Main Features

The main features of the Manfrotto 055PROB 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. You can then lower the tripod right down to the ground. This allows you to mount your camera just 11 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.

However, why didn't they just fit all three legs with leg warmers is beyond me. Fortunately, I live in the tropics, so it doesn't really matter to me. 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..

Multiple center column arrangement

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 IMHO is worth the slightly higher cost

Rapid-Action Leg Locks

The rapid-action leg locks are made in such a way that it only requires you to twist them about 45° to lock or release the legs. But according to the picture below, not exactly 45° isn't it?

If you choose to use a 'custom' height and not fully extend the legs, a spirit level on the tripod allows you to ensure that the tripod remains level with the ground.

Preset Leg Angle Settings

With four preset leg-angle settings, this tripod allows you to quickly go from high up right down to the ground. The four preset angles are 30°, 45°, 70° and 90°. Of course, for the tripod to work at 50° and beyond, the center column must be removed.

30 degrees

I love this feature as they allow me to quickly change angles, which occurs quite frequently when I'm taking product shots.