Anyone using the Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF3?

Richard

I'm in the market for a new tripod and was wondering if anyone has personal experience to share with the Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF3. The reviews I have read are good, but nothing beats real life experience.

Thanks,

ChrisJ

rsinmadrid wrote:

I'm in the market for a new tripod and was wondering if anyone has personal experience to share with the Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF3. The reviews I have read are good, but nothing beats real life experience.

Thanks,

Hi Richard, I've had my 055MF4 (not 3) since earlier this year and I really like it. I chose the 4 over the 3 because it's more compact and will actually fit in my luggage.

This is my first "real" tripod, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I've really liked it. It's "light", but can still weigh on you after a while; definitely very solidly built. I'm 6'1" and it is tall enough for me to use comfortably without extending the center column. Speaking of which, it takes a little bit of time to unscrew the column if you want to remove it. The quick-release leg clamps are great. The only other minor quibble I have is that one of the carrying strap clips is a bit harder to remove than it should be. I leave the strap on almost all the time, so it doesn't really bother me.

I also have the BH-40 head and it's been a good combination for me! No regrets with my purchases.

Fred Maurer

Richard, I've had a Manfrotto 055MF3 with a Manfrotto 468MGRC4 ball head for almost a year. I use with a 5D and it is VERY stable. The snap legs are great, and you can adjust position quickly. Although it is magfiber, it became "heavy" when hiking out to "The Wave" in June (temperatures over 95 degrees). As Chris mentioned, it does take a bit of time to unscrew the center column if you want to use it in the horizontal position. His comments concerning the clip on the carrying strap are very perceptive. (I thought it was just me!) I also got the carrying case (MBAG80P), everything brand new as a package deal on e-bay. The case is great for air travel, and I was permitted to take it as carry on a few months ago. Not sure that would be permitted today. Previous tripod was a 30 year old SILK which weighs a ton so this was a huge step up for me! Very happy with the purchase!

Richard

Thanks, Chris and Fred. Sounds like a winner to me. Now I just have to decide between the three and four section legs.

I appreciate the feedback.

Regards,

silica

I have the 055MF4 also, and I will echo the first responder. It's a great tripod, light, stable, and easy to use. I also have the 555 leveling platform with the tripod. Recently I sold my other tripod and have been using the 055MF4 exclusively.

MF3 vs MF4: easier to put the MF4 into luggage because it is shorter when collapsed, but the 3 leg version is more stable.

Richard

silica wrote:

I have the 055MF4 also, and I will echo the first responder. It's a great tripod, light, stable, and easy to use. I also have the 555 leveling platform with the tripod. Recently I sold my other tripod and have been using the 055MF4 exclusively.

MF3 vs MF4: easier to put the MF4 into luggage because it is shorter when collapsed, but the 3 leg version is more stable.

Thanks, Silica. I decided on the 3 section model. I only have to deal with luggage hassles once in a while, but stability is the name of the game every time.

Cheers,

spider-t

rsinmadrid wrote:

Thanks, Silica. I decided on the 3 section model. I only have to deal with luggage hassles once in a while, but stability is the name of the game every time.

Cheers,

Excellent choice. The stability really comes into play when you want to extend this tripod as tall as it gets. It may not seem like it, but the extra 3 inches of leg make a difference when you need to shoot way over your head.

I'm still surprised how often I need to stand on something in front of my tripod to get a particular shot.

I have 2 folding step stools I use all the time in my shooting. This little one folds up small enough to carry in my camera/laptop backpack (sans laptop). And I have a lightweight 3-step one that lives in my car.

Congratulations on your new tool!
Trish

ian408

rsinmadrid wrote:

Thanks, Silica. I decided on the 3 section model. I only have to deal with luggage hassles once in a while, but stability is the name of the game every time.

Cheers,

Do let us know how you like the new 'pod!

Ian