Manfrotto 190CX PRO3 Carbon Fibre Tripod

Photo answers review

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Manfrotto have released the 190CX PRO3 carbon fiber tripod for a range of photographers that use both compacts and heavier D-SLR cameras. It’s been designed with 100% carbon fibre tubes and this includes the main central column. The main reason for choosing carbon fiber as the material is it’s lightweight appeal but it remains strong and durable – two vital aspects in successful tripod design. This tripod is also fitted with the Q90 degree centre column feature, which allows a photographer to quickly switch from horizontal to vertical and visa versa more easily and quickly. This means there’s no need to de-assemble the centre column on location anymore.

Take your first glance at the 190CX PRO3 and it doesn’t look as beefy compared to a tripod like the Manfrotto 055XPROB. It’s actually meant to be a slightly more compact tripod than the larger 055 models, but it still manages to boast a maximum working height of 146cm. It’s able to go extremely low if required too, the lowest possible working height it a mere 8cm from the ground. Manfrotto have opted for leg clasps that have become common across the majority of the Manfrotto range and they were effective when we used the tripod on location, locking the legs into place with ease. The real plus point with this tripod is the Q90 centre column feature and this makes the process of turning the column from horizontal to vertical far easier. With the centre locking screw loosened off we could actually rotate the column in around 4 seconds - a mighty impressive time. We used the Manfrotto 484RC2 centre ball head and the Manfrotto 322RC2 heavy duty grip ball head on top of the tripod and both setups had an incredible lightweight feel – perfect for those long hikes or walks. It supported our large sized DSLR superbly, offering great stability even at it’s maximum height.

The tri-pod may have a high value, but it’s performance has been first class and we’re highly impressed with it. If you can afford one of these you won’t be disappointed and you’ll hardly know you have it with you thanks to it’s lightweight design.