Quote Originally Posted by jks


Hello HiFiGuy1,


I think the 055cxpro3 is sturdier than the 055CXPROB.... right? for now I am looking at the 055cxprobfor my gripped Xti with my biggest lens thus far is a 70-200 2.8is. will it handle the load of axis??


I was kind of hoping to going with a ball head but am not really sure if those manfrotto ballheads can handle the load when the camera is off the vertical axis. I'm kind of worried the ball might slip out of place from where i set it and that would be annoying.I should go with those acratech or arca swiss ballheadsbut they're way out off my budget right now.


What do you think?? Should I go with a ballhead or a 3way pan tilt head??






Refer to neuroanatomist's post regarding the nomenclature of the Manfrotto tripods, but I understand your question. I don't have direct experience with the aluminum version 055XPROB, but I do have an aluminum tripod (SunPak 7500TM), and the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 is stiffer and stronger, and it also transmits far less vibration to the body than the SunPak. Aluminum by its nature as a homogeneous solid is resonant, where as carbon fiber as it exists in finished form, like tripod legs, is a composite of dissimilar substances (resin and woven carbon fibers) which is why it absorbs vibration so well. Comparing the two Manfrottos would be closer, but some of the carbon advantages over aluminum would still carry over, even for a nearly identical design. Carbon fiber legs also don't hold heat like aluminum, so on a cold day it will be much more pleasant to handle the CF version.


As far as being more expensive, I think that the 055xxxxxx tripods don't differ that much. Mine was $399, and I think the aluminum version is $180. Relatively speaking the carbon is over twice as much, but the total difference is only a couple hundred dollars. Considering how light it is to carry, (like 2.2 pounds, and the relatively small absolute difference in price, I'd go with the CXPRO3. I don't recommend the PRO4 for most uses, either, since it has four legs, with the last segment being narrower and less strong, while only saving a couple of inches of length when stored.


I struggled with the three-axis vs ballhead for a good while. I don't know the correct answer. I have both right now, one of them borrowed. The ballhead I have is far from lightweight. It is the largest I've ever seen of its kind, and it is very strong, so the issues to which you refer with the Manfrotto aren't really there for mine. I just ended up using the three axis more because when I loosen it to move it, I can do it one axis at a time, and I like the control. A ball head is flexible, but if you accidentally lose your grip on the body with a large lens, it could be catastrophic. I would probably change my opinion if I were doing portrait work, though. I mostly use it for wildlife right now.