Best Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

Intro: for Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head

 Why only 4 instead of 5 stars for this tripod? - I do not know what to make of the (presumably higher) use of plastic on the stand. In addition comes the tripod "pure", without straps. This may be common for Manfrotto, I will get used to that but still there: A tripod is worn on the belt and therefore commonly the product should be included within a belt! You buy a car, too, where the seats are supplied without padding ...

 Details:The aluminum version of the stand for about 15 years I carried around with me. A heavy 190 that was extremely reliable and solid and is. The disadvantage of the aluminum version, however, was not only in weight, it was also relatively long in the collapsed state and gave me countless annoyances during transport. I was all those years tough, but eventually it was simple enough.A problem of a heavy tripod is not to be underestimated: One wonders constantly if anyone takes what it is best to transport etc. So you decide sometimes wrong and the costs then perhaps good, unique photos ...The 190 Carbon Tripod scores basically a fabulous lightweight. So ever, the main criterion for a particular road action using tripod is met. Is the fact that the part is significantly shorter than the known aluminum version. Thus, it can even be put into the backpack, although this is relative: A 52-liter backpack may take the stand just so then but for more payload only limited use because backpacks are generally not angular - that takes the stand at the highest point, namely in the middle of the pack away the best place.Very good is the integrated, easy-to-read water level. For panoramic photography have to set up the tripod correctly - which of course it is also the case on the other hand, that the leveling of the pano head is decisive and not the tripod (Pano-beginners: beware!)The tripod legs are warm and comfortable in the hand - to ugly foam rubber hoses (and extra weight) so you can do without on cold days.Speaking of legs, I am often on the lake - at the moment I do not know yet, what happens when the fine sand falls upon the camera tripods ... Since the tolerances are tight in the sliding parts, the sand might cause some abrasion effect ... But I'd best be careful with speculation.Material: The material of which the terminals are, I do not know yet, even after 2 years. Who wants to know it should, to ask me at Manfrotto.

CONCLUSION:This stand is EASY and has a small pack length! And that's a blessing. For it is worth the extra expense. You should not skimp here. It used something not yet output.The look is elegant, the use is expected to be good. The thick legs slip out well, which are thinnest in the last statement a little stiff, and the buckling of the legs over the standard angle is also a bit stiff. It has all the advantages and disadvantages.The 3 drawers make the tripod in the short pack size nicely. Thus, it is generally reserved for the obvious purpose: FINALLY less pain and problems respectively frequent hours of towing equipment! Fewer worries in the luggage planning and an increased incentive to take the stand. Because you can always connect Connect anywhere, or hook. There is easily enough.After 2 years of use I can say: This thing still looks like new. At the lake, I was no longer so can not comment on the wear on the legs.The legs are a bit soft, I would say today, that absorbs the tripod to check if it should not. Well, now I have on it a heavy Manfrotto ball head above that weighs about as much as the whole stand - and my cameras, all with vertical grip and heavy glasses ...Ultimately, I get along well with this stand. It serves me as a "secret weapon" for instance in conference rooms, when I photograph artist / orchestra. It's for my taste namely better than a monopod because it stands by itself and I can also be coupled to the camera just go somewhere drag ;-) like a monopod, without having problems.Practical value when I use to be very high - ideal as Monopod replacement (although it is usually the other way around ...).

Sirui N-2004 4-Section Aluminum Tripod

 

For the price, the Sirui N-2004 4-Section Aluminum Tripod is really excellent.

Positives:

+ Optimum height! At a height of 180 cm, the viewfinder of my camera is right at eye level without having to bend down. I use a Nikon D300 with battery grip and a ball head. With this configuration I have to take off the center column never to consent to look through the viewfinder.

+ Stable! To specify the maximum load capacity of 15 kg is used maybe a little high (I can but poorly estimate). Nevertheless, 10 kg I would entrust the stand safely. My Nikon D300 + 70-200mm f/2.8 it carries without showing even a recognition of weakness.

+ Relatively easy! At 1.6 kg, it can sometimes even take on long walking trips.

+ Small pack size! The tripod legs can be folded 180 degrees. So a really small pack size is achieved. I get the tripod even in my Backpack! You can also set up the tripod so wrong about (camera down) photograph to be in extreme ground. Virtually!

+ Lots of Accessories! Many renowned tripod manufacturers have often been the most necessary accessories (I will not name names but I had already stands at a much higher price range that were not even come with a carrying case! Here you get a bag with strap (the one on directly tripod can attach, which is also ideally suited for long hikes), a short center column and several Allen key.

+ A tripod legs can be unscrewed and this can be used as a monopod. A great idea, which I have so not seen by any other manufacturer. The necessary equipment for this is included.


Negative:

There are half a minus only for screw caps of the tripod legs. I'm just the clips have been used which are more comfortable. It is and remains a matter of taste. The screw caps are also mapped one-half to three-quarter turn to open and close safely. So arises out of this half minus point rather out of my personal feeling.


Conclusion:

A tripod is ALWAYS a compromise. Some professional photographer would leave perhaps the vibration damping of aluminum tripods (although this does not stand in the negative notice), others it might be too big because it just has a smaller camera system. Everyone needs to decide for themselves. For me, as an ambitious amateur photographer, even with relatively heavy equipment, it is the likes called "Egg-laying-rounder". It carries my equipment sure has a small pack size is large enough and suitable for ground-level shots anyway and I can take you on a walking tour of 20km length, without which I think to have to collapse under it ;)

Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT Professional Tripod for Cameras and Camcorders

 

18kg load capacity and a MSRP of just under 600, - ... confidently positioned the Vanguard Auctus Plus 323CT so priced. slightly below the top dogs of the 057-series from Manfrotto and in direct price competition with the Induro tripods CT313/CT314 But that there is also more expensive for example, Gitzo, Novoflex or Really Right Stuff. A direct comparison is certainly legitimate, but this should not be the focus here.

A tripod with a 18kg load capacity is no doubt for the clients of the professional user and should man / woman actually already expect a lot from Auctus Plus. Besides spikes for field and rubberized caps for indoor use, the standard also provides 323CT with "snowshoes" , dish-shaped, large rubber sheets, which are intended to better distribute the load and this prevent it from sinking.

A word at this point again to the closures. The legs of this carbon fiber tripod screw caps are locked and unlocked (hence the name CT, C = Carbon, T = Twist Lock). Some like it, others prefer the clamp or snap closures. I personally prefer the rotation variant, this advantage 323CT.

Another selling point of Vanguard is the adjustment wheel, which will facilitate the height adjustment of the center column. Here, each photographer must first answer the question yourself whether this feature for him / her is really necessary. If desired, then the 323CT can extend to a maximum of 1.80 m - and the smooth "and slidably adjustable friction means then the actuation force during cranking or the brake." Of the equipment to be adjusted. The height adjustment works very well and then basically almost free of play, only a loosening of friction when moving directly causes noticeable play in the crank motion. For the photo shoot can then fix the center column again also has a swivel, so that all play can be eliminated because of the center column adjustment.

So much mechanics has its price, and not just in. The weight for me when Auctus Plus 323CT the biggest shortcoming. With 3.6 kg, this tripod sets standards. Even the wooden Berlebach tripods are the same load capacity as much underneath. With appropriate head the 323CT comes but then relaxed and easy to 4 to 4.5 kg total weight. Because you should consider carefully whether one takes this part of the next flight or trekking trip, especially 71cm pack size also are not bad either. About the predicate travel tripod "we need in this case, probably not talking, here are muscles, broad shoulders and endurance needed, because just at the Vanguard Tripod Bag has saved in the wrong place.

Dear developers of Vanguard, we photographers are usually Although very capable of suffering, some comfort and pampering pleasure we would have at a price of 600, - but then wanted. On the one hand you give us "snow shoes, spikes and sand / dust resistant adjusting for outdoor use, on the other side is a heavyweight of equipment and then not even a reasonable Wearing? Well, there is still room for improvement!
Is absolutely exemplary but then the processing of the stand. The legs slide evenly and smoothly, length markings on the elements provide fast and accurate "pre-adjustment. Nor could I find any negative or exhalations when used resin, of course I have made only a sniffer test and any emission testing or material sample to the gas chromatograph.

Also, the stability can be largely no reason to blame, for outdoor use in wind are under utilized in leg length then but a slight vibration in detectable. A counterweight on the hook of the central column, however, creates here remedy.

My conclusion: the Vanguard 323CT is a studio tripod! Stable and difficult with useful features for indoor use. Even if all the equipment features speak of who have it drags in a outdoor use must in my view masochistic equipment. The price is then despite the very good quality for a Chinese tripod already quite steep, Benro and Sirui offer as equivalent material for a few hundred to more favorable. It's always a question of the purpose, but who needs a top universal stand (Manfrotto fan community forgive me) is, in my better with the SIRUI M3204. 1.7 kg weight with stand 18kg load capacity, 51cm packing size and 1.77 m height to stand at 400, - and excellent quality camera tripods.

VANGUARD Auctus Plus 283AT Tripod for Camera Accessories

 

I work with this VANGUARD Auctus Plus 283AT Tripod for Camera Accessories for a few weeks now and can highly recommend on it.

The work with the tripod is very pleasant and cons I can find hardly any.
Except for the weight perhaps: but this can also be a plus point as it increases the stability!
Who here needs something lighter can then confidently take up the carbon fiber version.

The center column drive runs 'smooth as silk' and precisely, even with heavy equipment, and can be 'bomb-proof' locks.
The snow shoes are on soft ground very comfortable and provide good stable stance.

Some of the quick-out has been used in the leg adjustment might think the Drehverschlüße its too complicated: here I can clearly give Entwarung, one turn and the lock keeps safe!
The level mark on the tripod legs is a great feature that you will not find with other manufacturers.

Pros:
+ Very stable design
+ Excellent workmanship
+ Center column can be removed and repositioned for macro shooting
+ Smoother and more precise Crank / Wheel for the center column
+ Height adjustment quickly and safely, only one rotation
+ Height mark on the tripod legs
+ Variable tripod legs: spikes, rubber feet, large snowshoes - to swap quickly and easily
+ For 'heavy equipment' suitable and also very comfortable to use and precise adjustment.

With 14kg load capacity and 170cm working height is equipped for almost all cases very well and it is really fun to work with.
I highly recommend this camera tripods for serious amateurs and professionals fully!

Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber 4 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black)

The Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod is working very nicely, the carbon just looks classy nothing with its beautiful grain in vergeich for my first plastic (rattle) tripod.


The stand is very sturdy and stable, the processing effect overall high quality. The pack size is 54 cm (without head) relative to the maximum height of a very compact, responsible for siind the 4-membered base elements. Highlight of the tripod next to the very low weight of the center column, which can be rotated by 90 degrees, thus enabling an extremely high flexibility, especially for macro shots. The operation of the center column has, at the beginning a bit fiddly, but with only one screw and a locking pin after a while it goes very quickly out of hand. The adjustment can definitely nothing to be desired even in difficult terrain.

It can be packed conveniently small and moved out huge. I am 172cm and can only say for my size it is to behold perfeckt because I need the middle column with fully extended legs, only to sixth pull out to (+ ball head Triopo b2 10cm) from my canon 500D. thus it is much more than a small tripod stabieler with fully extended central column where the focus quite far up sitting. when fully extended, it should be enough for people to even loose the 190cm.
All other elements are easy to use and make a good impression automatically.



CONCLUSION:
- The quality of this camera tripod seems to be useful in proper care for an amateur photographer living.
- Extremely flexible, light and beautifull little packed size for people to 190 cm.
- Everything seems very solid, open the locks on the telescopic legs and close easily, but are safe.
- The feel is very pleasant, and the stand according to the price generally very high quality.
- You get what you expect in terms of prices. A very light, high quality, stable and flexible tripod.

Sirui M3204 M Series Tripod Legs 4 Section 58.7in Height Carbon - Sirui M-3204

Using Sirui M3204 M Series Tripod Legs for outdoor photo shot is very helpfull

so as a professional photographer, a photo shoot without a tripod is unthinkable. Nice if you are in the studio to weight and pack size must not worry. If man / woman but a lot and well as outdoor works, who knows how quickly the (unnecessary) kilos of equipment take their toll and in the truest sense of the words can be a burden. In addition, since last year, refuse certain countries permit the carrying of tripods in hand luggage (eg Republic of China) and banish this equipment necessarily the case. This for me the decisive factors in the choice of the new stand were set:

- Maximum capacity> 15 kg
- Lightweight
- Minimum stuff size
- Longevity

Some research on the internet I have then quickly led to SIRUI, one in Germany and previously little-known brand in comparison test yet rather neglected. Through my good contacts in Asia, however, I was able to fall back on so some experience with the brand and finally decided to buy it.

The stand comes in a handy box. Included are the compact and high quality packing bag (Manfrotto, Gitzo, Benro & Co. can cut a thick slice since). With a size of 55 x 13 x 13 cm it fits so well on the flight and in a suitcase. The bag includes a tripod, in a Zipplock tool bag, the strap, the strap, and the short center column in a separate textile bag protected from damage. Since the tripod legs can be folded at the top and thus applied directly to the central column, the package is actually minimized.

The twist lock leg adjusters are very smooth but just jam and perfectly, the adjustment of the leg length is smooth and uniform. Also, the center column can be removed after unscrewing the screw without noticeable play easily adjusted in height. One of the legs can be removed and used to turn the panel into an enclosed head Einbeistativ. To good use in buildings or events in which a tripod is not allowed. What surprised me very pleasant is the fact that this stand smells despite 8-ply carbon NOT! Carbon fiber tripods with other manufacturers initially spread ever an unpleasant, pungent and foul odor of the resin used by Ausdünstigen but on this tripod is absolutely nothing which can be locked!

The first test shoot with 200-400mm lens and professional DSLR and 2 teleconverter shows at the highest magnification despite autumnal winds no vibration or blurring in the image. If necessary, can be connected to the hook of the central column attached additionally a counterweight, which can provide for further stabilization of the stand.

Everything perfect? YES! .... almost. The stand is without doubt currently the best that the market has to offer for my needs and that too at a very good price. Similar material, for example at Really Right Stuff blows up as even the 4-digit range in Euros with the same performance and quality. This earned the M-3204 at least 6 stars. The only drawback in my opinion, is that the standard carrying bag is then measured but quite narrow. I use the M-3204 one KIRK BH-1 Ballhead and when installed the team just barely fits me tooth and nail into the pocket. In the interest of the zipper, it is therefore perhaps be advisable on long and rough transport lifting the ball from the stand or to move to a suitable transport packaging from third parties. But that can live with.

So my conclusion: Absolutely TOP-stand for camera tripods

Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod

 

When bought the Manfrotto 190XPROB Pro with Manfrotto Compact Ball Head with 200PL (496RC2) in the package.


Together they weigh about 2.3 kg, and has put together a package measuring less than 70cm, so that the combination can be made and assembled tripod head easily accommodated into a tripod quiver of 70cm. I have used the Kalahari quiver 70cm.

It can carry the tripod in weight yet good. It is a good compromise between weight and load capacity of 5kg represents Subtracting the tripod head with a little less than 500 g, 4.5 kg load remain through camera lens and flash.




Compared to the more expensive carbon tripods have been using this combination is good value for money.

My Nikon D90 in combination with the 18-200 mm zoom lens + Nikon SB 600 flash are easily kept and absolutely secure.

Both the tripod and the tripod head are absolutely top quality. No comparison with the cheap tripods else does one find in the market. All critically important parts are metal.


The technical characteristics as specified by the manufacturer. The tripod head is screwed onto the tripod and fixed with 3 small screws to provide a solid, stable unit. The advantage compared to fixed heads of cheap tripods that you can always replace the tripod head.

The quick-mounting plate is made of aluminum, the mounting precision of the camera and through the cotter very reliable.



The tripod has a good stability, even when folded down the center column is the camera held up well. The three tripod legs offer multiple settings. In long exposures the stand is secure and tight. On a hook, it is possible, such as the camera bag still mount as an additional stabilizing element.


For transportation, however, a stand bag is required. Although a hook for a carrier belt is present, however, is not included. Here I use rather then a padded tripod bag that is large enough to hold the combination that is comfortable to wear and offers added protection.

I can recommend to anyone ambitious amateur photographer, this combination manfrotto tripods