There’s a purpose why Manfrotto is among the most trusted manufacturers for skilled digital camera help gear around the globe. These Legacy Version tripods present us that.
Manfrotto, a model that originates from Cassola, Italy, was began by a photojournalist named Lino Manfrotto within the late Sixties. On the latter a part of the last decade, he started to promote gentle stands and different studio gear, however it was not till 1974 that the primary Manfrotto tripod was launched. Since then, the Manfrotto model has been probably the most dependable innovators of tripods and studio gear out there. Fifty years after the primary tripod was launched, Manfrotto launched the Legacy Version tripods—a contemporary tackle probably the most trusted tripod fashions from the model.
The Manfrotto 055 Legacy Version
The 055 is a mainstay alternative for a lot of professionals. Particularly prior to now decade, the 055 provided extra vertical attain whereas offering secure and sturdy help, in addition to some versatile options for when the shot requires one thing totally different. The 055 Legacy Version maintains the shape and performance of the latest MT055CXPro4 however includes a minimalist all-black design that eliminates the coloured elements the place the older variations start to indicate put on, an improved tactile expertise in extending the sections, and a extra common Arca-Swiss-type appropriate head for the images model.
The 055 has a folded size of 65 cm (25.59 inches), which incorporates the peak of the ball head. As soon as absolutely prolonged together with the middle column, the utmost peak is 181.5 cm (71.45 inches), which supplies greater than sufficient peak for {most professional} use instances. On the alternative finish, the tripod can go as little as simply 10 cm (3.93 inches) from the bottom by spreading the legs all the best way to nearly a flat angle and turning the middle column horizontal, which ranges it with the legs of the tripod.
The MK055CXPRO4-Q6T is a four-section tripod with Manfrotto’s signature Fast Energy Lock clip locks discovered on the joints of every part. A minor change on this model is that the locks are actually completely black, which eliminates the colour accents within the earlier fashions’ locks. Apart from this being a extra minimalist aesthetic, it additionally removes the coloured elements that often fade in older variations over time. Whereas this may occasionally not have any direct implications, it does have advantages in sustaining the tripod. Together with this, a distinction that may’t be proven by photograph is the truth that the legs lengthen a lot smoother and routinely lengthen when the locks are launched whereas upright.
The central joint of the tripod has the identical options because the older fashions however with the identical all-black therapy on the small print. The joints of every of the legs have 4 totally different angle choices that permit for low-angle taking pictures. On the corners of the central joint are a hyperlink port, an adjunct hook, and a management knob for the middle column.
When the middle column is absolutely prolonged, a launch button permits it to disengage and switch 90 levels horizontally—to realize both low-angle taking pictures (as beforehand described) or overhead angles for taking pictures parallel to the bottom. On the finish of the middle column is a mounting platform that additionally features a rotating tab with a bubble degree indicator.
The ball head has 4 aspect knobs on it. Closest to the bottom is a small knob that unlocks 360-degree panning motion. Above it, nearly on the perpendicular aspect, is a bigger principal knob for the motion of the ball head. On the identical degree is a triangular knob that fine-tunes the friction of the ball joint altogether. The fast-release clamp of the equipped ball head is now appropriate with Arca-Swiss-type plates along with the 200PL Professional that comes within the field.
The Manfrotto 190X Legacy Version
Together with the bigger four-section 055 mannequin is one other well-loved tripod variant, the 190X. The 190 tripod line is understood to be the extra standard-sized tripod (as in comparison with the taller 055 fashions) with a reversible heart column. The MK190X3-Q6T is a three-section aluminum alloy tripod with a folded size of 70 cm (27.55 inches) and may go as excessive as 171.8 cm (67.6 inches) when the three sections and the middle column are absolutely prolonged. It weighs 2.4 kg (5.29 lbs) and may carry 10 kg (22 lbs) of drugs.
The 190X makes use of the identical Fast Energy Locks, however since this mannequin is comprised solely of three leg sections, every part is considerably longer to realize an nearly related standing peak. With fewer sections, it may additionally lead to a sooner setup course of as properly. The 190X options the identical central joint, leg angle change, and hyperlink ports because the 055 model; nevertheless, it makes use of a extra simple heart column. With this, the middle column can solely be prolonged or pulled out completely to invert it together with the digital camera for low-angle taking pictures. As soon as the column is pulled upward, a button on the decrease finish will probably be pushed by the central joint to launch the opposite finish and use it instead column for very low-angle pictures. Alternatively, this secondary attachment level comes with the identical 3/8-inch thread that may permit a second head for use beneath. This may both be used to mount one other digital camera from a decrease angle or to mount different equipment with a appropriate mounting thread.
The MK190X3-Q6T comes with a equipped compact 496 ball head that includes a dual-level knob that controls the lock of the ball’s movement utilizing the outer knob and fine-tunes the ball’s friction utilizing the internal knob. That is accompanied by a smaller knob that controls the 360-degree panning of your complete head. The highest platform on the pinnacle is, in fact, an Arca-Swiss-compatible quick-release clamp managed by a single knob and accompanied by a bubble degree indicator.
Consumer Expertise and Utility
The Manfrotto 055 and 190 tripods are what I personally would name business staples. All through totally different generations of those tripods, they’ve supplied non-negotiable qualities that professionals search for in tripods—stability and reliability. These new Legacy variations are according to that. It’s simple that there weren’t many adjustments applied on this new model as a result of for them to embody that legacy, they’ve to stay to the identical format, however it’s appreciated that they now are available a extra low-key and sturdy aesthetic, with an improved tactile expertise by means of the smoothness of the legs and higher compatibility with Arca-Swiss-compatible heads.
The Manfrotto 055 and 190 Legacy Version tripods, identical to their predecessors, supply secure and sturdy help options that can be utilized for any use case and atmosphere. Personally, my carbon fiber older MT190CXPro4 tripod has accompanied me in quite a lot of out of doors taking pictures eventualities and is substituted by the taller 055 variant at any time when I would like the additional peak for architectural images. These tripods, in fact, additionally present the whole lot one would want for a studio tripod, particularly in making fast peak changes by means of particular person clip locks. For out of doors use or any form of images that strikes by means of totally different places, the carbon fiber variations are extra snug to hold, whereas the function of tripods that stay in a studio can very properly be performed by the aluminum variations.
Manfrotto’s 055 and 190 tripods have lengthy been the dependable choice for a lot of photographers, each professionals and hobbyists alike. This celebration of the model’s 50-year legacy infuses some newer touches into the identical constant options that previous customers have cherished. In the event you’re somebody who’s on the lookout for new out-of-the-box tripods in distinctive shapes and kinds, these may not be what fits you finest. However in case you’re somebody who chooses to stay with what works and has all the time been trusted, the Legacy Version tripods are undoubtedly an excellent alternative.
What I Appreciated
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All-black minimalist aesthetic
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Arca-Swiss-compatible head
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Able to doing very low-angle pictures
What Can Be Improved
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Integration of a number of hyperlink ports
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Higher locking of the secondary column on the 190X
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Implementation of the all-black design on the heads
