Bogen / Manfrotto 724B Tripod

[UrbanScribe]

Hey. I'm looking for a good, light tripod that is capable of holding steady a Canon 10D w/ 70-300mm attached. I do a lot of backpacking in the mountains so i need light and durable. I'm looking at the Bogen / Manfrotto 724B Tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=283689&is=REG&si=spec#goto_itemInfo

Comments please...suggestions?!?

Please advise me on the best tripod that I can purchase for less than $150. Thanks.

[scottbergerphoto]

That tripod is only rated for 7.7 lbs. That's not alot for a 10D and large zoom. You are limited by your price limit of $150. It's reallly more expensive to buy an inexpensive tripod first and then a better one. Inexpensive tripods will shake with a heavy load and give you blurry pictures. Check out Gitzo tripods and look for one that will hold 10-15lbs. I use a Gitzo Mountaineer G1228. You can get a similiar one that isn't carbon fibre. Rapid columns are less expensive and I think better then one with a crank.
Scott

[nosquare2003]

Just found this thread after I purchased a similar Manfrotto digi tripod (i.e. even smaller than 724B). Now, I can carry my tripod most of the time. I do not have any big heavy lens while my equipments weigh about 4lbs. Anyway, this tripod is not intended to carry any big lens. It is good enough for me when the carbon fibre ones are too expensive to me. (However, I wonder if it is good enough in the mountains.)