unless you shoot in a studio you will be shooting from some very unlevel places. The ball allows you to get a horizontal view in your shot regardless of the configuration of the tripod. The head I use also has a pan lever which allows me to lock the ball into place and then pan along the horizontal axis.

Decent
decent, trusty, versatile I think I wished I went with another choice though