Manfrotto 190XB 3 Section Aluminum Tripod with Manfrotto 804RC2 Basic Pan Tilt Head

This is the second Manfrotto camera support product I have purchased (previous product - monopod) in the past 6 mos.I had several requirements going into this purchase... 1) It had to be spec'd out to handle the projected weight of my Canon 50D w/either EF 24-70mm F2.8L USM or EF 70-200mm F4.0 USM zoom lenses, 2) it needed to have three section legs, 3) it needed to be sturdy yet somewhat light weight for travel, & 4) it had to break down to a size that would fit into a typical check-in roller board luggage.After much research (gathering camera & lens weight specs as well as tripod/head "load" specs) & some soul-searching, I decided on the 190XB over the 55XB & the Slik counterpart. The 190XB met all of my requirements and also came as a kit with the 804RC2 Swivel & Tilt head. I am very pleased with this purchase as I find this tripod simple to deploy in the field, lightweight as hoped, and ruggedly made.On top of all that, I was able to take advantage of a nice cash back rebate program which Manfrotto had in effect at the time of purchase.Combined with my Manfrotto monopod, I believe I have a solid kit of supports for my Canon 50D as well as my Canon G12.Do not hesitate to purchase this product. You will not be disappointed.

The 190XB is a great base. It's fairly light, has a great range and with a raised column, can be lowered to just a few inches off the ground for some very unique shots. My only real complaint is with the 804RC2 head. The quick release sticks and can sometimes be extremely difficult to remove the camera from the stand.I work as a part-time wedding photographer and am using the tripod as often as possible before my next shoot as a means to wear the release a bit. I am afraid that the moment will come when I need to quickly remove the camera from the tripod and not be able to and then miss a key moment.As I continue to use the tripod and head, I will update this review, but in the meantime, I would suggest it to anyone looking for a well rounded tripod kit.

The other reviews are inaccurate in that it is very heavy.I purchased this tripod to travel with and it's often strapped to my backpack. The tripod performs extremely well, the head swivels smoothly, it is durable enough that it will take a bullet, and definitely deploys quickly. I also love the macro feature that allows you to flip the shaft upside down to attache the camera between the legs for extreme close ups. Ultimately, it received two stars because the weight is unbearable for travel and the only place for this is in a studio or car trips to shoots.

I am completely pleased with this compact tripod. It is exceptionally sturdy and well finished. The quick release mechanisms used for locking the legs are so much faster and better than other tripods that I have used in the past. It is small and light enough to use while hiking and is sturdy enough for any number of in-house shoots.

I haven't had time to use it yet, I have it set up in the house seems very sturdy. I like that I can buy different heads for it. Shipping was great , came a day earlier then suppose to.

Solid, very professional ! I love the separate controls for position. The leg clasps are strong with a positive snap to let you know they are tight. The quick release plate is metal, feels quite tough ! very happy with this.

Small and compact, light, easy to lug around. The standard pan head is conventional and nothing special, but I sprung for the Manfrotto pan head, which is well worth the price.

Very sturdy. Easy to set up and take down. Supports my Nikon camera and Sigma 250-500mm zoom lens perfectly.

Excellent tripod. Very solid and feels well made. If this is an example of their entry level products, their higher end stuff must be phenomenal!

Manfrotto is the best that is all.

I am using it for more than 4 years now and couldn’t even think to live without it .