Quote Originally Posted by NFLD Stephen
f you plan on doing much macro you might want to consider the very similar manfrotto 055XPROB. This one has the horizontal centre column feature which can come in handy. That's the main difference, other differences are that the wilderness (WNB) has retractable spike feet (good for outside), is slightly lighter and folds slightly smaller. Support rating is the same. I have the 190XPROB which is basically the same as the 055XPROB except a bit smaller and lighter with a lighter load capacity (5kg). I find it to be a great tripod for my modest needs (heaviest lens currently is the 70-200 F4IS with 1.4 TC), so I am sure the 055 would be good for you.

In my opinion the horizontal center column is more important than the spiked feet; I do shoot outdoors a heck of a lot but not on steep cliffs or anything where I need spiked feet.


Your 70-200 f/4 and 1.4x TC weighs about 2lbs. Based on your experience, do you think it could handle 3, 4, 5, 6 pounds well? It is rated to 15 lbs, after all.