Manfrotto is reputable and well-respected for producing high-quality tripods that don’t break the bank. The following are their best tripods.
Whether you’re a travel, portrait, event, or product photographer, tripods are a tremendous help.
They’re one of the best accessories because tripods offer stability and support.
If you’ve begun your search for the perfect tripod, you already know about Manfrotto. It’s a popular brand with rock-solid tripods at a relatively affordable price.
The following covers whether Manfrotto is all hype or if it’s actually good. Plus, find out what the best Manfrotto tripods are.
Are Manfrotto tripods good?
Manfrotto is an excellent mid-tier tripod brand. They’re not the highest quality or most expensive, but they’re not cheap or low-quality.
For the price, Manfrotto offers a strong and durable build that does an excellent job supporting your camera and lens.
Manfrotto tripods are made in Italy and are one of the most popular tripod brands among photographers and videographers.
Overall, Manfrotto is a well-respected brand that produces sturdy tripods.
If you’re spending thousands of dollars on a camera and lens, Manfrotto is trustworthy and will keep your gear safe and stabilized.
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Best Manfrotto tripods
Tripods are beneficial accessories because they help you capture sharp and top-tier images.
The first Manfrotto tripod was produced in 1974. Today, Manfrotto is a respected brand with many years of experience producing high-quality tripods.
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With a wide variety of tripods, the following are the top Manfrotto tripods for all types of photography.
1. Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod
Key features:
- Load capacity: 19.8 pounds
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Leg sections: Three
- Folded length: 24 inches
- Minimum height: 3.5 inches
- Maximum height: 66.9 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $319.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $249.95 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $319.99 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $249.95 | Buy from Amazon |
The Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 is a sturdy, three-section tripod that can hold up to 19.8 pounds. You can easily mount a large camera with a long lens.
The legs have heavy-duty flip locks that work well indoors and outdoors.
Over time, the leg locks may loosen and require tightening. They tighten back easily, but it’s still a minor drawback.
While it doesn’t come with a ball head, the tripod features a universal 3/8″ screw on the center column.
Another excellent feature of the center column is that it can be positioned at a 90-degree angle, perfect for top-down photos.
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2. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum Tripod
Key features:
- Load capacity: 15.4 pounds
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Leg sections: Four
- Folded length: 19.2 inches
- Minimum height: 3.2 inches
- Maximum height: 63 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum Tripod prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $298.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $279.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $279.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $279.88 | Buy from Amazon |
| Walmart | $279.88 | Buy from Walmart |
Manfrotto’s MT190XPRO4 is an aluminum tripod almost a pound lighter than the MT055XPRO3, and it has a lighter load capacity of 15.4 pounds.
The 190 series by Manfrotto is an ideal tripod for beginners or if you have a smaller budget. It offers a lot of value and quality without a hefty price tag.
The MT190XPRO4 tripod has a center column that can stand vertically or horizontally at a 90-degree angle.
Like the 055 tripods, it doesn’t come with a ball head, but it has the same universal 3/8″ screw.
An improvement to the tripod could be to make it lighter and for the leg flip locks to be more durable.
Overall, Manfrotto’s MT190XPRO4 is the best entry-level tripod.
3. Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head
Key features:
- Load capacity: 19.8 pounds
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Leg sections: Four
- Folded length: 16.1 inches
- Minimum height: 16.1 inches
- Maximum height: 59.1 inches
The following table shows Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $339.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $329.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $329.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $329.88 | Buy from Amazon |
If you’re looking for a lightweight and sturdy travel tripod, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head is an excellent and versatile choice.
It’s not the top-of-the-line, but for the price, it’s a quality tripod. It weighs less than three pounds, making it easy to carry around.
Instead of the convenient flip locks for the legs, the tripod has twist locks with rubber grips. It’s simple and works, but it’d be better with flip locks.
4. Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod with Geared Column
Key features:
- Load capacity: 44.1 pounds
- Weight: 9.5 pounds
- Leg sections: Three
- Folded length: 31.5 inches
- Minimum height: 31.5 inches
- Maximum height: 74 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod with Geared Column prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $483.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $469.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $469.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $469.88 | Buy from Amazon |
The Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod with Geared Column is heavy-duty, as it can hold up to 44.1 pounds.
However, it’s important to note that it’s now light. At just under 10 pounds without a head on it, the tripod isn’t the best one for travel.
Since it’s not portable, the 475B Pro Geared Tripod is ideal for a studio or location where you’re not planning to move it often.
It’s an absolute workhorse. The tripod can hold a lot of weight, and it’s stable, so your images will be crisp.
The geared column is convenient, and everything works smoothly.
5. Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with 496 Ball Head
Key features:
- Load capacity: 26.5 pounds
- Weight: 3.41 pounds
- Leg sections: Four
- Folded length: 16.9 inches
- Minimum height: 16.9 inches
- Maximum height: 63.8 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with 496 Ball Head prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| B&H | $328.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Amazon | $328.88 | Buy from Amazon |
| Adorama | $422.99 | Buy from Adorama |
For a professional-level and sturdy travel tripod, get the Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod with 496 Ball Head.
At only 3.41 pounds, the GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod can hold up to 26.5 pounds. It’s lightweight, strong, stable, and stylish.
To extend the legs, the tripod uses Manfrotto’s M-lock system, which are the rubberized grips that you twist.
The Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod has a premium feel and can take a beating.
Expect it to last many years of use. It’ll quickly become your go-to travel tripod.
6. Manfrotto 058B Aluminum Triaut Tripod
Key features:
- Load capacity: 26.5 pounds
- Weight: 14.77 pounds
- Leg sections: Three
- Folded length: 37 inches
- Minimum height: 17.3 inches
- Maximum height: 85.4 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto 058B Aluminum Triaut Tripod prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $612.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $594.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $594.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $594.88 | Buy from Amazon |
| Walmart | $594.88 | Buy from Walmart |
Manfrotto’s 058B Aluminum Triaut Tripod is tough, versatile, and reliable. It’s aluminum and steel, making it strong and durable.
It weighs 14.77 pounds, so it’s best to set it up and don’t move it until you’ve finished shooting.
The 058B Aluminum Triaut Tripod sets up and adjusts quickly. It has an automatic leg release system. You can release one or all at the same time.
It’s one of the tallest tripods, as the maximum height is 85.4 inches. Plus, it’s solid, heavy-duty, and keeps your camera and lens perfectly still.
7. Manfrotto MT290XTA3US 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod
Key features:
- Load capacity: 22 pounds
- Weight: 3.92 pounds
- Leg sections: Three
- Folded length: 23.4 inches
- Minimum height: 12.01 inches
- Maximum height: 63.19 inches
- Bubble level: Yes
The following table shows Manfrotto MT290XTA3US 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto | $164.99 | Buy from Manfrotto |
| B&H | $164.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $164.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $164.99 | Buy from Amazon |
| Walmart | $159.99 | Buy from Walmart |
The 290 XTRA by Manfrotto is an excellent hobbyist tripod. It’s relatively light, holds up to 22 pounds, and has flip-lock legs.
It meets the criteria for the perfect tripod for a hobbyist photographer. Plus, it costs less than $200.
The 290 XTRA provides good value, but it’s not the lightest tripod, so don’t carry it around all day.
While it’s sturdy, it’s not a professional-level tripod. So, don’t expect it to perform like one.
8. Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminum Tripod
Key features:
- Load capacity: 6.6 pounds
- Weight: 3.13 pounds
- Leg sections: Three
- Folded length: 17.3 inches
- Minimum height: 17.5 inches
- Maximum height: 65 inches
- Bubble level: No
The following table shows Manfrotto Compact Advanced Aluminum Tripod prices from different sites for you to compare.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| B&H | $104.88 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $104.88 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $78 | Buy from Amazon |
If you have a smartphone or a light camera, you don’t need a heavy-duty tripod. Manfrotto offers the Compact Advanced Aluminum Tripod, which can hold up to 6.6 pounds.
For its capabilities, it’s sturdy. If you plan to upgrade to heavier gear, go with a different tripod.
However, the Compact Advanced Aluminum Tripod is built well and will get the job done for lighter setups.
Conclusion
Manfrotto is a terrific tripod brand because it offers tripods for all photographers.
Overall, the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod is the best.
If you want something heavy-duty, go with the Manfrotto 475B Pro Geared Tripod with Geared Column. If you want a light and sturdy travel tripod, get the Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod.
Whether you’re a professional landscape photographer with heavy gear or a beginner with a small DSLR and nifty-fifty lens, Manfrotto has a tripod for you.
Featured image courtesy of Manfrotto.
