Manfrotto 055MF3 3-Section MagFiber Tripod without Head

I bought this tripod after previously owning 2 "cheaper" tripods. Its a world of difference! This tripod is extremely solid and very well built. The features of this tripod are outstanding. I often shoot very low to the ground for interesting perspectives, and the horizontal center column mount is awesome. The 3 leg positions are extrememly handy. I paired this tripod with the 322RC2 grip ballhead and could not be happier. I use this tripod for landscape, wildlife and still life work. When shooting wildlife, I mainly use a Sigma 50-500 on my 40D with grip and the tripod remains rock steady. As a lesser note, the carbon fiber looks great and isn't cold to the touch in winter like aluminum is. However, as someone that really likes to take very good care of their equipment, I wish that a couple of the legs had been padded anyways and with the head I chose, I am having problems finding a bag long enough to put it in without disassembly.

Very stable, light (relatively) and cool-looking (shouldn't really matter, but is an added bonus). I use this with a Markin's M10. By the way, the head is wonderful, too. Back to the tripod. Sure you could spend less, but you would notice a loss in steadiness, functionality, or cool-lookingness (not a real word, but it should be). Arguably, you could spend more, but I don't think you'd be gaining anything on this killer tripod. Buy it and enjoy. Cheers, Kevin

Bogen-Manfrotto...what can I say, the tripod is sturdy, well constructed and rock solid. I coupled it with the Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System and WOW! Granted it may be a little pricey for the casual photographer but if you are an enthusiast like myself you get alot of bang for the buck. Thank you Bogen-Manfrotto!

this tripod is very well built and easy to use. would replace it with the same one in a heart beat if this one was lost. carbon fiber is the way to go, light weight and vibration resistant.

Love it!! Sturdy light weight,and with the Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, really fast and easy to set up shots. AAAA++++

First class tripod! Light, sturdy, easily adjustable. Excellent for pro or serious amateur. Horizontal option for center post a plus.

This its trully a very versatile tripod, its my first experience with Manffrotto (I used Vivitar tripods before) and will definetly make me a returning customer