Manfrotto 190XPROB Review: Best Tripod for DSLR Shooters?

If you are looking for the best tripod for DSLR photography, then you have a number of factors to consider before you buy a tripod.

This isn't an easy decision and I spent months researching tripods on forums and on Amazon before I finally pulled the trigger. Let's just say I was pleased with the digital SLR tripod I got for my money. And...

I believe buying a solid tripod and head made a substantial improvement in my photography (sharp, sharp, sharp!).

Buying a DSLR Tripod? Remember to Consider:

Some of the factors you should consider include:

1. What type of photography do you do?
2. Will you be traveling or carrying your tripod with you (on foot) over any extended period of time?
3. How tall or how low do you need your new tripod to go?
4. Will you be using your tripod in a windy, harsh, or cold environment?
5. How heavy is your SLR, your lenses and any other accessories?
6. What's your budget? Are you the type of person that likes to pay a small amount over and over or do you prefer quality that will last you for a number of years

The Right Tripod Head Is Half the Battle

Most of the mid-range to upper-end tripods will allow you mount a number of different "heads" based on the type of photography you are doing. The cheap tripods usually come with a head pre-attached.

So, let's talk about the "legs" of your tripod, which is everything below the "head" which you buy separately or as part of a package.

Should You Buy Carbon Fiber Legs?

Carbon fiber is all the rage these days... and for good reason. It's very strong, it's durable, it's resistant to the elements and it's light. However, it is more expensive, so the question you have to ask yourself is, "Will I be carrying my tripod all over the place?"

If the answer is "no," you should be happy with the 055XPROB or the lighter 190XPROB. If the answer is "yes," then your back will probably thank you if you go with carbon fiber.

Check out the 8 kilogram-capacity carbon fiber 055CX3, 055CXPRO3, 055CXPRO4, or 055CXV3.

Should You Go with the Manfrotto 190XPROB or the 150XPROB?

This is primarily a Manfrotto 190XPROB review, which is a slightly lighter and shorter tripod for SLR shooters (compared to the 055XPROB).

190XPROB versus 055XPROB
Weight: 4 lbs vs 6.4 lbs
Height w/out extension: 48" vs 60"
Max height: 57.5" vs 70"
Max load: 11 lbs vs 15.5 lbs

Here's a short video of the 190XPROB:

I own the 055XPROB and did a Manfrotto 055XPROB Review and the main differences between the two units are weight and how low the tripod can go (referred to as "lowest height").

Differences Between the 190XPROB and the 150XPROB

Here's an excerpt from my other review:

The 190XPROB is a lighter tripod that goes 1.5 cm lower but it is shorter and holds less weight. Here’s a handy chart of the differences between these two tripods:

Tripod	Extended Height	Collapsed Height	Un-Extended Height	Tripod Weight	Max Load / Weight of Gear	Lowest Height
Manfrotto 055XPROB	178.5 cm	65.5 cm	142 cm	2.4 kg	7 kg	10 cm
Manfrotto 190XPROB	146 cm	57 cm	122 cm	1.8 kg	5 kg	8.5 cm

Last time I checked, the 190XPROB cost about $20 more on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Whether you decide to go with the 055XPROB or the 190XPROB, I think you are going to love the quality and the durability that Manfrotto has engineered into each unit.

I don't go anywhere without mine and in my opinion, Manfrotto makes the best tripods for DSLR shooters who want to balance solid engineering with affordability.

Based on the 190XPROB reviews on Amazon, it looks like I'm not alone in that view.

If this is your first professional-grade digital SLR tripod, make a note to pick up a good "head" for your tripod so you can attach your camera to the tripod.

I like the Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short if you need to move quickly.

Click here for the lowest prices on the 190XPROB or the heavier 055XPROB.