Classic Tripod Black 055XB & Basic Pan Tilt Head 804RC2
The Manfrotto Classic Tripod in Black is your basic professional quality tripod for taking that step beyond the amateur to the professional photography equipment.
Ease of Use, Performance: 24/25, Look & Feel: 24/25,
Features 23/25, How much I enjoy 23/25
Total: 94/100
The Manfrotto Classic Tripod Black is an exceptional tripod for that professional photography that has all the features you need for that first great tripod. The Manfrotto 055XB is a replacement to previous models as well as the basic model with some variations on the same base tripod with some improved features.
When looking for professional equipment for your photography you need to look on the internet and choose carefully with plenty of searching for reviews. Look at reviews of the professionals and see what they use in the field as well as around the home and studio themselves. I found several professionals who recommend Manfrotto products as professional quality equipment and I can see why the company is so highly recommended.
Manfrotto is an Italian camera and video accessory manufacturer that is owned by Vitec Group who controls several photography and video equipment manufacturing companies and outlets. The Manfrotto products are mainly tripods but the company does not sell tripods that are one piece, you need to purchase the tripod and head separately.
When referring to a tripod and head the tripod is the legs and whatever part of that you have but the piece where the camera is mounted is sometimes not a part of a tripod. The head of a tripod is the part that connects to the tripod and has various adjustments for tilting the camera and attaching the camera.
Tripods come in various sizes and heads usually mount onto tripods with a standard size threaded post, usually a 3/8 inch standard thread size. The heads usually have the three axis of tilt or rotation for moving the camera while taking pictures or a ball and socket for free movement in all directions. Often a professional quality head has a quick release plate that attaches to the camera body for quick remove from the tripod head.