The afternoon sun, a molten disc, was already bleeding across the Tuscan hills when I wrestled the 190XPRO out of its bag. This wasn’t a casual photoshoot; I was chasing a fleeting moment of perfect light for a landscape piece. The air, thick with the scent of cypress and earth, demanded precision.

The first thing you notice? Solid. Rock-solid. Manfrotto’s commitment to aluminum is a given, of course. But even after years of using their gear, the heft still reassures. It’s not a featherweight, mind you, but that little extra weight translates to stability. Trust me, in windy conditions near the coast, you want that. And, as a seasoned photographer knows, this stability is crucial.

Setting it up is a breeze. The leg locks, those lever-style clasps, are fast and reliable. Snapping them open and closed is intuitive, a testament to the Italian design. The real trick, and where this tripod shines, is the center column. It can be positioned horizontally, perfect for low-angle shots – those ground-level perspectives that breathe life into a composition. I used that feature extensively, practically kissing the grass for a few shots. Now that is versatile!

Sure, it’s not perfect. The lack of a built-in leveling bubble on the base plate can be a minor annoyance. You’ll need to eyeball it or add an external level for critical composition. But here’s the workaround: just spend a little extra time on the initial setup, adjusting each leg independently. And if it’s truly problematic? A separate leveling base will do the trick.

Compared to, say, the older 190, the XPRO version offers more enhanced features. The quick-action leg locks are a notable upgrade. It’s a subtle change, but efficiency matters when you’re racing against the clock.

This tripod is a workhorse, a reliable companion for any serious photographer. If you’re a landscape shooter or anyone requiring consistent precision in their work, the Manfrotto 190XPRO is an investment that will pay dividends. Go ahead, get it. You won’t regret it.