I absolutely love this combination. The possibilities seem endless.

Yeah, I was planning to do a review on it so that people could see how the pro version works. It definitely gives a lot more flexibility. I'm happy with mine.

I don't much care for those wonky off-center center-post mounting options. Pretty much kills a lot of the stability benefits of a tripod.

Originally Posted by emorphien

I don't much care for those wonky off-center center-post mounting options. Pretty much kills a lot of the stability benefits of a tripod.

To each their own. It obviously goes back into a regular center column. With the way I have it setup in these shots, I don't notice stability issues.
In fact it is really sturdy.

But if you need a copy stand or need to get in close for a macro shot it really is nice to have that option. I doubt that I will use it often, but I won't regret spending the extra little bit to have the option. It definitely doesn't hurt stability in the normal position.

My previous tripod had that same feature. Never used it once I have to say. I removed the center post from my current tripod.

My only cautioning is watch out for blurriness due to vibration when you have it extended out the side like that. It'll show up on you sometimes if you're doing longer exposures.

Apparently the center column can be removed so the head becomes a stub column. I haven't tried that yet.

shawn, how much for this rig as we see it here? (not including camera)

i've been thinking about getting those legs or the giottos ones. i love the freedom of movement you get by being able to move the center column.

This setup cost me
Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB 3... $144.90
Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC4 Mid... $113.90
= $258.00 before shipping
I bought them on amazon, from Amazon. I think the shipping was $20 for 2 day.

There is a rebate from bogen by the way, check their website.

Originally Posted by slieb

There is a rebate from bogen by the way, check their website.

Thanks for the heads up!

Shaw, LOVE the pint in each shot.

If you're into macros and weird angles those center columns are very interesting. But personally I agree with Carl that I don't like them and don't use them. My current legs don't even have them. But that setup looks plenty stable if you need it.

I have seen the old style (3001x or something like that) in action and the center column was very loose when horizontal.
It is rock solid in the updated 190xprob version.
It definitely isn't for everyone and doesn't have to be used that way, but it is really nice to have the option.

oh, yeah, the pint was there for height reference

That looks like it would rock for macro. A geared extension arm seems like it would be really nice for that sort of stuff though.

The legs are now closing, even though the leg locks are locked. I have to look at them again to see, but I remember trying to tighten them last time with no success. It is pissing me off. A little downward pressure on the legs and they start sliding up into the tubes. ****

Does that model have the "flip" leg locks?

I have the plain old 190xdb legs and they have screw locks. I've noticed that I need to really crank on them to make it stay, though. I have a lot of sand and crap that got into the legs and they've been in saltwater a lot.

I was really thinking about upgrading to the carbon version of the the pro legs, but this has me definitely second guessing that.

Originally Posted by MoLS

Does that model have the "flip" leg locks?

I have the plain old 190xdb legs and they have screw locks. I've noticed that I need to really crank on them to make it stay, though. I have a lot of sand and crap that got into the legs and they've been in saltwater a lot.

I was really thinking about upgrading to the carbon version of the the pro legs, but this has me definitely second guessing that.

It has the flip leg locks. I will update this later tonight.

I have this tripod and besides the weight of it, I dig it It has an array of angles you can set it up into and I have dropped the legs to where the tripod is almost flat on the ground and lowered the arm to get some start trail shots at the mill.

Originally Posted by thomps6s

It has the flip leg locks. I will update this later tonight.

Are you still having issues with the legs sliding a bit? I've noticed mine will slip if I push on them hard enough, hasn't happened under normal use though.

I'm thinking about taking a wildlife trip this summer and renting a 500 f/4, but I'm not sure if my tripod (I have the 055xprob and 488RC2) would be able to handle it even for temporary duties. After a little searching around I *think* it will hold up alright.

Nope, I figured out how to tighten them, You pull the rounded head covers off the back side of the flip locks to expose the screws and then tighten the screws. Can't remember if they are allen head or what?