Don't write reviews often but this tripod is worth a little effort. I use the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 with the Manfrotto 322RC2 grip action head, I shoot 90% on a tripod. Thinking that most folks would agree there is no way one can handhold as steady as a tripod.
Even though they all look somewhat similar tripods differ widely.
Before dumping a lot of hard earned cash on a tripod think equally about the head you will be placing between it and your camera. Your images will only be as good (sharp) as the weakest link in your system.
This is my 1st carbon fiber tripod of eight and CF was not the only deciding factor. This is a great deal at $300 if you compare all of the features.
100% Carbon Fiber - not a mix of composite materials.
Magnesium joints for stronger, tighter and lighter tube connections.
and the feature part is the patented quick center column system, very nice!
Coming from a 3021BPRO this quick 90deg center column change is a huge improvement, I actually use it now! Rarely did on the 3021 due to the time consuming conversion task.
I transplanted the much loved Manfrotto 322RC2 grip ball head from the 3021, perfect match in diameter.
The tripod and head together weigh in at 4.2# compared to the 3021Pro at around 7# almost a 3# difference. This may not seem like much but if you hike for miles through difficult terrain it is immeasurable. The 322RC2 head is 1.4# tripod 2.8#
The 190CXPRO3 is 3.5" shorter then the 3021 but poses no problems for my 5'-11" height. The center column is 100% CF as well. The Carbon Fiber is so much more rigid than the aluminum even with the larger tubes of the 3021.
It holds my Canon 5D and wide lenses with ease. The head capacity in the vertical position is 5.5# so super telephotos are out but it should not be much of a problem for the 70-200 2.8 or 70-300L lenses with lens ring mounting.
I love this combination and versatility. Just works fantastic for me in nature. I mainly do HDR work these days so a very stable tripod is critically important for the multiple images to match accurately.
Buy it and get outdoors. You can't get good shots reading all these reviews online but at least you might save some time getting the correct tools the 1st time.
The only downside to this tripod is the weight, too light for the breeze at times, may need your cam bag or other to help weight it down a bit at times. Is has no center column hook like most other pro tripods due to the 90deg quick change system release button at that location but there is a small moulded in hook on one side of the triangular center mechanism for this purpose.
paulsedwick.com Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head
Pros:
Sturdy
Lightweight
q90 center column
Cons:
Legs don't automatically slide out when tab is released
Pricey
Recommendation:
Anyone looking for a sturdy lightweight tripod. If you want all the features with out all the cost, look at the 190xprob (aluminum version).
Review:
This is a lightweight and sturdy tripod. It will easily hold a medium sized camera and lens. Make sure you use a lightweight head on this to get the most of it, something like a 460MG or 486rc2 ball head would work nicely. The carbon fiber is very nice looking, and almost the entire tripod is made from carbon fiber with magnesium fittings.
The 190cx uses magnesium for all the die-castings, which is significantly more magnesium than the 190xprob uses, so you do get a little more than carbon fiber when you buy the 190cx version.
The center column shared by the pro tripod includes the innovative q90 head. Just by loosening the center column and pressing a button on the end, you can pull it up and out and lay it flat so you can position your camera at a 90 degree angle to the tripod. Just be sure to make sure the tripod is stable with the camera out far away before letting go.
For the cons, when you pull the release tabs on the legs, the legs are so light and higher friction than aluminum they don't just fall down into place. You have to pull the tab, then physically pull the leg out to where you want before locking the tab again. This is a minor quibble, but important for people to know.
Secondly, it is more than $100 more than the functionally equivalent 190xprob. Buy this only if you really want the extra weight savings, carbon fiber appearance, and slightly sturdier magnesium die-cast components.
Great tripod, that I hope to enjoy for years. I thought about returning the carbon fiber version for the aluminum version, but after using it I definitely prefer it.
I know, this sounds far-fetched, but this one is actually better than more expensive Gitzos. Of course, Gitzos are also made by Manfrotto, so it's not surprising.
First, you will find that lever leg locks on this one are much more convenient than tubular locks on Gitzo. Second, the 90 degree switching central column is very useful.
Third, the bubble level that you can actually use!
I use mine with Kirk BH-3 and they both seems to be made for each other.
You might consider 190CXPRO4, its more expensive cousin, but I recommend you try it first, because the latter is less stable due to thinner lower section, IMHO. - Carbon Fiber - Photography - Manfrotto - Bogen'
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