Manfrotto tripods

edgedemon · 24 Apr 2020 at 19:32

I'm a bit confused by their ranges. I'm looking at their 4 section CF 190 Pro tripod which I understand is a step up from the Befree travel range. Then I see the Brefree XT Pro which seems slightly better than the 190 Pro in most specs? Thicker legs, folds to 40cm, otherwise matches the 190 I'm pretty much all specs.
My only concern is the M-lock (twist) leg lock system, the reason I'm buying another tripod is that I managed to wrek my shim and crack a leg on my old Sirui tripod through over tightening, yes, that was me being a muppet...

Does anyone have a recent tripod from them with the M-lock system? I'm probably going to go with the 190 as I think levers will be quicker for set up, but I'm curious to see what people think of their twist lock system?

Coojeekitten · 27 Apr 2020 at 19:22

I don't have the M lock, but you could note the height of the 190 without raising the central column. I found it too low as I was stooping to look though the viewfinder, although it's perfect for my wife. I have a 055 with ball head, which is a great height for me (5' 11"). Personally, I prefer the clips.

edgedemon · 27 Apr 2020 at 21:21

They are all too small for me with the centre down, the 055's are nice kit, I did look at them, but they were too big to carry around I thought

Coojeekitten · 28 Apr 2020 at 10:48

edgedemon said:
They are all too small for me with the centre down, the 055's are nice kit, I did look at them, but they were too big to carry around I thought

I know what you mean, I have the carbon fibre version & with the soft Manfrotto tripod bag, it's still a bind to carry. The problem is that for a tripod to be any good, it has to be bulky. A light tripod (I also have a Befree) is easy to carry, but pretty well useless.

edgedemon · 28 Apr 2020 at 17:47

Coojeekitten said:
I know what you mean, I have the carbon fibre version & with the soft Manfrotto tripod bag, it's still a bind to carry. The problem is that for a tripod to be any good, it has to be bulky. A light tripod (I also have a Befree) is easy to carry, but pretty well useless.

That's why I went for the 190 as a compromise, I bought the XPRO head as well so I might get a set of 055 CF legs for when I need extra stability