MANFROTTO 190GO!

More conventional in its design than most current travel tripods, this recently launched Manfrotto is still great on the go

Manfrotto’s 190go! kits are based on four-section aluminium or carbon fibre legs with either ball or three-way heads. the carbon editions are pricey, at up to £400/$500; for the best combination of performance and value, we’d go for aluminium legs with the XpRo ball head (product code MK190GoA4-BHX).

Manfrotto’s 190-series tripods have attained an almost legendary status over the years but this latest model is the best so far. one thing we’ve never really liked about 190 tripods with flip-type leg section locks is that the sections drop down very freely under gravity when the locks are released, with a jarring jolt when they reach the end of their travel. the new ‘M-lock’ clamps avoid this, as well as being quicker in use and operating flawlessly.

each leg has a generous four lockable angles although, unlike with the

Benro and Kenro tripods, there isn’t a removable leg for use as a monopod. Also, you can’t swing the legs vertically upwards for compact storage but, even so, the four-section legs enable the tripod to fold down to a reasonably short 57cm.

the pivot system is stupendously simple to use. After releasing the clamp, you extend the centre column to the top, press a release button at its base, then flip the column through 90 degrees for relocking. extra features include Manfrotto’s ‘easy

Link’ socket for attaching accessories. the tripod is excellent and the XpRo ball head is arguably even better, with silky-smooth operation and an advanced multi-function design.