Tag Archives: Manfrotto

what the difference between Manfrotto 190xPROB vs 190PROB

Posted by on March 30, 2012 No comments

I am looking to purchase a used manfrotto 190xprob with 804rc2 head, i have seen a used 190prob for sale on ebay with a 141rc head what is the difference between the 2 models? one better than the other or just an updated version? will I benefit from paying more for the newer model?  any advantages to either?

I went on the UK manfrotto site and searched for the obviously older PROB but it did not come up with anything only the new XPROB model.probably not a great deal of different, the 190Pro is just the older version of the 190xpro from what I can see, weight and size seem roughly the same. The difference with tripods that you’ll notice is between carbon and aluminium, the aluminium tripods are heavy, about 2kg compared with just over 1kg.
  
Differences between Manfrotto 190xprob and 190prob?

The “x” is the later (and, I think, current) version.

The leg lock levers are a different shape. (I think the old ones are better – more comfortable to operate.)

WIth the Manfrotto Tripod 190XPROB, I think the central column is in two parts – you have to unscrew these and then reassemble to put the column horizontal. (You can also use just the top part as a short column on its own – but only vertically. So you can have the camera low down without having to have the column horizontal, as you would with the 190X. Or leave the bottom part of the column at home to cut down on weight.)

There might be a difference in the various angles you can put the legs at. I have the 055MF3 (same generation as the 190PROB) and the 055XPROB (larger version of the 190XPROB) and the choice of angles is better with the later one – the next widest after the normal position is too wide on the 055MF3. Not a big deal – you can still position the legs anywhere you like between the click stops.

Personally, I’d prefer the 190PROB (even at the same price), but the 190XPRO is the later and, Manfrotto would say, “improved” version. 

Newly redesigned, the 190XPROB makes the famous Manfrotto-patented horizontal centre column feature even easier to use. Now, by extending the column to its highest vertical position, it can be swung round 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.

Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head review

Posted by on March 27, 2012 No comments
Im looking to buy a ball head and have settled on the midi ball head with the square qr plate, i was looking and noticed the 488.Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head. The new 488 Midi Ball Head answers the needs of the medium format user. With its solid aluminum construction and phenolic resin ball, this head is also ideal for all 35mm and digital cameras.
With its solid aluminium construction and phenolic resin ball, this head is the ideal support for all traditional or digital small or medium format cameras. It features separate fast action ‘ratchet’ locks on 360° pan and +90 -90° tilt movements. You can position your camera anywhere in 180° sphere with confi dence and ease. Camera attachment is via a 50mm platform with 1/4′ male thread. Head to tripod attachment is 3/8′ female.
488 Midi Ball Head

Manfrotto 488 PRODUCT FEATURES

 

repositionable ratchet lever

A repositionable ratchet means that the locking lever’s action will never be blocked either open or closed by interference with the camera body, tripod shoulder, simply pull the lever outwards and it’s free to be positioned more comfortably without affecting the locking mehanism. Then you can continue tightening or loosening the knob.
 

separate pan lock

A separate lock on the panoramic axis allows for rotation adjustment or panning to be carried out without losing framing
 

sturdy all-metal construction

Sturdy all-metal construction
 

double 90° groove

The double 90° groove (one on each side of the head) means switching from landscape to portrait is convenient however you’re set up
 

dual 3-8 1-4 screw

Dual 3-8′ – 1-4′ screw

This Manfrotto ball head lets you easily connect your DSLR camera to your tripod and features aluminum material for durability. Ratchet locks allow for 360° pan and tilt control.

Manfrotto 498 Midi Ball Head related products:

Manfrotto 498 Midi Ball Head 498 B&H Photo Video
488RC2 Manfrotto Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect
manfrotto 488 midi ball head review
Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with Q/R Plate
Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head w/RC2 QR Plate 494RC2
Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head with 200PL-14

Best Manfrotto pro ball head

Posted by on March 27, 2012 No comments

The best Manfrotto pro ball head, dedicated to 190 carbon fiber tripods. An extremely precise ball head, providing extra smooth movements thanks to state of the art materials and technology. Innovative and unique features like the exclusive 90-105deg. portrait angle selector allows for better camera control for advanced precise settings. Innovative, compact, ergonomic, powerful and made of lightweight magnesium- it is the ideal tool for durability, high performance and accuracy. The new magnesium Q2 quick release system is compatible with RC2 standard plates and offers increased ergonomics, speed and reduced weight.

 Manfrotto ball head review:

This is my first ball head. Well that’s not entirely true. I actually bought the Manfrotto 496RC2 before this one. The 496 was nice for the price. It didn’t impress me though. The ball itself seemed kind of small. Maybe it was just me but it seemed a little overpowered when my Canon 7D was mounted with a large lens. The safety release on the 496 appeared to be an afterthought on Manfrotto’s part. The whole unit just seemed kind of “no frills”. I think this made worse by the fact that I had it mounted on the 190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod. Please don’t take this as bad review of the 496 — it’s not. The 496 is great for it price range.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the 054! Literally a few days after I received my 496, Amazon offered me 5% off the Manfrotto MH054M0-Q2 054 magnesium ball head. At $185 it was a lot more expensive that the 496 and I wasn’t sure if it’d be worth the extra $$. I went ahead and tried it though. I’m glad I did. It is awesome!

The first thing I noticed about the MH054M0-Q2 is, well — everything! Hahah The 054 is a BIG upgrade from the 496; better by almost every metric. It’s got two bubble levels, built-in panning control with degrees dial, 90 – 105 degree portrait angle selector. The ball is super smooooth! It feels so much nicer and precise than the 496. And the ergonomics are great. The levers are larger, the magnesium head itself has a nice textured surface. And it looks sexy…if a ball head can look sexy lol. I’m referring to the red lining around the ball and the red portrait select lever and the fact that all pieces and knobs are finished in textured matte black (unlike some bare aluminum pieces on the 496). Also, it was made specifically for the 190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod so they look good together.

Most important of all, it holds my full-sized 7D body with any lens — no drooping — rock solid. This includes portrait position. The 054 is happy to hold the camera in portrait with no fuss.
So yes, I’m very pleased with the MH054M0-Q2 054. It is more than twice the cost of the 496 but worth it in my opinion. Search my name on Flickr if you’d like to see more photos.

Feature Highlights:
* 100% magnesium
* Built-in low-angle adapter in the center column for ground-level shots
* Dual levels
* Independent pan lock
* Redesigned, more ergonomic flip locks
* Portrait orientation range of 90-105°.

Specifications:
* Load capacity 22.05 lbs
* Weight 21.47 oz
* Working height 4.61 in  

Manfrotto ball head related products:

Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 488RC2
Manfrotto MH054M0-Q5 054 Magnesium Ball Head with Q5 Quick Release
Manfrotto 732CY M-Y Carbon Tripod (Black)
561BHDV Video Monopod with Fluid Head (Black)
Manfrotto 391RC2 Junior Head – Replaces 390RC2
Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 486RC2

Manfrotto 055 Ball Head

Posted by on March 27, 2012 No comments

The most popular and most imitated, and yet unrivalled family of pro tripods in the market, the 055 is the best option for size, weight and stability.The Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head is a sturdy professional ball head with separate controls for tilt, pan, and friction that enable precise positioning. With a 26.5 lb load capacity and 1/4″-20 & 3/8″-16 screws, the durable head is suitable for just about any camera – or attach a screw-on quick-release assembly of your choice (not included).

The 055 head’s lateral tilt ranges from -100° to +40°, and pan is a full 360°. With the head’s independent pan lock, its state-of-the-art materials & technology that enable smooth movements, plus the degree markers around the base, the 055 is well-suited for precise panoramic photography.

Perfect companion for Manfrotto 055 carbon-fiber tripods
Portrait angle selector (90-100°) for finer control over positioning
Constructed of lightweight magnesium (weighs 2.0 lb)
Traditional disc attachment (no quick-release mechanism)
Patent-pending design
                                                  manfrotto 055 review

 Manfrotto 055

 

Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head  specifications:

Load Capacity 26.5 lb (12 kg)
Ball Sphere Diameter Not specified by manufacturer
Quick Release No
Camera Mount Plate Fixed, with 1/4-20″ and 3/8″-16 screws
Spirit Level No
Tension Control Yes
Separate Panning Lock Yes
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8″-16
Tilt Range -100° to +40° lateral tilt
Pan Range 360°
Material Magnesium
Color Smoke
Height 4.9″ (12.4 cm)
Maximum Diameter Not specified by manufacturer
Weight 2.0 lb (0.9 kg)

Manfrotto 055 Ball Head related products:

055XB ClassicTripod (Black) 055XB
055XPROB Pro Tripod (Black) 055XPROB
Manfrotto 055 Series Photo-Movie Head
Manfrotto Bogen 055 XDB Tripod

 

Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod Review

Posted by on March 27, 2012 No comments

Manfrotto fluid monopods family is a world’s first product designed to help videographers achieve superior image quality. An innovative fluid cartridge has been incorporated into the base of the monopod for incredibly smooth, jump-free panning actions.

The Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head and Quick Release is a portable solution for smooth shooting with Mini-DV and HDV cameras in confined spaces. This unique monopod incorporates a fluid cartridge in the base for smooth pans, and has set of retractable feet for a firm footing on uneven ground.

Fold-up feet for compact transport
Fluid cartridge in base for smooth panning
 Manfrotto 560B-1 specification:
 
Maximum Height 65.5″ (166 cm)
Folded Length 26″ (66 cm)
Load Capacity 4.4 lb (2 kg)
Leg Sections 4
Leg Lock Type Rapid-action lever
Male Thread Size 1/4-20
Weight 1.5 lb (700 g)

  customer review of Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod with Head Replaces 560B

I’ve compared this 560B-1 vs. the 561BHDV-1 and I have to say the 560B-1 is perfect for my liking. It’s more lightweight than the 561BHDV-1, it’s less bulky for moving around, not as thick as the 561BHDV-1, and to me the 561BHDV-1 seems a little like overkill. Another reason I wanted this one instead is because I didn’t need another video head. I already own two 701HDV heads, so I just replaced the head on this with my 701HDV which is basically the same head that comes with the 561BHDV-1. (The only difference between the head on the 561BHDV-1 vs. manfrotto photo video head the 701HDV head is that the 561BHDV-1′s head doesn’t inherently have a pan feature.) By the way, this monopod has a 1/4-20 male screw head on it, but also came with a 3/8-20 adapter. So you can use video heads of either size. So for those of you that already have a video head, this is cheaper than buying the 561BHDV-1. By the way, this monopod doesn’t stand by itself if you leave it alone with a 7D + 24-70 f/2.8L lens. I don’t think it’s necessarily recommended you walk away form your DSLR with the 561BHDV-1 either. Get a tripod for that. However, if you’re looking to stabilize your DSLR video shot, put on a 701HDV or similar head and extend the video head’s bar under your armpit, and it should stabilize your shot well.
Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod

 

Manfrotto 560B-1 Fluid Video Monopod review

I use this monopod for a little video work. I had a cheap monopod I picked up from a store for 5 dollars. It works for photography I guess but for video work, nope. That’s why I decided to move and try for a “real” monopod.

The 560B-1 has the feet that prevent it from slipping when you pivot on the bottom which is really great. The build is really nice and solid.

I love the fact that you can use the sticking point and just let it go. The only problem I have with it, is that after you initially let go and let the sticking point do, its thing is that it has a tendency to shake a little to get itself stable after you let go. Its very minute but noticeable when you look at the video on the monitor. It’s kind of like the springy door stop when you flick it. It shakes a lot but after a while it stops on its own.

The head is obviously not the fluidhead but it does its job well if you can work with it right. Otherwise if you have the money, I think moving up and getting the model with the fluidhead might work better.

Really like this monopod and would buy it again if I had to.

manfrotto fluid monopod releated products:

Manfrotto 561BHDV Video Monopod with Fluid Head (Black)
Manfrotto Fluid Video Monopod W/Head
Manfrotto 562B-1 Fluid Video Aluminum Monopod w/ Plate
Manfrotto 682B Self Standing Monopod (Black)