Manfrotto/Bogen 055MF4 Magfiber tripod legs

I am planning to get this tripod as it seems to be a good compromise between

stability (can hold up to 15lbs), good price, good height and not too heavy to

carry.

 

Looking for anyone's experience in using this tripod and what kind of gear you

used it on. Would you recommend it or would you rather swing for the more

expensive Gitzo carbon fibers.

 

My heaviest gear will be a D200 and the 70-200/2.8 VR lens, or a Contax 645AF

with the 140/2.8 Sonnar.

 

Planning to get a RRS ballhead to go with the tripod.

 

Thanks in advance.

Hello Isaac, I have been using these legs for a few months, replaced 3221's. BIG, BIG improvement! Manfrotto did a sweet job of thinking about transporting an already light package by providing a handy-dandy carrying strap system. Center extension rod is easily removed/unscrewed for those "down-on-yer-belly macro" shots! Since the legs are triangular, twisting is not an issue as with my 3221's. This is an extremely sturdy unit, even when fully extended. I use a medium format Mamiya 645 1000s w/45mm lens system approx. (6lbs.) without incident, Nikon D100 w/Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED AND 2x teleconverter without a flicker, and Minolta SRT 101 w/80-200 Chinar Zoom at night for star trail shots. Crystal clear. I've been using Bogen's #322RC2 ball head for a year, and about two months ago that started oozing black grease onto the "trigger". So that has to be dealt with, but the upgrade to the good legs has worked out well so far for me. (used on portraitures, macro and landscapes)Good luck! -john

Though I don't have one, that tripod looks good to me also. The blend of features looks

hard to beat and combined with a RRS head should make for a terrific setup.

 

The lever locks are SO much quicker to use than the collet locks of a Gitzo, and can be

checked if secured visually. The ability to locate the column horizontally and for it to be

quickly shortened for low to the ground use are great features. Excellent height and

relatively short carry length also appeal to me. The apparent robustness and moderate

weight are bonuses.

 

Now you've got me thinking......;^)