Since 1974 Manfrotto have been producing high quality, functional and inovative camera supports for the most demanding photographers. The Manfrotto range comprises a series of leg options complemented by a range of head options. This modular approach enables the photographer to custom build their ideal camera support solution.
A tripod, frankley noone wants one, they are bulky, heavy and inconvenient. However, without a tripod you are not achieveing the quality that your camera is capable of producing. It is pretty much the only photographic accessory that will improve the quality of your output, yet many photographers will spend hundreds of pounds on the latest lens or camera body in the pursute of photographic perfection, and ignore this essential component.
What do I need to buy? Which head is compatible with which leg set? What is the best combination for me? These are questions we are often asked by photographers who are trying to understand the Manfrotto range. We have drawn on our experience selling Manfrotto to bring you a selection of kit combinations that we believe will enhance your photographic skills and provide you with a superb camera support for years to come.
There are some important considerations when selecting the ideal tripod combination -
How tall are you and how often will you use the tripod? - This is important; too long bending over to see through the viewfinder can be painful.
How heavy is your equipment? - Make sure the tripod you buy is 'man' enough for your expectations and equipment.
How heavy a tripod are you willing to carry? - The heavier the tripod the more stable it is, but it's no use if you can't get it to where the pictures are!
What type of photography do you do? - Make sure the tripod and head have the correct features to match the work you intend to do.
Do you need to travel with the tripod? - Some tripods will fit into hand luggage; this might be an important consideration.
In short there is no simple answer. Buying a tripod is normally a series of compromises - weight vs height, stability vs weight, features vs price etc.
LIGHTWEIGHT LEG OPTIONS
Below is a summary of the Manfrotto leg options - for most users the 190X or 055X Series tripods are most suitable.
190X Series Legs designed to load to 5KG. Compact for easy use and portability. If you stand over 5ft 10" tall consider 055 series for more comfortable working height.
| 190XDB |
Basic legs - screw leg locks, no low angle adaptor |
| 190XB |
Same as XDB but with fasy action lever leg locks and low angle adaptor |
| 190XPROB |
As XB also Features 90 degree centre column (cross arm) great for Macro |
| 190CX3 |
Carbon Fibre version of XB model |
| 190CXPRO3 |
Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model |
| 190CXPRO4 |
Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model - compact 4 legs section fold - good travel option |
055X Series Legs - designed to load to 7KG (8KG Carbon Fibre models). Compact for easy use and portability. If you stand under 5ft 10" tall consider 190 series for more comfortable working height.
| 055XDB |
Basic legs - screw leg locks, no low angle adaptor |
| 055XB |
Same as XDB but with fast action lever leg locks and low angle adaptor |
| 055XPROB |
As XB also Features 90 degree centre column (cross arm) great for Macro |
| 055CX3 |
Carbon Fibre version of XB model |
| 055CXPRO3 |
Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model |
| 055CXPRO4 |
Carbon Fibre version of XPROB model - compact 4 legs section fold - good travel option |
The best value / featured legs are the 190XPROB and 055XPROB models. These offer great specification and are only a little more expensive than their XDB and XB family members.
The Carbon Fibre debate - is it worth spending the extra for Carbon Fibre? For some photographers undoubtedly yes, if weight is critical then you cannot beat Carbon Fibre. Additionally they offer increased rigidity over their aluminium counterparts, useful if being used with heavier telephoto / telephoto zoom lenses.
If you are not intending to circum navigate the Lake District or trek the Andes then the aluminium versions are absolutely perfect for the majority of users.
HEAVY DUTY & SPECIALIST LEGS OPTIONS
Neotec 458B - designed to load upto 8KG. Heavy duty tripod solution with rapid set ups and take down. Ideal for location work including weddings
| NEOTEC 458B |
Leverless rapid action leg locking system similar spec to 055XPROB |
In the studio!- designed to load upto 20KG (161MK2). Very heavy duty tripod solutions for accessable locations
| 475B |
Heavy duty leg set with leg bracing - good for location work where stability is crucial |
| 058B |
Similar to the 475B but with rapid action leg adjustment for quick adjustments - great for fashion studio work |
| 161MK2 |
The 'Daddy' of the Manfrotto range great for large format equipments and large lens set ups - also large observation / astro binoculars |
Video Tripods - With the correct head the 190 or 055XB models are good for basic video use. The best option, however, is to invest in a dedicated video solution with levelling bowl
| 547B |
Skeletal design levelling bowl - sold as a kit with 701HDV or 501HDV head with or without case |
| 525MVB |
Skeletal design with 75mm levelling bowl - sold as a kit with 501HDV, 503HDV or 519 head and case |
For the Ebay shop listings for the tripod legs - please CLICK HERE
Below is a summary of the Manfrotto head options - as a rule of thumb if you are into considered compositional photography use a 3 way head. For rapid set up (action photography) then a ball and socket or Joystick ball head is better. If you do a bit of both then a ball head with separate pan locking control is a good option.
Ball and Socket Heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand rapid composition - sports, widlife, reportage etc . All the models we stock accept quick release plates where available.
| MN492 |
Micro ball head - ideal for use on lightduty Monopods (no quick release option) |
| MN494RC2 |
Mini ball head - great for monopods / lightduty tripods uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN496RC2 |
Compact ball head - good match to 190 series tripods and pro monopods uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN498RC2 |
Midi ball head - good match to 190 & 055 series tripods features separate pan lock uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN498RC4 |
Midi ball head - same as 498RC2 uses larger 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format |
| MN468MG SERIES |
Hydrostatic ball head for maximum lock off - for heavier loads - available with various release plate options |
Joystick grip action ball heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand rapid composition - sports, widlife, reportage etc. Very quick to use - not ideal for compositional photography
| MN222RC2 |
Best used on a monopod - not ideal when being used in the portrait aspect with heavier duty items uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN322RC2 |
Heavier duty version of the MN222RC2 features right or left handed use, uses 200PL14 release plate |
3 way heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand compositional control allows individual adjustment for each plane perfect when you have time to compose
| MN056 |
Basic 3 way head - good positioning no quick release plate |
| MN460MG |
Lightweight head ideal for use on 190 tripods & Carbon Fibre models uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN391RC2 |
Coventional tripod head with ability to accept small camcorder uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN804RC2 |
Ideal standard 3 way head - good on 190 series tripods (or 055 series for taller user) |
| MN808RC4 |
Good match to 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format) |
3 way geared heads- perfect choice for photographers who demand precise compositional control allows fine geared individual adjustment for each plane superb for all still life applications
| MN410 |
Good match to 190 or 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format) |
| MN405 |
Good Match to 055 series tripods uses 410 release plate (Larger for bigger lenses / medium format) |
| MN400 |
Heavy duty professional geared head for use with studio legs set options |
2 way heads- perfect choice for video use, spotting scopes or for smooth panning and tilting movements ie Motor sport or wildlife photography
| MN128RC |
Popular budget smooth action head for 190 & 055 tripods uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN700RC2 |
Ideal for lightweight video cameras on 190 series tripods uses 200PL14 release plate |
| MN701HDV |
Entry level HDV video head for 190 or 055 tripods uses 501PL release plate |
| MN501HDV |
Superb heavier duty fluid effect head for 055 series tripods (and video series) uses 501PL release plate |
| MN503HDV |
Superb heavier duty fluid head for ultra smooth panning for 055 series tripods (and video series) uses 501PL release plate |
| MN519 |
Professional heavy duty fluid head system |
Panoramic Heads- Specialist heads enabling the creation of 'stitched' panoramic photographs and VR tours - best used with a levelling base MN438 or MN338
| MN627 |
Entry level basic panoramic adaptor head |
| MN300N |
Easy to use 360 degree panoramic head |
| MN303PLUS |
Advanced 360 degree panoramic head can be used in both portrait and landscape aspect |
| MN303SPH |
As 303PLUS also enables the production of Virtual Tours by offering the ability to create 360 degree all round panoramas |
For the Ebay shop listings for the heads - please CLICK HERE
POPULAR COMBINATIONS & KITS |
Hopefully the leg and head summary is giving you a good starting point. Below are some of our most popular combinations and a suitability guide. Remember if your requirements change you can simply purchase an alternative head to suit.
190X Series combinations each kit is available with or without the dedicated Manfrotto carry case
| 190XPROB / 804RC2 |
Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications MAX LOAD 4KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
| 190XPROB / 496RC2 |
Great for rapid set ups where composition is less crucial MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
| 190XPROB / 498RC2 |
Features larger ball head with separate pan locking control better compositional control than 496RC2 option yet still quick MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
| 190XPROB / 322RC2 |
Super speedy set up less good for compositional photography MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
| 190CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 460MG |
Superb lightweight kit great for compositional, travel and macro photography applications MAX LOAD 3KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
| 190CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 496RC2 |
Great for rapid set ups where composition is less crucial MAX LOAD 5KG max user height 5ft 10" (for comfort) |
055X Series combinations each kit is available with or without the dedicated Manfrotto carry case
| 055XPROB / 804RC2 |
Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications MAX LOAD 4KG for users over 5ft 10" |
| 055XPROB / 808RC4 |
Superb all rounder great for compositional photography and macro applications for heavier kit MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10" |
| 055XPROB / 498RC4 |
Features larger ball head with separate pan locking great all round rapid action head MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10" |
| 055XPROB / 322RC2 |
Super speedy set up less good for compositional photography MAX LOAD 5KG for users over 5ft 10" |
| 055CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 460MG |
Superb tall lightweight kit great for compositional, travel and macro photography applications MAX LOAD 3KG for users over 5ft 10" |
| 055CXPRO3 or PRO4 / 498RC4 |
Features larger ball head with separate pan locking great all round rapid action head MAX LOAD 7KG for users over 5ft 10" |
This is a selection of our most popular kit solutions - for the full range please CLICK HERE
Manfrotto produce a range of compact tripods designed for lighterweight digital equipment. These tripods are suitable for compact, bridge and some of the lightest SLR cameras and are not part of the modular system above. Therefore the heads cannot be removed. Please ensure your equipment is within the specified allowed weight.
| MODO 785B |
Innovative grip head tripod for lightweight still and video cameras MAX LOAD 1KG |
| DIGI 725B |
Fantastic travel tripod with fitted ball head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG |
| 7322YSHB |
Ultra compact tripod with fitted ball head MAX LOAD 2KG |
| 7322YB |
Larger version of the 7322YSHB with fitted ball head MAX LOAD 2KG |
| 7321YB |
Compact tripod with 3 way head - also OK for camcorder MAX LOAD 2.5KG |
| 7302YB |
Fantastic travel tripod with fitted ball head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG |
| 7301YB |
Fantastic travel tripod with fitted 3 way head ideal for consumer SLR MAX LOAD 3.5KG |
For more details on this range of tripods please CLICK HERE
A Monopod can be an excellent alternative / complement to a tripod. Excellent when travelling light, when working space is restricted or if you want to be more discreet. Extremely good when used with image stabalized lenses. To get the most out of a monopod we would strongly recommend the purchase of either a tilt or ball and socket head.
| Modo 790B |
Lightduty monopod ideal for compact equipment MAX LOAD 1KG |
| 776YB |
Lightweight monopod for digital equipment MAX LOAD 4.5KG |
| 679B |
Heavy duty professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 10KG Height 156cm |
| 680B |
Compact folding professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 10KG Height 154cm |
| 681B |
Heavier duty professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 161cm |
| 682B |
Self standing professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm |
| 685B NEOTEC |
Self locking leg system rapid set up and take down accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 8KG Height 170cm |
| 694CX |
4 leg section Carbon Fibre lightweight professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm |
| 695CX |
5 leg section Carbon Fibre compact folding lightweight professional monopod accepts additional optional heads MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm |
| 560B-1 |
Great for video or photographing moving subjects features integrated fluid effect ball joint for smooth panning, in built feet and fitted tilt head MAX LOAD 12KG Height 172cm |
Contact us via the Ebay message system or email sales@aspenofhereford.co.uk
Telephone 0845 0945 058 (Local Rate) Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm
Unit 2B, Brunel Road, Leominster, HR6 0LX
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