Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head
by Manfrotto
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Our Price: $274.88 Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days Buy Used: from $269.99 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head
Customer Review: Lite, fast, versatile, dependable
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't write reviews often but this tripod is worth a little effort. I use the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 with the Manfrotto 322RC2 grip action head, I shoot 90% on a tripod. Thinking that most folks would agree there is no way one can handhold as steady as a tripod.
Even though they all look somewhat similar tripods differ widely.
Before dumping a lot of hard earned cash on a tripod think equally about the head you will be placing between it and your camera. Your images will only be as good (sharp) as the weakest link in your system.
This is my 1st carbon fiber tripod of eight and CF was not the only deciding factor. This is a great deal at $300 if you compare all of the features.
100% Carbon Fiber - not a mix of composite materials.
Magnesium joints for stronger, tighter and lighter tube connections.
and the feature part is the patented quick center column system, very nice!
Coming from a 3021BPRO this quick 90deg center column change is a huge improvement, I actually use it now! Rarely did on the 3021 due to the time consuming conversion task.
I transplanted the much loved Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head from the 3021, perfect match in diameter.
The tripod and head together weigh in at 4.2# compared to the 3021Pro at around 7# almost a 3# difference. This may not seem like much but if you hike for miles through difficult terrain it is immeasurable. The 322RC2 head is 1.4# tripod 2.8#
The 190CXPRO3 is 3.5" shorter then the 3021 but poses no problems for my 5'-11" height. The center column is 100% CF as well. The Carbon Fiber is so much more rigid than the aluminum even with the larger tubes of the 3021.
It holds my Canon 5D and wide lenses with ease. The head capacity in the vertical position is 5.5# so super telephotos are out but it should not be much of a problem for the 70-200 2.8 or 70-300L lenses with lens ring mounting.
I love this combination and versatility. Just works fantastic for me in nature. I mainly do HDR work these days so a very stable tripod is critically important for the multiple images to match accurately.
Buy it and get outdoors. You can't get good shots reading all these reviews online but at least you might save some time getting the correct tools the 1st time.
The only downside to this tripod is the weight, too light for the breeze at times, may need your cam bag or other to help weight it down a bit at times. Is has no center column hook like most other pro tripods due to the 90deg quick change system release button at that location but there is a small moulded in hook on one side of the triangular center mechanism for this purpose.
paulsedwick.com
Customer Review: Not a one-trick pony!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best features of this unit is the ability to easily convert its center pole from vertical to horizontal for copy work or photo macrography. Unlike previous versions of similar products, this one does not require that the center pole be removed from the legs and then reinserted into the clamps that hold it in it's horizontal position. You simply pull it out as far as it will go and then fold it over into position, making this maneuver fast and easy.
You already know that it is light and strong, but don't forget that the head you choose to put on it will increase the overall weight. In my case, I chose a Manfrotto 488RC4 midi ball head with quick release plate. I can easily switch the head between this tripod and my Manfrotto 694 magfber monopod and not add too much additional weight to either. This is a useful combination of tools to have on hand in the field and offers enough options that I can match the shooting requirements with the appropriate camera mount.
I mount a (relatively) large and heavy Canon 5D on the quick change head, often employing a 100-400mm series L lens. The tripod manages the weight well, with no leg flex or feeling that the whole thing might collapse. Also, one of the great benefits of the tripod is that the legs lock quickly and securely with the snap over locks which are fully adjustable should they ever need to be tightened. A tightening tool, which snaps onto a leg, comes with the tripod for in-the-field adjustments.
If you're like me (lazy), then you know how easy it is to avoid using a tripod if it's just too cumbersome to carry and too complicated to set up. With this unit, you'll never again have an excuse to NOT use a tripod. Just leave the quick-mount plate attached to the camera, pop the camera off the tripod and go (or just fling the whole thing over your shoulder - it won't come loose).
MY RECOMMENDATION: Over the past 35 years, I have used nearly every brand name of tripod available for photography, film and video work including the $25,000 O'Conner Hydro-Ped. I have also deployed a bunch of Bogen (Manfrotto) video tripods for students to use. That experience almost led me to overlook this new Manfrotto product, because I experienced chronic failure problems with those units.
But, these new products are far superior to those circa 1990's products, and I am truly pleased that I didn't let my biases get in the way of my judgement. I am so pleased with the quality and features of the 190CXPO3 that I recommend it without reservation. Oh, and get the 3-section version. It'll do the job height-wise unless you're taller than 6 feet and has three less leg-locks to mess with.
Customer Review: Sturdy yet Light
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros:
Sturdy
Lightweight
q90 center column
Cons:
Legs don't automatically slide out when tab is released
Pricey
Recommendation:
Anyone looking for a sturdy lightweight tripod. If you want all the features with out all the cost, look at the 190xprob (aluminum version).
Review:
This is a lightweight and sturdy tripod. It will easily hold a medium sized camera and lens. Make sure you use a lightweight head on this to get the most of it, something like a 460MG or 486rc2 ball head would work nicely. The carbon fiber is very nice looking, and almost the entire tripod is made from carbon fiber with magnesium fittings.
The 190cx uses magnesium for all the die-castings, which is significantly more magnesium than the 190xprob uses, so you do get a little more than carbon fiber when you buy the 190cx version.
The center column shared by the pro tripod includes the innovative q90 head. Just by loosening the center column and pressing a button on the end, you can pull it up and out and lay it flat so you can position your camera at a 90 degree angle to the tripod. Just be sure to make sure the tripod is stable with the camera out far away before letting go.
For the cons, when you pull the release tabs on the legs, the legs are so light and higher friction than aluminum they don't just fall down into place. You have to pull the tab, then physically pull the leg out to where you want before locking the tab again. This is a minor quibble, but important for people to know.
Secondly, it is more than $100 more than the functionally equivalent 190xprob. Buy this only if you really want the extra weight savings, carbon fiber appearance, and slightly sturdier magnesium die-cast components.
Great tripod, that I hope to enjoy for years. I thought about returning the carbon fiber version for the aluminum version, but after using it I definitely prefer it.
Customer Review: A very nice tripod to be sure...
Summary: 4 Stars
For under $300 this is a super tripod in carbon fiber.
Tight, smooth, and very stable, even with the center column fully extended.
The center column also switches to 90' horizontal very quickly, but cannot lock at different angles (vertical or horizontal only). Does not come with a carry bag or leg protectors, which for carbon fiber is somewhat more important, so you may want to factor that into the price when comparing it's value. I'm 6'1" tall, and this is adequately high, but the height of the Manfrotto 055 series is probably better for people 6' to 6'6". The comparable 055 CF tripod was $150 more though, which for me wasn't worth 60% more cost for 6" more height. I put the Manfrotto 322RC2 head on it, which is very versatile, and can actually be mounted vertically like a joystick for the extra height, so I'm very happy with the tripod overall.
I like the feel and weight of the carbon fiber and it supposedly dampens vibration better, but if cost is key, you would probably do just as well with aluminum. I read that the 4 section tripods can have a very thin bottom section, which is more fragile, less stable, and more expensive. I don't worry much about its minumum folded up size, so I stayed away from the 4 section, and went for the stability and price of the 3 section.
A center column that could lock at more angles, leg protectors, carry bag, 6" more height are all things that could bring this up from 4 stars, but would also increase the price, so I give it a solid 4+, and did end up buying the leg protectors separately for this, just to protect it from dings, etc. when carrying it around.
I'd only ever used cheapo aluminum tripods before, so this is a huge step up in quality and stability.
I'm super happy with this tripod and would highly recommend it. If you are over 6' though, I would compare it against a Manfrotto 055XPROB before deciding.
Hope this helps.
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Customer Review: Great tripod
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this tripod it is light weight which makes it very easy to carry around town. The Q90 center system is a wonderful feature I have used this a few times and really enjoy having it available. Personally I really like the newly added bubble level that was added to the 190CXPRO top plate this really helps in making sure the camera and tripod are level. From what I have heard the new top plate also reduces weight which is another great thing. I purchased this tripod with the 322RC2 grip ball head and it mates up perfectly. When I am using this tripod it works great and is very functional and easy to use. I have no problem with it holding any of the cameras I shoot with (Canon 40D and 300D with battery grip). If I were pressed for one downside on this tripod it would have to be weight when shooting in the wind. This is quite light and in windy situations it maybe too light. I don't really feel it a serious downside because I love the light weight when you have to carry it and because it has a hook on one side of the center mechanism so you can attach a ballast. This is a great buy if you are looking for an all around light weight tripod with some pro features.