The MT190X3 is the budget version of Manfrotto’s high end photo tripods. It is exactly the same as the more expensive versions but is only available in aluminum with three leg sections, and lacks the quick horizontal center column feature. It actually performs slightly better than its MT190XPRO3 sibling that includes the feature, so the MT190X3 presents great value given its high build quality and decent stiffness performance.
| Name | Manfrotto MT190X3 |
| Class | All-Purpose |
| Yaw Stiffness | 403 +/- 1 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.143 +/- 0.014 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 1447 +/- 7 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.382 +/- 0.038 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $152 |
| Weight | 4.32 lbs (1.96 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 15.4 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 53.4 in (135.6 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 11.7 in (29.7 cm) |
| Max Height with Center Column | 62.7 in (159.3 cm) |
| Center Column | Yes |
| Base Diameter | 2.3 in (5.8 cm) |
| Folded Length | 23.0 in (58.4 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 11.5 in (29.2 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 242.0 cu. in. (4.0 liters) |
| Leg Material | Aluminum |
| Leg Sections | 3 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 24 deg |
| Leg Locks | Flip |
| Top Tube Diameter | 25.9 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 19.1 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | No |
| Foot Type | Rubber |
| Bottom Hook | No |
The stiffness and damping data are the averages of 10 trials for each measurement. The reported error is the standard error, except in the case of the damping data. I have set the error in the damping at 10% as the standard error metric does not appropriately capture the error in fitting to the data. All of the reported specifications are measured, with the exception of the weight rating. The tripod is measured at full height, with the center column down.
Example data for oscillations about the vertical axis of the tripod:
Beautiful data. The damping is poor, but the stiffness is pretty good for a tripod at this price.
Example data for oscillations about the radial axis of the tripod:
Again, very nice data. The damping is better in the pitch direction, and the stiffness is also quite good.