The Manfrotto 190XB is a 3-section aluminum tripod that carries a reasonable price tag around $130.  The Manfrotto 486RC2 tripod head is a ball head with a quick release plate that runs about $75.  The 190XB and 486RC2 is an everyman’s kind of combo.  It’s not as light as the Gitzo Traveler 6x carbon fiber tripod; however, it gets the job done almost as smoothly.

Manfrotto 190XB Tripod Key Specs

• 57.5″ max height
• 21.1″ retracted (folded up)
• 4.0 lb weight
• 11.0 lb max capacity
• Integrated low angle adapter (as low as 3.3″ from the ground)
• 4 leg-angle settings (25, 46, 66 and 88-degrees)

The 190XB is a very solid and versatile tripod. The adjustments are intuitive and simple.  Even the low angle adapter is something that an impatient klutz like me can work without a long set of directions to guide me through.

When using the 190XB, you don’t get the feeling that you are using a delicate piece of craftsmanship (as was the case with the Gitzo Traveler 6x).  Instead, you feel like you are using a workhorse and it’s asking you to throw something big on it while it shows you what it can do.

The leg locks are the quick-flip style of locks that are a breeze to adjust and the three-section legs work the way they should.  There’s a little thumb-switch at the top of each leg so that you can flip it to the next leg-angle setting with ease.

The Benbo Trekker MK3 has a cool take on the low-angle adjustments; however, I was a little concerned with the locking mechanism at lower angles.  That was not the case with the Manfrotto 190XB.  When the 190XB is locked, it’s locked.

Speaking of low angles . . . The 190XB will get you all the way down on the ground at 3.3″ with the included low angle adapter.  This was a nice addition to this already solid tripod.  Just pop the low-angle adapter off the bottom of the center column, pull the column completely out and replace it with a little nub that is the low-angle adapter. Voilá, you’re down on the ground.  While you don’t get the flexibility of the Bogen Trekker MK3, you’ve still got a great low vantage point and can use your tripod head to help get into tight spots.

The 190XB has grips on a couple of the legs to help your hands out when it’s cold.  I didn’t face those problems over the past month or so since it’s been rather warm here.  But I know how those cold aluminum parts feel when it’s snowing outside and your trying to get setup for a sunrise or sunset.  The grips are just another nice little extra touch on an already great tripod.

The Manfrotto 486RC2 head is a nice ball head.  It’s heavy, big and solid – kind of like a tank.  The ball movement is smooth and precise for a ball head.  Photographers generally like a pan/tilt head or a ball head.  I’m more of the latter type and was very pleased with the overall functionality of the 486RC2.  I did miss having a bubble level like was on the Gitzo 1178M head though.

The quick release plate goes on smoothly and locks into place with a release lever and separate locking switch.  The plate mounts to the bottom of your camera with a swiveling D-ring knob on the underside, which I preferred over the slot/screwhead on the underside of the Gitzo 1178M ball head.

Conclusion

I don’t really have a lot of complaints about the Manfrotto 190XB and 486RC2 combo.  My biggest gripe is the weight. Then again, at $130 for the tripod, it’s hard to complain much.  If you want something for long treks, you could pay about 4-times as much for half the weight.

I highly recommend the Manfrotto 190XB tripod and 486RC2 ball head as a solid combo for most photographers’ purposes.  I’m sure that it’s not the perfect tripod for everyone; however, it will serve most photographers’ needs at a very reasonable price.

The Manfrotto 190XB and 486RC2 are available at B&H Photo via the following links:

Manfrotto 190XB tripod legs only

Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head

Manfrotto 190XB and 486RC2 combo

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