Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Review with 496RC2 Ball Head
February 7, 2012 
5 Comments
Note: The 055XPROB has been replaced by the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3, which has some new and improved features.
This is a great in-depth review of the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod put together with the 496RC2 ball head.
This was my first professional tripod after I decided I wasn’t going to lose any more time or any more shots because of cheap, flimsy tripods that couldn’t reliably support my gear. I wasn’t let down – I love this tripod and I’ve taken it all over with me in my travels. I haven’t had a single issue with it and it feels fantastic every time I set it up.
Manfrotto 055XPROB
As far as aluminum tripod legs go, the Manfrotto 055XPROB is one of my favorites. The Q90 center column adjust up and down, to the side and can also be inverted so you can literally put your camera right on the ground.
This tripod does more than allow you to put your DSLR on the ground, it also allows you to get it up in the air and at 6 foot 4 inches tall, I find this tripod to be a dream come true.
Manfrotto 496RC2
This is the upgraded replacement to the Manfrotto 486RC2 and it is very popular with DSLR shooters. Just click on the link below to see some of the user reviews in a new window.
Click for Pricing & Consumer ReviewsUnless you plan on shooting a lot of video, this is a great combination that will serve you well.
Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod for HD Video
If you are planning on shooting a lot of video, you might want to consider a video head like the Manfrotto 701HDV – this is what I use and I love the combination and smooth panning that the 701HDV provides when I’m shooting HD video.
Carbon Fiber or Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod?
If you are going to be carrying your tripod a lot, you might want to consider upgrading to carbon fiber – check out our Manfrotto 055CXPROB review.
Hope you enjoyed the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod review.
thanks for share!
This is only on Video tripods (not uaslluy still camera tripods). Video camcorders have a small hole in them,just in front of the screw, on the bottom. It is used tokeep the camera oriented, and not slide around,as you are actively panning and tiltingthe tripod head around.(Since you don’t tilt a still camera while it is recording,it isn’t needed on a still camera tripod.) It’s a bad idea to shoot using camcorders on astill camera tripod, because these stabilizingpush pegs aren’t there to keep the camera oriented.(I made that mistake years ago Ouch!)Note: If you are shooting stereoscopic videos with twocamcorders, these are extremely useful forkeeping the cameras parallel. So, it’s good toget similar mounts on your slide bar, if you can find them.
i appreciate your thinking, and the way you express your ideas is amazing.
Hello! Thanks for the informative site! I am definitely leaning towards the Manfrotto 055XPROB…..but then I saw the 055XPROB3 is now offered for a few bucks more. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Hi Deidre,
Unless I’m mistaken, the “3” in 055XPROB3 is something you see depending on the advertiser who are calling it out as a 3-section tripod. You’ll often see it as 055XPROB-3 Section tripod. Overall, I love this tripod and think you’ll enjoy it for your work with children.