Main Features

The main features of the Manfrotto 190PROB tripod are :

• New center column design that allows you to leave the head mounted on the column when switching between low angle and normal shooting.
• Leg warmers on two legs which keeps hands protected in cold weather and protects the body when carrying the tripod on shoulders.
• Double-positioning vertical and horizontal center column.
• Rapid-action lever leg locks with just a run of 45°.
• 4 leg-angle settings.

Let's take a look at each of them.

Center Column

The unique center column design is extremely flexible. The lower section of the column can be removed by simply unscrewing it.

Unscrewing the center column

You can then lower the tripod right down to the ground. This allows you to mount your camera just 8 cm (officially 21 cm) off ground level for a low angle shot. Best of all, it can actually go lower than that! We will find out how later in the review.

Leg Warmers

Aluminium is both light and stiff, which is why aluminium has always been a favoured material in tripods.

But in very cold weather, the tripod legs can get very cold, too cold even. So, Manfrotto added a rubberized pad on two legs. This allow you to comfortably adjust the position of the tripod as well as carry it on your shoulder in cold weather.

Leg warmer

However, why didn't they just fit all three legs with leg warmers is beyond us. Fortunately, we live in the tropics, so it doesn't really matter to us. But if you live in cold climates, you should look into this issue. Maybe you can tape up the other leg. The more expensive alternative would be to opt for the carbon fibre series!

Multiple Center Column Arrangements

Manfrotto is famous for their multiple center column arrangements. Any model with the "PRO" designation will come with a removable center column design.

Removable and adjustable center column

This feature allows you to mount the camera horizontally and even upside down, in addition to the traditional upright position! This is incredible as it allows your camera to get into 'hard-to-reach' places; or extremely close to the ground.

Some may argue that the horizontal column is not as useful as it appears, but such flexibility, in our humble opinion, is worth the slightly higher cost.