Digital Cameras Ratings: Manfrotto 458B Neotec Pro Photo Tripod (Black) Review

Average Reviews:
4.6 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)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.

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Product Description:

NEOTEC PRO PHOTO TRIPOD Cat. No: 458B
Awesomely fast and easy to use, the 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 andfour leg angle positions.

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