Product Description

Manfrotto Neotec Pro Photo Tripod - A lot of things can go into taking that perfect picture. One of which is timing, and with tripod photography, setting up can cost you. The 458B features a rapid opening and closing mechanism that drastically minimizes this problem. Simply pull on each leg to have it automatically lock in place. In addition, this tripod gives you sturdy all-metal construction, a built-in level, generous height ranges, and more.
As a professional-grade tripod, it is designed to support a wide variety of cameras including professional film and high-definition video models. The 458B has a load capacity of about 17 pounds.
When you're serious about photography and seek optimal results, the Neotec Pro Photo tripod is engineered and built with you in mind. Built-in Level Built-in Carrying Handle Standard 3/8 Screw and 3 Angled Grub Screws Individual Custom Leg Heights Load Capacity - 8 lbs. Tripod Weight - 5.3 lbs Does not include tripod head

Product Details

• Brand: Manfrotto
• Model: 458B
• Released on: 2006-04-14
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 4.00" w x 25.00" l, 5.00 pounds

Features

• Four set leg angle positions for a solid footing at any height
• Leg lock release button for closing the tripod or shortening each leg for perfect positioning
• Carrying strap can be used to support a counterweight
• Waterproof up to 18 inches as the bottom leg section is sealed
• 61.4-inch maximum height with center column, 17.6-pound maximum load

Manufacturer Description
Awesomely fast and easy to use, the Bogen-Manfrotto 458B has the innovative Neotec rapid opening and closing mechanism -- just pull each leg downwards to open and automatically lock it in any position, with no screws, knobs or levers to tighten or loosen. Then to fold it back up again, press the mechanism release button and push the leg closed, it's that simple!

Combined with the 458B's high load capacity, great minimum and maximum height range, full range of professional features and speed, makes it the ideal tripod for location work under pressure. The 458B has a built-in carrying handle; a two section center column for low angle or normal shooting and four leg angle positions.

Features include:

• Center column design allows you to leave the head mounted on the column when switching between low angle and normal shooting.
• Double positioning vertical and horizontal center column.
• Four set leg angle positions for a solid footing at any height.
• Leg lock release button for closing the tripod or shortening each leg for perfect positioning.
• Carrying strap can be used to support a counterweight.
• Waterproof up to 18 inches as the bottom leg section is sealed.

What's in the Box:
Tripod, carrying strap.

Customer Reviews

Inovative Design, but need improvement.
I've purchased this tripod because it's got a much quicker locking mechanism over my old Bogen 3021B-Pro tripod (Which is a true workhorse for me for over 7 years, never let me down).

Features same adjustable height design and a unique horizontal shooting pole as the 3021B-pro, the weight is same as the 3021b-pro.

The new Neotec locking mechanism is really great invention, super fast to work with, all you need to do to extend the tripod is just pull it out, and it locks in any position, no knobs to push or turn. It also comes with a free comfortable carrying strap, that is nice.

However, the tripod feels like it's build very cheaply, A design flaw (IMHO) is that the tripod build with it's thinest tube section towards the top and thickest tube at the bottom, this creates a horrible wobble (Bogen claims that this design keeps sand away, heck, I've never had a sand problem with my old 3021bpro, why bother?). I tried to do some 5 sec exposure in a room with no wind and any other disruption that would effect the exposure, and the picture comes out blurry (yes, motion blur). The tripod creates wobble itself because of this design.

Another major flaw? The tripod will scratch so easily that it already got plenty of scratch within a week of purchase! My 3021bpro haven't had a single scratch from heavy-duty usage till 4 or 5 years later and numerous airport rough handling. This is just not acceptable.

Take a look at the re-designed 3021b-pro, now called 055XProB, it is the standard that will last you for years to come.

Comments and response, maintenance
First, a response to the slightly negative review:

First, I agree with the recommendation for the 055XproB. For half the price, you get a great tripod. Neotec is neat, but gimmicky. I can set up a normal tripod (like the above mentioned) in just a few more seconds that it takes to pull out the Neotec's legs. The Neotec collapses in about 2 seconds less time, and adjustment time is equal. So if you've got half the funds, get the 055XproB. If you've got twice the funds, get carbon fiber ;-).

The Neotec is not the most, nor by any means the least stable. It is heavy and solid, but does have a torque/twist that you don't really want. It's not significant for any but the most demanding applications, however. I don't know how the reviewer got "motion blur" using ANY camera on ANY tripod in a room with no wind. Maybe a train was passing by, or the reviewer was walking on a floor plank the tripod was on. This tripod has some play, but it doesn't move of it's own will.

I have had mine for a year and a half, use it every day in a fairly rough way, and it has no discernible scratches. I wouldn't care if it did.

My major gripe is that after a while, the legs get hard to pull out and push in. The manual says to lubricate them, but doesn't say WITH WHAT. I tried a few different lubricants, but they only lasted a day or two. I emailed tech support, and they said that the tripod is not user-serviceable, even for lubrication, and that it must be sent in for repair. I sent a couple emails trying to get them to tell me how to service it myself, but they just kept saying I had to send it in.

So I sent it in, and it was fixed for free and returned promptly. The work order said "lubricated tripod legs". They functioned better, but only for a couple weeks.

I am happy to report that I have found a pretty good procedure for maintaining the legs:

Every couple weeks (more or less, depending on use and conditions), wipe off the legs and then apply a lubricant. I use Goo-Gone to clean the legs, wipe it off completely, then use SILICON lubricant (I use dielectric grease) to lubricate. Just wipe a VERY SMALL amount on, rub it around, and wipe off as much as you can. Wipe it like you don't want any left on there.

Now you're good for a couple weeks.

DO NOT USE WD-40, GRAPHITE, or TEFLON LUBRICANTS!


Also, the bubble level will eventually fall off. I put a tiny drop of Gorilla Glue on the edge, and it won't be coming off any more.

Also, the hex/allen screws at the top of the tripod legs may become loose (one of mine did after a year). Just pay attention to them, because if they fall out and you can't find them, you're probably screwed (they ain't standard screws). You can put some of the milder form of loctite on them, or maybe even hairspray, to keep them in.

Smooth and versatile design
This is a pricey little tripod, but worth it. I like the versatility and ease of use. Simply pulling down on the legs extends them which is very efficient when you need quick setup. I also especially like the removable column, which can be inserted horizontally into the ball assembly, giving you a copy stand. This is great for copying documents or as a Product Photography support (what I use it for).

I don't feel it's heavy enough for outdoor use and one of the larger SLRs. I use it's big brother for that, as I'm usually working in cold, windy situations and I need something I can operate with gloves that will remain stable in a 25mph gust. I didn't feel this was up to that task, but it's great in the studio.