Manfrotto’s MT294A3 legs and 803RC2 three-way head package is one of the latest releases from the new 290 series.
For a reasonable price tag of £139, you not only get a solid set of aluminum alloy legs, but also a quality three-way head, which is great value for money. For those who prefer a more basic head setup, there’s also the potential to purchase the stand with a Manfrotto A0RC2 ball head instead, for the same price.
The legs and body are superbly crafted, feeling solid as a rock, and adjusting the individual leg sections just requires opening the flick-locks, and allowing them to smoothly extend or collapse into position. Turning the leg-spread locks to the left allows the legs to spread further outwards to roughly a 45degree angle, which feels slightly limited when compared to some of the other tripods in the group. The centre column is held securely in place via a tight thumbscrew and although the spec sheet states that it’s only capable of supporting a maximum load of 5kg, after applying some serious downward pressure, there was still little to show in the way of slipping – very impressive.
Underneath the centre column hides a cushioned rubber seal, designed to absorb any shock should the column slide. The column itself can also be completely removed by popping off the plastic seal at the base and flipping it upside-down, to achieve even lower shooting angles closer to the ground.
Weight: 1.9kg
Max height: 169cm
www.manfrotto.co.uk
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