Reviewed by
HCC , Intermediate , from Australia

Price Paid
$250.00 at Canberra

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Fine Art

Summary
This tripod has a very good combination of weight carrying ability and height (2.12 metres without the head, but it can go quite low, or have the head attached to the bottom of the centre column). It's very steady and well made, like all Manfrottos. With only one leg extension needed to get the tripod to a reasonable working height (I'm 1.87 metres tall), it's reasonably fast to set up too. With reasonable, but not over fussy care, it should last a lifetime.

Why have they stopped making it? I just managed to snaffle an example - the replacement seems to be less capable, if a little quicker to set up in some circumstances, but for me would require extra leg extensions.

Strengths
Height, strength, adaptability, serviceability, adjustments provided, great leg locks (best of any tripod I've tried).

Unlike the 058, this is black all the way down (important for some low light photography - legs can reflect).

Weaknesses
A bit heavy for long treks.

The leg lock adjustment needs to be just right for maximum stability.

Similar Products Used
Manfrotto 144B, Manfrotto 190.

Customer Service
None needed.

Reviewed by
josh simpson , Intermediate , from philly

Price Paid
$160.00 at B&H

Photography Experience
2-5 years , Fine Art

Summary
this is a cheap solid workhorse. It will not last forever ala gitzo. It will not be a pretty site after 2 months of heavy use. mine looks like i drag it behind my car. It will hold almost any camera rock solid all the way up to 80". I love the height this bad boy gets. If you back pack you might want something lighter it is a bit heavy and kind of a beast. but all in all at 160 bucks its a bad ass tripod.-J

Strengths
rock solid very adaptable, and really good extension

Weaknesses
heavy. with heavy use this tripod will not be passed down to the grandkids.

Similar Products Used
3021

Reviewed by
Chris VenHaus , Intermediate , from Waukesha, WI USA

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Landscapes

Summary
This is a nice, sturdy tripod, but is rather bulky and heavy. If you don't have to lug it around too far, it works great- but after hauling this man-killer around the sand dunes of Death Valley with a fully loaded camera bag and a hand-grip ball head- I'm ready to get a smaller carbon fiber tripod.......soon. The value for such a sturdy tripod is excellent. I'd imagine you could get a pretty good deal on this one used.

Strengths
Sturdy. Inexpensive.

Weaknesses
Heavy. Heavy. Heavy. Prone to getting dirt/dust in the supports. Difficult to get low to the ground.

Similar Products Used
none

Customer Service
haven't needed any

Reviewed by
Joe Weinroth , Professional , from L.A., CA USA

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Sports

Summary
Finding tripods used in exc to mint shape is easy.
Most tripods are hardly used! Large ball heads are MUCH easier to use than standard types.

Strengths
Good strong Med/Heavy unit-gear type center shaft-can be found used at low prices.

Weaknesses
I purchased mine used with 3047 head-controls on head a little tedious for quick work-I will install a large ball head with quick release soon.

Similar Products Used
I also own a Bogen 3021
(much smaller) also got used w/3047.

Customer Service
none needed.