Manfrotto 303SPH Tripod head

Advantages: Sturdy, Precise, Hard wearing finishes, Robust materials
Disadvantages: None (probably too heavy for a 35mm format camera user)

...Manfrotto makes 'un-complicated' tripods and this tool is simply one of the best tripods of its grade. The detailing, colour and finishes are very classic and robust at the same time. I use a Hasselblad V system and the 055D meets all my requirements on location. One should also carefully choose the ideal head for the camera. The pan 'lock-in levers' on my Manfrotto Ball Head are built and finished very well (this head can easily support a medium format camera at any angle). The matt steel finish is very hard-wearing and overall a very smart looking Tripod. The tripod requires less maintenance as well. PROS: Good Weight, Ideal for Architectural, Interior and on-site work. Value for money. Long lasting. CONS: None.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: sturdy, reliable, well-built, precise
Disadvantages: heavy(ish) but then a light tripod is no good!

...I traded up to a Manfrotto tripod after moving from 35mm to medium format cameras. I had previously used a £35.99 type Jessops tripod which was just about OK if I hung my camera bag from the centre column to give it extra stability! The Manfrotto 055C is their best selling mid sized model. It costs around £80 for the tripod with the "head" extra. This is because certain heads are made for different applications. Some photographers also prefer ball heads, some tilt and pan and then there are video heads and Panoramic (nodal point) heads etc. The tripod weighs around 4kg and I chose the 2kg "029" head which is rated for medium-format and smaller large-format cameras. This head has a silky smooth panning feel and locking handles in 3 axis. A bit heavy to carry around but strapped to the back of a Lowepro rucksack you soon get used... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lightweight, high quality tripod.
Disadvantages: Expensive.

...directly on top or the leg junction piece, and spread the legs for photograhing lower objects. This deletion of the extra casting on top also reduced the weight, so was a bonus in my view. Manfrotto have a general policy of not supplying the 'head' with many of their tripods (this is the jointed bit that allows the photographer to point the camera at the subject, then lock it in position). This is mainly due to the large range of different heads that are on offer. Some people prefer a 'pan and tilt' head, while others including me prefer a 'ball head', where the unlocking of a ball joint allows the camera to be moved in any direction within a hemisphere of movement. Back to the tripod itself, as I mentioned earlier, the later series of carbon tripods (model 443 & 444) have a gadget to allow the camera to be attached directly onto the tripod... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful