Product Reviews
ANOTHER WINNER FROM MANFROTTO
- January 07, 2012
- By: fixit
Do your homework first before you buy the tripod that suits you photographic needs. I did mine and settled for the O55XPROB. Firstly, this appealed to me in an instant because the design and dimensions are just about right, not too showy, not cheap-looking. You carry one and others will get the idea that you're a serious photographer. Secondly, It is well designed, all the parts are made of quality materials, no sharp edges, and everything else slides or snaps in place with precision. Thirdly, the and ease of use is simply outstanding. This thing is the master contortionist of the tripod world. I love it for my macro photography, I can get down and dirty, the camera stays safe and clean-- Solid, sturdy and again, solid. Don't believe reviewers that tell you to leave the tripod at home because of VR or IS -- depending on what you shoot, you always get better pictures with a reliable tripod...Lastly, the price. This product is meant to last and meant to secure your expensive gear so cost is almost irrelevant. However, it's still reasonably priced. Buy one because i'm not lending you mine... Happy trails!
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Manfrotto 55 XPROB Tripod - Your Secret Photographic Weapon
- December 07, 2011
- By: Steve
At first glance, the 55 XPROB looks like an ordinary tripod that lacks a fluid head. But Manfrotto engineers cleverly added a feature that turns the 55 XPROB into your own personal photographic secret weapon. Extend the column to its highest position, continue extending it, and then swing it 90 degrees horizontally until it locks into place. Macro photography fans, rejoice! You now have a tripod that lets you photograph objects at 90-degree angles without the need for a fluid head that tilts 90 degrees!
Setting up the 55 XPROB is speedy. To extend the legs, simply flip out the leg locks, let the legs slide free until the desired length is reached, and then snap the locks back into place. Levelling the tripod is easy too, thanks to a built-in bubble-type level. The inside of the level is painted a fluorescent yellow colour to help with adjustments in low light.
The 55 XPROB even comes with some creature comforts: two of the legs are partially covered in a foam coating for comfy handling in cold weather, and the bubble-level housing has two grooves that seem to be custom-made as a resting place for your fingers while making adjustments.
The tripod also features the same variable leg adjustment feature that’s common to all spreaderless Manfrotto tripods. You can choose leg angles of 25º, 45º, 65º and 88º, and get your camera lower to the ground than a limbo dancer if the occasion calls for it. The versatility doesn’t end there: the 55 XPROB mates handily with any Manfrotto photo ball or fluid head, including video heads like the 701HDV and the 501HD.
The 55 XPROB has one fairly minor quirk. The legs consist of hollow metal tubes that telescope into each other and tend to vibrate if the tripod is tapped or jostled.
Overall, the 55 XPROB tripod doesn’t disappoint where build quality is concerned. In fact, the overall impression you get from the 55 XPROB is that it’s a versatile, sturdy, well finished tripod, ready for just about any photographic mission you’d care to undertake.
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