Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod and 804RC2 Head (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've begun to take my photography seriously, and how better to make that statement than to carry around a serious tripod. So I set out to look for a replacement for my 8-year old, $[...] budget tripod, that actually held me in good stead over international trips, vacations within the country, and multiple grade school shows.
Turns out that you can easily spend upwards of $[...] on a stable support for your equipment, and there are tons of articles out there that recommend that you should. However, my budget was nowhere close, so I was looking for the "good enough" option.
I knew carbon fiber was out - they were just too expensive. And given my need for a head that could work well for both my SLR and my video camera, the ball heads were out.
My first instinct was to look at the integrated 728B, but that wasn't rated for digital SLRs. Also, if I'm going to be spending this much money, I'd like the flexibility of using a ball head at some point - and the 725/728 with their integrated heads wouldn't help there.
What fit the bill perfectly was the 190 series. I tried its bigger cousin the 055, but that was just heavy enough to be uncomfortable. The 190XPROB's weight compared very well with the 728B - the best combination of a solid feel and weight. The ability to get real close to the ground with the 190 was the icing on the cake.
Next was the head - I ruled out the pure video heads as well as the ball heads as I needed something that would be good enough for both my camcorder and my SLR.
I first considered the 808RC4, but its cost, bulk, and weight would have made its combination with the 190 a bit much - so I opted for its smaller sibling - the 804RC2.
I liked the generous proportions of the 808, but felt that I could easily get used to the 804, which does a feel a bit twiddly.
I was concerned about the 804 being reviewed elsewhere as being a left handed design, but I didn't find it as such a problem. Of course I haven't used it much yet, so that might still be an issue.
The bundle arrived with the head mounted on to the legs - which I appreciated since I didn't have to read the manual. However, the knobs weren't attached to the head, and that took all of 2 minutes to put together (my 5 year old actually did this part).
So far, I like the small touches like the soft leg pads, the button at the bottom that orients the center column horizontally only when you really want to do so, and the fast release center column (instead of the crank handle on my current one). There's also a peg to hold extra weights in windy conditions. The tripod would be a trifle unsteady when the center column is fully extended, so you might want to check the max height before you purchase it.
And, the head motions are pretty fluid and lock cleanly.
I'd have preferred a better user manual though, the instructions and images were confusing for a beginner. Fortunately, it was written by a fluent English speaker, so I could muddle my way through. Also, how mechanically complex can a tripod really be?
After paying over $[...] for this, I wish they'd included an extra quick release place. I mean, isn't it normal for most people to have at least 2 devices? I can even forgive them for not throwing in a cheapo bag, but this seems darn careless.
If you intend to do much macro work, or if you use long exposures, or if you go on really long treks/hikes, or if you work in windy conditions, or if you're used to locking your mirror to minimize vibrations, then you may be better served by a Gitzo with one of the more expensive Really Right Stuff / Arca heads.
But, if you are looking for a fairly light tripod, that doesn't break the bank, and feels relatively solid/stable, then this should be more than sufficient.
Good luck!

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Improve your video work by using a tripod. This video kit is a great way to get started. Included in the kit a 804C2 head gives great fluid movement for smooth panning. The 190XDB tripod gives great stability to help eliminate shake.Closed length: 25.79 in.; load capacity: 8.82 lbs.; maximum height: 62.20 in.; maximum height (with center column down): 51.38 in.; minimum height: 18.50 in.; weight: 5.18 lbs.

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