The real choice is between the three section model (pro 3) which is lighter and less money but longer when collapsed. I went for the compactness of this four section tripod and it has proven a good choice. Compared to other carbon tripods this one wins on functionality and quality for the money. The ability to shift the center column to horizontal, upside down and all ways in between is tremendously easy. So too are the locking catches that allow you to spread the legs to different angles with a push of the catch. My only complaint is the lack of spike feet. Instead the legs are terminated by cheap rubber caps that will wear out quickly when used on irregular hard surfaces outdoors. I was unable to find alternate feet that are available for 16mm diameter legs of other Manfrottos (the bottom legs are 11mm on the pro4). Hey Bogen you got to fix this for that much money. Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head
I chose this tripod because of its light weight and very small size when collapsed. I travel a lot and was looking for the best combination of lightness, compactness, and versatility in a tripod that would still fit in carry-on luggage. I have not yet flown with it but I will update this review when I do.
I don't often get the happy experience of a product exceeding my expectations, but this tripod does. To the extent that something as simple as a tripod can be loaded with thoughtful little details, this one is. The center section has an unobtrusive hook for hanging things off the tripod (like a weight to give more stability, or your camera bag) and an equally unobtrusive loop for tying things to the tripod or vice versa. Almost everything is adjustable--tension on the leg sections can be adjusted with an included key that snaps onto one of the legs for storage. The center post switches from vertical to horizontal in literally a second or two. It seems to be the product of a long learning curve informed by real-life experience. Working with other tripods I have frequently thought, "Boy, it would sure be nice if this tripod did X." The 190CXPRO4 does X, and Y and Z to boot.
A word on stability. This tripod is about as sturdy as it is possible for something in its class to be. It makes all the cheap photo tripods I've ever used look laughable. That said, it is still an under-four-pound skinny-legged thing with no spreader or chains, so don't expect the same level of solidity you'd get from a surveyor tripod. On the other hand, good luck finding something this sturdy that folds down to 20 inches and weighs less than four pounds, or something this versatile at any size. Just be aware that there IS a tradeoff involved.
With a big ball head and five pound spotting scope perched on top, damping times from vibrations are in the 2-3 second range, which is not just acceptable but darn near miraculous considering the scope+head outweigh the tripod by a factor of 3 to 2. When I'm trying to observe the fiendishly skittish hummingbird in the tree next door, it's very nice to be able to just pick up the whole rig with one hand, walk across the yard, plunk it down and be back to observing in less time than it takes to write.
Recommended not just for photographers but also birders and amateur astronomers looking for exceeding lightness, strength, and versatility in a grab-n-go setup.
Bogen-Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 4-Section Pro Carbon Fiber Tripod without Head
After months of researching tripods the choice came down to the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4. The flexability of the Manfrotto system coupled with the ability to customize to a configuration that suits any shooting situation is perhaps the best feature of the product. The equipment is engineered using the best materials under the closest tolerances. I shoot both a DSLR (Nikon D300) and Medium Format (Hasselblad) film camera. This Tripod and the choices of heads allow you to lighten your load and customize your platform to fit your gear. Price will keep buyers to serious photographers or professionals.
These sticks are small enough when folded (just under 20") to fit inside a rolling luggage cart (overhead storage on the plane) but sturdy enough to hold everything but the heavier teles. Carbon fiber is a must if you plan to lug around your tripod - this set is very light (3lbs.) but has a rigid feel. It pays to spend an extra hundred and get good material.
Of course there are better legs out there. These sticks are made for eager amateurs and professional hopefuls - aluminum is just too heavy to carry all day, even though they're generally only another 1 or 2 pounds heavier. That little bit makes all the difference.
This set has some nice features, especially the center column, which can be used for very low shots. Kick the legs all the way out, mount your camera and you've got quite an interesting perspective, very close to the ground.
I also like the flip levers - not a fan of the twist locks. These levers are well-built and look like they'll take years of abuse.
The only thing preventing a 5-star review are the feet. I don't think they're "cheap" as others have called them, but they're pretty basic rubber bottoms, nothing more. Bogen/Man sells "all-weather" shoes for the Pro4 but no spikes, at least none I've found yet.
That said, I was on the sand in Myrtle Beach for a week and this tripod had no problems negotiating that or the mud in the marshes. I bought this on a Wednesday and by Thursday night it had been exposed to salt water, mud, sand, early-morning dew, fog and then strong sun for 8 or 9 hours - not to mention tons of bugs.
For the price I doubt you'll find any other 100% carbon sticks with a center column that rapid-shifts for portraits.
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