I was amazed when I first picked up this tripod. You'd think that a unit this light wouldn't offer steady support, but it's rock solid. Its carbon fiber legs are lighter than aluminum, but aluminum will flex more and can't handle as much load.
Height: I am a tall guy--6'2"--so finding a tripod that was tall enough for me was hard. The 055MF3 gives me 57 inches without the center column extended (72" with column). For added height, try coupling it with the 3265 pistol-grip head for an extra eight inches. (Read my review of the 3265
here.) Okay, so the tall end is covered. What's also great is that this tripod, upright, will mount a head as low as 4.7 inches.
Flexibility: I say upright because the 055MF3 features not only a reversible center column, but a cross-bar slot that lets you insert the center column horizontally. It's valuable for over-the-top shots where you need to shoot down vertically.
Stability: You'd think using a horizontal mount would be unstable, but not when you extend the legs. They offer four different locking angles at the push of a button, so you can widen the tripod's stance for extra stability. I do have to say that with the legs at the widest stance and fully extended, you'll start to see the legs bend under load a little. Use a little common sense on this though--shorten the legs and close the gap.
The tripod comes with molded rubber feet which have a great grip. If you need more bite, try their accessory feet which include retractable screw-type spikes and rubber suction cups.
The tripod's head mount has a standard 3/8" screw, along with three locking screws that will lock in place whatever head you use. No loose joints there!
Weight: Weighing in at two pounds, this is a very light tripod that is rated for more than three times its weight--seven pounds.
Portability: The 055MF3 is about 28 inches fully collapsed. It comes with a handstrap that hooks to the center column (which can also be used to hang weights from for more stability) and an adjustable quick-clip strap that hooks around the legs to keep them closed.
Environment: Manfrotto's website (www.manfrotto.com) describes this tripod as "specifically designed for extreme outdoor assignments." The only limitation I know of is in the info pack that came in the tripod box--probably a standard brochure for all tripods, but it did mention that it's not designed for use in seawater.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this tripod. This is my second purchase from Manfrotto and it won't be my last.
