Manfrotto has expanded its ONE tripod platform with the launch of the ONE Photo, a new tripod specifically engineered for professional stills photographers. This compares to the recently launched ONE Hybrid tripod, which is slightly heavier and features the ability to swap tripod heads without the need for tools.
Unlike traditional circular tubes, the ONE Photo utilises a custom non-round leg profile. This geometric shift reportedly improves torsional rigidity, which is crucial when shooting with high-megapixel sensors – where even micro-vibrations can soften an image.
For photographers working in fast-paced environments, Manfrotto has also integrated its patented XTEND mechanism. This allows users to deploy leg sections with a single lever action (per leg), drastically cutting down setup time.
Historically, tripods achieve a more compact size by using shorter, more numerous leg sections. However, the trade-off is increased weight from the additional leg-locks and longer setup times since there are more leg locks to secure. Also, more leg locks usually means less rigidity.
While a four-section tripod offers a more compact folded length, it requires nine individual leg locks – three more than a standard three-section model. The ONE Photo tripod reduces time with only one 'leg lock' / lever per leg, meaning you only need to release three leg locks.
The ONE Photo tripod has three sections per leg, and extends to a maximum height of 164cm. With a tripod head on top of this, and the camera viewfinder being even higher, the tripod allows a six-foot photographer to look directly into the viewfinder.
The tripod also retains the highly-regarded Q90 mechanism, allowing the centre column to swing into a horizontal position instantly for table-top, macro and flat-lay photography.
Differences between ONE Hybrid and ONE Photo tripods
The main difference between the Manfrotto ONE Hybrid and the ONE Photo version lies in their intended use: the Hybrid model is a modular system built for both photography and videography, while the Photo version is a streamlined, lighter, and more affordable alternative dedicated to stills. This being said, it's fairly easy to swap heads on the ONE Photo.
The Manfrotto ONE Hybrid features the XCHANGE quick-release system, allowing you to swap heads (like a ball head for photos and a fluid head for video) instantly without tools. It also includes a levelling base in the centre column, which is essential for video to ensure your pans remain level even on uneven ground. The ONE Photo lacks both, making it cheaper and lighter.
The ONE Hybrid also comes with the options of carbon fibre and aluminium, while the ONE Photo only comes in aluminium.
The Manfrotto 055 VS The ONE Photo
The Manfrotto 055 series has been in production for 52 years, having first launched in 1974. It was the first tripod ever released by Lino Manfrotto and Gilberto Battocchio, and is widely considered the ‘industry standard’ for a full-size professional tripod.
While the ONE Photo has a number of improvements over the 055, the 055 Carbon Fibre 3-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column will still be the one to beat, and weighing in at only 2.1kg, it is a huge 1kg lighter than the ONE Photo.
Lugging an extra 1kg all day does make a difference. Extended height for the 055 is 5cm taller (170cm), while it even packs smaller at 63cm – 2.5cm smaller than the ONE Photo.
Both the 055 and ONE Photo feature 90 degree column system, leg angle selector and Easy Link connector for accessories.
Cost wise, the 055 Carbon Fibre can be found from $501 – $1,299; while the Manfrotto 055 Aluminium (weighing 2.5kg) can be found from $321 – $499. There is no current price for the ONE Photo in Australia, though the ONE Hybrid's current price is between $508 – $700, with the ONE photo reportedly being slightly cheaper.
Key specifications for ONE Photo:
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Material: Professional-grade Aluminium (designed and built in Italy).
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Payload + weight: Supports up to 12 kg, easily handling heavy telephoto glass. Weight: 3.110kg
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Configurations: Available as a standalone set of legs or in kits with the XPRO Ball Head or XPRO 3-Way Head.
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Connectivity: Includes the Easy Link connector, for attaching LED lighting or small external monitors.
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Dimensions: Max height: 164cm / Closed height: 65.5cm
The ONE Photo range has no official Australian retail price as yet, though the hybrid predecessor is currently retailing for $508 – $700 for the legs-only configuration.
You find out more on the Manfrotto ONE website.