Photography Monthly magazine reviewed four top aluminium tripods and the Manfrotto 190XDB was the ‘Editor’s Choice’ and also got five stars for value.

Emphasising the importance of having a rugged and reliable tripod in the windier and more unpredictable weather conditions that autumn and winter bring writer Julian Lass said: ‘I immediately felt I could trust it [the 190XDB] when I set my camera on top.’

‘Learn to appreciate the rugged reliability of a decent tripod over cheap, shaky, shoddy ones,’ Lass added.

The four aluminium tripods reviewed were the Manfrotto 190XDB, Giottos MT9271B, Slik Pro 330DX and Velbon Sherpa 435.

‘Out in the field the Manfrotto [and Giottos] tripods are quite clearly in a different league to the Velbon and Slik ones – they feel more stable and rugged.’

‘[The Giottos] is 300g heavier than the Manfrotto pod though, and the Manfrotto 804RC2 head is superb for the price.’

Digital Photo recommend buying the Manfrotto 190XDB with the 804RC2 head, saying: ‘You’re guaranteed a decent tripod’.
 

Photography Monthly’s three reasons for buying a decent tripod:

1) First, with a strong wind blowing, a stable tripod will remain firmly rooted to the ground rather than gusting off down the mountain.

2) Second, you’ll learn to appreciate the rugged reliability of a decent tripod over cheap, shaky, shoddy ones.

3) Third, the extra cash laid down will bring you features such as a decent head, quick-release platform and quick-release legs, extra-low shooting positions, three-section legs for extra height, reversible centre columns for low-level shooting and a host of other small design features that generally make life easier.