Edit: I’ve upgraded ball heads, the MH-7001 might still be the perfect thing for you, but take a look at my review of the MH-1000 before you make any decisions.

I’m pretty darn excited. I just got my first pro style tripod and head the other day. It will end up being used for both photography work and to support a birthday present for Amanda. For a while now I’ve wanted a tripod that would be tall enough that I could be standing up hill from it and still be able to keep the center column down. (Photo at left) I’ve also wanted a tripod that would allow me to get very close to the ground, to compose some perspective shots. Finally, when I’ve been out doing macro work, I’ve often wanted to be able to look straight down on a subject, but until now, have been unable to do so. That’s where the Manfroto 055XPROB tripod comes in.

The 055xXPROB is capable of meeting all of these needs. In fact, after I purchased the tripod, I found on Manfrotto’s site that “The Manfrotto 055XPROB has been awarded a 2008 Hot One Award by the Professional Photographer magazine.” I was visiting Manfrotto’s site in order to register the tripod. It comes with a 2yr warranty, but if you register the product you receive an additional 3yrs. One would think that if you live in a state with implied warranty laws you would not need to register the product, but I did just to be safe.

This tripod carries some good specs, which is what drew me to the tripod sight unseen. I know Manfrotto equipment to be good from samples I’ve seen in stores, and the monopod I already own. When the tripod arrived, I was not disappointed, and immediately found it easy to work with and extremely sturdy. For your reference, I’ve included the specs below.

Like any set of legs in this class, it also requires some sort of head. The head I chose, the Giottos MH 7001-621, met my requirements by being easy to use, and including some very useful features. The Giottos MH 7001-621 is an assembled MH 7001 pro ball head, and MH 621 quick release plate assembly. First off was the inclusion of two bubble levels set 90 degrees from each other. Now I’m not one to believe hat every photo should be framed perfectly horizontal or vertical, when it does however, these will come in very handy. The second necessity was a quick release plate, and availability of additional plates at a low cost. Not only can you get an additional plate, but you can also get a longer version. This is because the plate can be loosened and slid to help compose shots and focus when doing macro work. The inclusion of a red safety button keeps the plate in the head when loosened, preventing your camera from dropping on the ground. These plates are roughly $14 and $17 for short and long versions. Additionally you can pick up a Giottos M621 Quick Release Assembly (B and H Photo) which is the quick release receiver and plate for roughly $28. In my case this will be the perfect addition to my monopod making it easy to swap between tripod and monopod without detaching the quick release plate from my camera body.

The most important part of this head is the one-touch ball-head control. It makes aiming the camera a breeze. Simply hold the camera in one hand, and release and tighten the tensioner with the other. It is possible to rotate and pan this head through an almost 360 degree sphere, but in order to do so you may need to pan the base a bit to line up he two slots down the side. It takes a few seconds to get used to, but very quickly you’ll be able to find any angle you need. The ability to get any angle, along with the tripod’s amazing minimum height, means that an infinite amount of perspectives should be capable. Something that I find very exciting.

Despite all of it’s benefits, however, there is one small drawback to the quick release design. The latch that swings up to tighten the plate, offers little to no clearance with my camera. It’s not a big enough deal that I’ll send it back, but it may cause problems across individual setups.

Finally, the head includes both 3/8″ and 1/4″ screws for mounting camera equipment. Whichever screw is not needed can be easily removed and screwed into the side of the head for storage. You’ll find that the H 7001-621 boasts some pretty good specs itself.

Overall, this dynamic duo of camera support looks to be just what I need to gain the proper support and angle for just about any shot. Now if the weather would cooperate, I could get outside and shoot.

EDIT

Here are some pics that should help for comment by Paul

Clicking on the images will take you to flickr.