Tag for later. That 3221G looks stout!
I will say, it is very positive feeling compared to the Slik I have but you really can't compare the 2 to one another. The 3221 is an older model number for what is now the manfrotto 055xprob. What I also really like about it are the feet. You can rotate/screw them upward so spikes are exposed when you need a firmer hold.
In my hunt for a tripod I came across a good deal of info I've never seen mentioned on the forums here or elsewhere. Seems everyone is content with the tripods that have been mentioned already (Slik, manfrotto 190, 322rc2 head,) as the defacto kings. Not saying anything negative about them other than that they can be expensive. However, if one trolls ebay looking at tripods, you will find a vast variety of tripods and heads used for photography and basically still look new. Often times they are models not heard about on gun forums. But a little research on my part found that older model number versions as well as model names of tripods are out there to be had for a very good deal. In my search for a decent price on a 322rc2 head, I came across one that was still attached to the 3001 PRO tripod, both of which look new, for less than the 322rc2 head sells for. So of course I picked it up in a heart beat. Figuring I'd chuck the 3001 in the corner, I looked into the specs on it and was pleasantly surprised to find it is an older model number in the now 190prob line. Apparently Manfrotto also has/had an identical line but under the name Bogen which I believe is mfgrd in another country than Italy. So manfrotto/bogen produced a 3001 model that is now known as the 190 line. There are a lot of these tripods out there and they are very well priced and in typically what would be new or excellent condition as most photogs baby their gear.
Now there is a bit of difference within model lines, such as aluminum vs newer carbon models and features. But unless you absolutely have to have a carbon fiber model, the aluminum ones work fine for what we are using them for. In the article I've linked below and in other articles I've read, photographers are critical of tripod weights and as I kept reading and looking at the different models I had in hand I realized that they tend to split hairs on differences in weight between tripods. What they consider heavy to carry around or use is a joke compared what some of us commonly carry around now. Holding each tripod model in hand and while noting a variance in weight between the two, I wasn't struck as one was unacceptable weight wise for carrying in my ruck and I'm a guy who cuts his toothbrush in half to save on weight/space. What photographers complain about is at most a pound but usually less. What I did note was given the slight weight difference, the 055xprob feels and is more robust than the 190/3001 so the weight difference is offset by the gain in stability and build, as well as listed weight capacity. I'm not saying the 190/3001 is not up to it, just that you can see and feel where that additional weight has gone into. I've since changed my mind and am keeping the 3001/190 as it is a good tripod but the 055xprob/3221 is the king IMO and the one to go with if you're shooting a really heavy gun and aren't worried about the slight weight increase over the 190/3001. It is however probably the end of the line for shooters as any thing higher in the model line would really be too heavy to carry around and use.
The article linked below does a good comparison of what the differences are between 190/055 models with pros and cons but the thing to keep in mind is that they are also talking about the older 3001 aka 190 and 3221 aka 055 models, which as I said can be found out there for really good prices if you shop around. Also keep in mind when shopping around on the net to use Bogen and the model number in place of manfrotto as you will get even more results. The linked articles explains how Manfrotto and Bogen are the same thing.
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod review, 055XPROB vs 055CXPRO3 vs 190CXPRO3 vs 190XPROB | Cameralabs Here are the spiked feet I mentioned.
I don't see my using the center column much.
