Manfrotto 475 Digital Pro Geared

A most competent tripod – Hugely useful tripod. The tripod neck is nice and high with the legs at full extension - for 180+cm guy, so no need to extend the centre column and introduce instability - unless you need to go higher. The geared centre column is a real boon, allowing smooth and precise extending of the centre column. The leg braces are extremely versatile, and can extend and contract independently as necessary depending on how far each leg is spread.

Very sturdy tripod, a step up from the 055X tripod series, which holds its own better in windy conditions, much less movement, if any, over lesser tripods. Overall, a much more precise and stable tripod over the usual lighter weight and travel style tripods. Sure, it is much heavier than the 055X series, but that is a very good thing if you need more solidity and stability. Sturdiness/Stability, geared centre column, quick release leg locks and very adaptable leg bracing system. Pricey, but then again you get what you pay for.