Product Description

The 055MF3 is an ideal tripod for many applications. The 055MF3 provides professional photographers with a tripod that s still very light in weight, simple to use, strong, and extremely versatile to position. The 055MF3 supports up to 15lbs, offers a minimum height of only 4.3 inches - which is perfect for low-angle shooting, and can extend to over 5 1/2 ft when needed. Without compromising on stability or rigidity of the tripod, Manfrotto engineers reduced the weight of the 055MF3 by utilizing carbon fiber legs with quick action lever locks in magnesium and resin.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #128951 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Tripods
• Model: 055MF3
• Dimensions: 4.41 pounds

Customer Reviews

The last tripod you'll ever need to buy
If you're looking at this I'm assuming that either A: you have been through a few cheap tripods and learned your lesson the hard way that cheap tripods are exactly that CHEAP, or B: You know your kit, have done your research, and and are looking for a quality piece of kit to last for years. Which ever camp you fall into, you will be aware that good shots start with a good camera setup, which means a rock solid tripod that eliminates the possibility of camera shake.

OK, you've probably looked at the Manfrotto website for the stats, so you already know this takes 7KG's folds up to 64cm, max height 134.5cm, etc etc etc.

Aircraft need to take advantage of the latest technologies to make them light and strong, in the 1970's aircraft started incorporating parts made from cast magnesium, and carbon fibre. 30 years later Manfrotto have used these materials to make their 'magfiber' range. (Mag: magnesium, Fiber: Carbon fiber.) Which brings us to the subject of this review, the Manfrotto 055MF3 Magfiber tripod.


CONSTRUCTION:

Obviously this fits in with the 055 series tripods as the premier model of the range (the main difference from the 190 series is these tripods tend to be taller). Make no mistake this tripod is light, really light.

Those carbon legs have a wonderful finish, with the fibres visible through a clear resin, giving a unique look that really looks special in bright sunlight. In a group of serious photographers, your tripod will stand out, and become a source of envy! The upshot of the legs not being made of metal is they don't become uncomfortably cold to the touch when its freezing out. Obviously these are 3 section legs, If you need something slightly shorter (10cm shorter) then have a look at the 055MF4, but for this you will compromise a bit of stability for a marginally shorter tripod.

The magnesium castings while lighter require more metal to achieve similar strength to fittings made of aluminium on the other tripods. It is worth noting that Magnesium alloys corrode fiercely when exposed to sea water. To this end, if you're working round the sea side, think long and hard before using this tripod.

There is an included carry strap that has a quick release loop to allow you to hold the legs together during transit, or to clip on your camera bag for extra weight during windy conditions.

Clipped on one leg is a small tool to allow tightening of the leg flick locks as they free up over time.

The legs angle out to 23, 47, 66 and 89 degrees, at wider settings the legs are used fully retracted, or they will bow a bit under the weight of the camera. At wider settings, the centre column breaks in two, letting you take shots down in the mud with few problems.

That centre column also breaks then fits cross ways in the the tripod to allow use in other ways, such as for service as a copy stand. When used this way the 055XPROB has a centre column that just lifts up and swings out, no messing about. But on balance the ability to go so low (11cm) has the edge here, but only just. On the other hand if this split centre column, and cross ways mount are not needed by you, then have a good look at the 055MFV, exactly the same legs and castings, just no split centre column etc. Great if you're just mounting a scope or binoculars.

There is a built in bulls eye spirit level to level the tripod, that is what manfrotto describes as "the built-in, carefully hand-set bubble spirit level helps make sure your horizons really are horizontal," all I can say about this statement is the hand that set mine must have been a bit shaky, as its not really all that accurate. Strangely enough reading a few reviews, I've read similar from other people, hardly a major problem though.

The tripod head platform uses the standard 3/8" thread to mount the head of your choice, and includes the usual 3 grub screws to firmly mount the head of your choice.

Finally the last thing to mention about the construction is the feet. They are not inherently bad, they are after all a thick rubber cap that does the job, well enough. Here I find the only slight irritation with the design I prefer retractable spiked feet to cover all working environments, yet I find these are not included, instead they are sold as a £15 accessory. At this price range I would expect to find them included, or even fitted. But this is a minor thing, and certainly no reason to mark the tripod down. It is worth noting, while on the subject of feet that there are also optional snow feet available.

As a side note here, the tripod carries a 5 year guarantee, and replacement parts are available in the event of you breaking something. A sure indicator that this is no disposable item.

Over all this has a feel of quality, its well engineered, using good design principals. The materials are used to the best effect to produce something strong yet light.

IN USE:

Mines still quite new, so all joints and locks are still quite stiff, but all joints feature screws and nuts that can be tightened as time passes, using either the attached tool, or a screwdriver. Although they are still a bit stiff, all actions are smooth, and easy to use.

On extending the legs and setting up at max height, the tripod is good and steady, as you'd expect. For a 5'11" bloke like myself add on a head, and the height of a camera, and I don't have to stoop to look down the viewfinder.

Splitting the column and retracting the legs takes a little time, but if you're going to the trouble of setting up for working so low, then the extra time is no problem for the right shot.

The strap could be a bit longer to double up as a shoulder strap, which like the feet is an optional extra for more money.

It all works like you'd expect, and offers the kind of platform you need to get the best shots. In short, this has proved to be a joy to use, A choice that will last many years to come I hope.

CONCLUSION:

This is a great piece of equipment, the only niggles being that the accessories I would like to see included are optional extras, but when buying there is one factor you'll have to come to a decision about: cost. Currently on Amazon they are about £200 inc postage

The similarly designed, yet aluminium legged 055XPROB are currently £80 cheaper than the 055MF3. All things being equal the 055MF3 tripod is the one to go for, yet £80 is more than the cost of a good head. So for the same money you can get an 055XPROB and head for less than the 055MF3 costs.

Both are good legs, but remember these are sets of legs that will offer the average photographer the potential of a lifetime of use. So if you still need to justify the extra £80, do what I did, justify the purchase of a set of 055MF3 legs, by virtue that you're only going to buy once, so buy the best.

What he said!
There's not much more that I can add that's different to M.P. Cochran's excellent review!

I've been through the same process of being frustrated with cheap tripods that wobble, are hard to set up, are fiddly to attach the camera, are awkward to carry, etc. - and end up getting left at home.

After a bunch of research, I settled on this tripod - and I couldn't be happier. Lightweight, well-balanced and easy to carry. Quick to adjust. Easy to attach the camera/lens using the quick-release plates.

If you can afford it, then this comes highly recommended - just don't forget that you'll have to spend extra on a tripod head (the bit that the camera attaches to) and may also have to buy additional quick-release plates if you have multiple camera bodies or large lenses that you want to mount.