Wanted: Tripod suited for travel. Manfrotto 190XPROB vs 190CX3


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Headshotzx

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Dec 14, 2007
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Hi. I've been using JLphoto's 3 section Gitai tripod for a good few months now. However, i'm in need of something smaller for traveling and portability. I am probably going to sell the tripod soon @ S$100.

I'm looking at the S$400 to 500 (inclusive of non-pro ie not markins etc ball-head head) price-range. Needs to hold at least 5kg.

What are the comments on these two tripods?

The 190xprob is the standard tripod suggestion that I seem to find online @ CS and other forums, whereas the 190CX3 is rather unheard of.

My research comparison:

  • Both have the same max height with column up @ 146cm
  • Both have the same max load @ 5kg
  • Column down: 190XPROB @ 122cm vs 190CX3 @ 119cm (negligible difference)
  • Min height: 190XPROB @ 8.5cm vs 190CX3 @ 6cm (2.5cm for low angle work is quite a lot, apparent winner = 190CX3)
  • Min Height legs closed: 190XPROB @ 57cm vs 190CX3 @ 55cm (negligible, but might matter when packing in a large suitcase, winner = 190CX3)
  • Weight: 190XPROB @ 1.8kg vs 190CX3 @ 1.3kg (quite a lot of diff esp for traveling, 190CX3 wins)
  • Other features: 190XPROB allows the horizontal center column thing. I have almost never used this feature before when i borrowed my friend's 190XPROB. Also, I heard that the 190XPROB legs extend when the flip locks are open for faster setup, whereas the 190CX3 ones don't.
  • Rigidity / Stability: ?

Also, if you guys have any recommendations from brands of tripods that I could get locally at the same price point (and possibly even shorter when kept), I'd be sure to listen.

Cheers,
Zexun
 

max height with column up @ 146cm.. eeeks. that is way short.
 

the tripod weight also depend on waht head u want to use,make sure the tripod weight is heavier than the head.If u want to use 3 way head,u better get the proxb.If u want to use light ball head(which is good for traveling),it's better to use carbon one.
just my 1 cents;)
 

max height with column up @ 146cm.. eeeks. that is way short.

Ehh.. with a standard 486RC2 head (similar to the Gitai standard head) it's about 1.55cm. Add a camera, and it's too tall for me already (1.64m).

the tripod weight also depend on waht head u want to use,make sure the tripod weight is heavier than the head.If u want to use 3 way head,u better get the proxb.If u want to use light ball head(which is good for traveling),it's better to use carbon one.
just my 1 cents;)

Yup, looking for a ballhead :)
 

Ehh.. with a standard 486RC2 head (similar to the Gitai standard head) it's about 1.55cm. Add a camera, and it's too tall for me already (1.64m).
ah, 1.55 doesn't sound too bad then, but i still prefer something that's 1.6+ at least

after all, you want the option to be able to have long shutter speeds at a slightly higher perspective.
 

I think the main things to consider in this case is the closed height and weight. The 190CXPRO3 is lighter than both at 1.29kg, and within your budget at $420-450. It gives you the horizontal column ability, but not sure how often you will use it. BTW all the tripods in the 190 range (and most of Manfrotto tripods, if not all) use the flip lock system. Trust me, the difference in weight, 1.8kg (PROB) vs 1.29 kg (CXPRO3) becomes the key decision factor on whether to take it out or leave it in the hotel room. I would recommend the 190CXPRO3. See if the 486RC2 meets your needs, or spring for a Q3T. You might get a second hand 486RC2 at the B&S section, think I saw a couple selling for <100.

If you are willing to expand your budget, I suggest the Gitzo GT0541. Max weight is 5kg, height 142 (column up), 118 (column down), 48 (closed). VERY lightweight at 0.78kg, but still stable. Uses the G-lock system, which IMO is much more ergonomical than the flip locks. Go try it out. Cost: $560.
 

I own 190CXPRO3 with 486RC2 BH...
I can tell you...this set up is still not light as what you see on the paper.
190CXpro3 still heavy exsp with the 486RC2 BH.....

190CXPro3.. is still not compact and light as what you think....
If you want light and easy to carry around. just get GT1541T with Markins Q3T.
I can tell you that is super light and compact..!!!

I sold off my 486RC2 BH.. and using Markins Q3 for my both tripods.
and finally I'm very happy now...

STOP WASTING your parents or your $$$ now...!!!!..
Just go for a good and light tripod and good BH...
and start shooting good pix...!!!

one shot one kill......tat will be my advice 4 u lah.

if you really want get this tripod...

img1372e.jpg


img1371v.jpg
 

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I own 190CXPRO3 with 486RC2 BH...
I can tell you...this set up is still not light as what you see on the paper.
190CXpro3 still heavy exsp with the 486RC2 BH.....

190CXPro3.. is still not compact and light as what you think....
If you want light and easy to carry around. just get GT1541T with Markins Q3T.
I can tell you that is super light and compact..!!!

I sold off my 486RC2 BH.. and using Markins Q3 for my both tripods.
and finally I'm very happy now...

STOP WASTING your parents or your $$$ now...!!!!..
Just go for a good and light tripod and good BH...
and start shooting good pix...!!!

one shot one kill......tat will be my advice 4 u lah.

if you really want get this tripod...QUOTE]


This baby is the one that can be used with the legs in sea water? Any idea what's the price?
 

I own 190CXPRO3 with 486RC2 BH...
I can tell you...this set up is still not light as what you see on the paper.
190CXpro3 still heavy exsp with the 486RC2 BH.....

190CXPro3.. is still not compact and light as what you think....
If you want light and easy to carry around. just get GT1541T with Markins Q3T.
I can tell you that is super light and compact..!!!

I sold off my 486RC2 BH.. and using Markins Q3 for my both tripods.
and finally I'm very happy now...

STOP WASTING your parents or your $$$ now...!!!!..
Just go for a good and light tripod and good BH...
and start shooting good pix...!!!

one shot one kill......tat will be my advice 4 u lah.

if you really want get this tripod...QUOTE]


This baby is the one that can be used with the legs in sea water? Any idea what's the price?

Yes.. that is the one...
This pix is i took it last month when I visited Photo Imaging in Tokyo and saw this tripod...my jaw :eek: drop..!!
is super light and compact...!!!
 

What is the cheapest arca-swiss compatible ballhead that has tension control?

I think the main things to consider in this case is the closed height and weight. The 190CXPRO3 is lighter than both at 1.29kg, and within your budget at $420-450. It gives you the horizontal column ability, but not sure how often you will use it. BTW all the tripods in the 190 range (and most of Manfrotto tripods, if not all) use the flip lock system. Trust me, the difference in weight, 1.8kg (PROB) vs 1.29 kg (CXPRO3) becomes the key decision factor on whether to take it out or leave it in the hotel room. I would recommend the 190CXPRO3. See if the 486RC2 meets your needs, or spring for a Q3T. You might get a second hand 486RC2 at the B&S section, think I saw a couple selling for <100.

If you are willing to expand your budget, I suggest the Gitzo GT0541. Max weight is 5kg, height 142 (column up), 118 (column down), 48 (closed). VERY lightweight at 0.78kg, but still stable. Uses the G-lock system, which IMO is much more ergonomical than the flip locks. Go try it out. Cost: $560.

I really don't think I'd ever use the horizontal column feature. And I definitely can't up my budget by a lot (S$500+ up to 550 is max for legs + head) because I also need to save for the trip expenses.

How much is a markins Q3t though?

Cathy is having a very good offer for 190CX3, dun wait liao.

http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/specialoffers/brand/mf

Yes, that was what perked my interest in the tripod.


@ Rubber Duck:

It's really not about wasting money, but more of trying to find something that will work at a particular price point. I have read the "don't waste money, head straight to gitzo and pro-line ballheads" kind of articles too many times already, but I don't use a tripod often enough to justify a S$600 pair of legs. Nor can I afford it, even if I can justify the purchase.

The reason why I brought up the 190CX3 is because, like I replied ky1977, cathay photo is giving a special offer.

I've also heard about feisol.. any comments and specifics bout that brand?
 

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What is the cheapest arca-swiss compatible ballhead that has tension control?
Perhaps try KanRinPoche? Cathay has it. MIC ballhead that is a Markins/Arca-Swiss clone, but slightly cheaper IIRC.


How much is a markins Q3t though?
$450 at Cathay Photo. I bought one from there a couple weeks ago.


@ Rubber Duck:

It's really not about wasting money, but more of trying to find something that will work at a particular price point. I have read the "don't waste money, head straight to gitzo and pro-line ballheads" kind of articles too many times already, but I don't use a tripod often enough to justify a S$600 pair of legs. Nor can I afford it, even if I can justify the purchase.
I agree with Rubber Duck's points. Personally I think one should try to buy the best support system he or she can afford...it is not just a matter of "not using it often enough" but the fact that you are entrusting a few k worth of equipment balancing on something, it makes sense to invest in a proper set of legs and head which can last you a long time. Especially if you intend to be in this hobby seriously for a long time...a good set of legs and head can last you many years if properly taken care of and in the long run may be more useful than you think it is.

Just a side note on Manfrotto 486RC2....it is a decent ballhead for light setup/light work for the money but downside is it doesn't offer tension control and it is prone to creep on heavier setup just for e.g say 40D w/ BG + 70-200 f2.8 IS, especially after a couple years of moderate usage. Creep as in when you lock the ballhead down, and peer the the VF, you can see the position shifting ever so slightly even tho its been locked down already. (I speak from my own personal experience w/ this ballhead).

If you are able to up your budget a bit more, and do a bit more research, there are other less costly alternatives than Gitzo legs other than Manfrottos....e.g check out also Slik and Velbon offerings...both these manufacturers make decent legs too, (including CF), and at more affordable price range than Gitzo.
 

Hi TS,

I used to have the 190XPROB + 488RC2 setup. At 2.47kg, it is not a light setup for travelling. The major problem I perceived was not so much the weight but the folded length which did not allow me to have this as a cabin piece, except that I "sneaked" it on borad... ahhaa.... 60+cm and technically, that's way too long.

In the end, on a budget, I switched over to the Benro Travel Angel series which is a copy of the Gitzo. (Heck, if I had the dough, I'd go for the original). Anyways, just wanna highlight that you might want to watch the max folded length with head included.

Salivating over the GT1541OT in Rubber Duck's post now...... woah.......;p
 

@ Rubber Duck:

It's really not about wasting money, but more of trying to find something that will work at a particular price point. I have read the "don't waste money, head straight to gitzo and pro-line ballheads" kind of articles too many times already, but I don't use a tripod often enough to justify a S$600 pair of legs. Nor can I afford it, even if I can justify the purchase.

The reason why I brought up the 190CX3 is because, like I replied ky1977, cathay photo is giving a special offer.

I've also heard about feisol.. any comments and specifics bout that brand?



Let me tell you&#8230;..I been there before&#8230;and facing the same as you before (not totally)
I was thinking of getting a decent tripod for myself at that time.
So I decided to go for 190CXPRO3 and 488RC2 that is still within my budget and the weight is decent enough for me too. In the beginning I was happy with it, but later I found out the BH is have a little shift whenever how tight I tried to tighten is still move&#8230;.
And I wasn&#8217;t happy with it&#8230;.

Later, I felt the weight and size is not that light as what I tot in the beginning.
At the same time is not that really compact too to carry around too. So most of the time I kept my tripod at home&#8230;but sometime when I need to shot with a tripod I regretted I didn't bring it along with me&#8230;.

After that I was regretted, and I should save a little more to get a GITZO tripod in the first place.
Now I own GT1541T and 190CXPRO3 tripod with Markins Q3T, now I&#8217;m a happy man.
And finally I&#8217;m willing to bring out my GT1541T tripod without hesitating of the weight and size now.

As what you had mentioned, you don't use tripod really often, what you mean by often????
If you don't really use it that often why not save the $$$ and use your back your current tripod instead.

That will be my advice to you.

As the rest of the brands tripod and BH... I dont own it...
so I can't advice you...
 

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Perhaps try KanRinPoche? Cathay has it. MIC ballhead that is a Markins/Arca-Swiss clone, but slightly cheaper IIRC.


$450 at Cathay Photo. I bought one from there a couple weeks ago.


I agree with Rubber Duck's points. Personally I think one should try to buy the best support system he or she can afford...it is not just a matter of "not using it often enough" but the fact that you are entrusting a few k worth of equipment balancing on something, it makes sense to invest in a proper set of legs and head which can last you a long time. Especially if you intend to be in this hobby seriously for a long time...a good set of legs and head can last you many years if properly taken care of and in the long run may be more useful than you think it is.

Just a side note on Manfrotto 486RC2....it is a decent ballhead for light setup/light work for the money but downside is it doesn't offer tension control and it is prone to creep on heavier setup just for e.g say 40D w/ BG + 70-200 f2.8 IS, especially after a couple years of moderate usage. Creep as in when you lock the ballhead down, and peer the the VF, you can see the position shifting ever so slightly even tho its been locked down already. (I speak from my own personal experience w/ this ballhead).

If you are able to up your budget a bit more, and do a bit more research, there are other less costly alternatives than Gitzo legs other than Manfrottos....e.g check out also Slik and Velbon offerings...both these manufacturers make decent legs too, (including CF), and at more affordable price range than Gitzo.

Thank you… As least we have to same mind set…
Just get one best & good tripod that able to last…..is the most important

I totally agree with you on this "not using it often enough"
Yes, I felt SLIK is also not too bad… but may not so compact as GIZTO.
 

Let me tell you…..I been there before…and facing the same as you before (not totally)
I was thinking of getting a decent tripod for myself at that time.
So I decided to go for 190CXPRO3 and 488RC2 that is still within my budget and the weight is decent enough for me too. In the beginning I was happy with it, but later I found out the BH is have a little shift whenever how tight I tried to tighten is still move….
And I wasn’t happy with it….

Later, I felt the weight and size is not that light as what I tot in the beginning.
At the same time is not that really compact too to carry around too. So most of the time I kept my tripod at home…but sometime when I need to shot with a tripod I regretted I didn't bring it along with me….

After that I was regretted, and I should save a little more to get a GITZO tripod in the first place.
Now I own GT1541T and 190CXPRO3 tripod with Markins Q3T, now I’m a happy man.
And finally I’m willing to bring out my GT1541T tripod without hesitating of the weight and size now.

As what you had mentioned, you don't use tripod really often, what you mean by often????
If you don't really use it that often why not save the $$$ and use your back your current tripod instead.

That will be my advice to you.

As the rest of the brands tripod and BH... I dont own it...
so I can't advice you...

How stable is the GT1541T? I've got a benro cf tripod thats about 800g, and even though it can support up to 5kg, i constantly worry about it toppling over when i mount my equipment on top (1.3kg camera + lens, 450g ball head).
 

What is the cheapest arca-swiss compatible ballhead that has tension control?



I really don't think I'd ever use the horizontal column feature. And I definitely can't up my budget by a lot (S$500+ up to 550 is max for legs + head) because I also need to save for the trip expenses.

How much is a markins Q3t though?



Yes, that was what perked my interest in the tripod.


@ Rubber Duck:

It's really not about wasting money, but more of trying to find something that will work at a particular price point. I have read the "don't waste money, head straight to gitzo and pro-line ballheads" kind of articles too many times already, but I don't use a tripod often enough to justify a S$600 pair of legs. Nor can I afford it, even if I can justify the purchase.

The reason why I brought up the 190CX3 is because, like I replied ky1977, cathay photo is giving a special offer.

I've also heard about feisol.. any comments and specifics bout that brand?


I was in the same situation with Rubber Duck and agree with him fully. Originally targeted the 190CXPRO3, which, BTW is already lighter than both the tripods you're considering, and it still felt too heavy to lug around long-distance, which is why I got the Gitzo instead. Another thing I like abt Gitzo is the twist locks, which are much easier to use than Manfrotto's flip locks, but that's my opinion. Go try it for yourself, and see if flipping open/close the locks hurt your hand. It did mine.

The GT1541T folds up very small, and is quite light at 1kg, but if you want to sacrifice a little fold-up length for weight, the GT0541 is only 0.79kg, that is 210g lighter, and you will feel it. Of course, I don't have a heavy setup. oh, and the GT0541 is cheaper at $560, vs $750 (?) for the GT1541T.

If you really really can't up your budget to $650 (legs + head), then look at the 190CXPRO3, at least it's the lightest of the range.
 

The reason why I thought of getting a better tripod is because my current one has flex when I use a camera on it. While I don't use my tripod often, I would think that a good tripod that is lighter and more compact will give me more reason to use it. Also, there's always the "While I don't use it often, when I want to use it, I want to feel good" kind of thing.

I'll look at karin-whatever next time.
 

How stable is the GT1541T? I've got a benro cf tripod thats about 800g, and even though it can support up to 5kg, i constantly worry about it toppling over when i mount my equipment on top (1.3kg camera + lens, 450g ball head).


Benro and GITZO the quality is totally different.. By holding it… I can tell the feeling is heaven for GT1541T as for Benro I don't want to comments too much.
In the beginning I was thinking of getting GT1541 w/o the 'T'
reason is cos the overall height is kind of short and 'T' is feel to shaking…

But After owning it, Is very stable to and solid. I even hook my back pack camera on the GT1541T tripod.
Is doesn't move… so far that Ihave not notice it….
I'm very impress that GITZO able to design and made sure a good tripod.

And lastly, their CS support is very good. I requested some spare part (Spring and Nuts)
cos there is a screw worn off. But the next day my respond my email and said they are getting the replacement part for me.
and will send it over to you without any charges.

Overall I'm very happy with their CS support and the product as well.
 

Also, if you guys have any recommendations from brands of tripods that I could get locally at the same price point (and possibly even shorter when kept), I'd be sure to listen.

Cheers,
Zexun

if u wanna compromise, get a above average Slik, Benro, Manfrotto CF but with a very good ball -- Markins Q3T. (still may be be within your budget thou)

Slik, Benro and Manfrotto CFs are OK; their failings, esp. Benros, are overdone.

Just like saying, wah! that girl died while doing a triathlon -- but how many more died w/out engaging in extreme sports... :dunno:

money ain't always enuf
easy to say, buy once... buy the best... risking $100 to support $3000 equipment is nuts

let me tell u
after getting your 1-series gitzos (or whatever better names), u will still want more

there're the 2- and 3-series gitzos :bsmilie: to lust for when u want more stability
yes, i know u say for travel... but later u will tell me; why not have 1 for home use
so... not true to say... buy the one dram gitzo and that's it

remember = i told you here
 

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