Solid tool, right price.

I bought this tripod along with a 496RC2 ballhead, primarily for hiking and I'm very satisfied. The PROB leg locks are quick, the multiple angles for the legs are handy, and the stability is very good, especially at this price point. I'm also a big fan of the ballhead, it's very solid for my typical setup (Pentax K20D, usually with something wide or mid-range zoom). Some reviews mentioned that it may be a little heavy for hiking, I'm not sure what they're expecting. I hook mine to my backpack and really don't notice it. I can't imagine that something a pound or two less would make a difference to me. I also think some "mass" helps to keep it stable, and isn't that the point of having a tripod? If you're ok with spending double, then some of the CF options may outperform this one, but it meets my needs for a sturdy, flexible, and well built tool. One more note, unless you have a really bad back, I can't imagine that the maximum height of this tripod would be a problem. I'm 6'1" and have no issues. Buy one and use it!

Really great! I would not hasitate to buy another one for my uncle

Great tripod both for Pros and Ams
*great build quality
*briliant 90 degrees center colomn shift mechanism
*normally comes without a head but fits every Manfrotto head and\or every head with 3\8" Screw
*works briliantly with any gear up to 5KG (I have tested up to 4.2 KG)

if the weight limit is not good enough for you you can always upgrade to the 055 series which can carry up to 8KG but 90$ it does not give as such great value for your money as this

Excellent product, superb value for money !!!

It is a fantastic tripod for anyone who wants to go into professional photography. There is nothing really to not like about this tripod. Comparing it to the 055XPROB it is a bit shorter in height but that is compensated for in the weight of the thing. I think this tripod is the best in its class because of its aluminium construction and urgonomic layout. It just is so easy to use compared to its main rivals

Plenty of useful options.

The Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod is a very versatile tripod, allowing you the unique option of shooting to the side of the tripod. I really appreciate that being a flora photographer. It also has built into two of the legs foam padding to help protect my shoulder during long hikes. I sometimes use it as a hiking stick and it works great. Why carry a stick and a tripod???

I use it with a 4x5 large format camera, and it handles it easily. By far, it is the best tripod I have ever purchased in 30 years.

Absolutely the best price/performance available

I bought this for my wife as both a studio tripod and for macro photography. There isn't anything better for the money and it is so versatile it allows a sturdy, yet easy to use platform for anything you may need. Combined with the Bogen pistol grip ball head it is an excellent combination. I do not recommend it for hiking as it is relativey heavy and bulky. I have separate monopod for that purpose. This tripod ballhea combination supports a Canon 5DMarkII with 70-200/f4 lens, 580exII, adn transponder trigger in any position without creep or vibrations. Absolutely perfect!