Tripod: Gitzo or Bogen from macro to birding

[Paul_Mc]

Haylo me again,

I've been contemplating which tripod to get as much as i have which lense (100-400 or 400 5.6 although NOW I'm kinda sold on the 100-400)

I want a tripod that's versatile - from using it for birding to getting down and dirty on the ground for macro photography.

I'm already sold on Gitzo or Bogen, not that any other tripod is any worse, but just a preference as I've heard so many good things about the 2.

I was thinking about the carbon fiber gitzo explorer or the bogen 3200 line.

I also plan to get the Markins m10 ballhead. And i also may get the Wimberely sidekick for birding or what-have you.

So who owns which tripod, and in your own opinion, which is better suited for my needs, or are they both as good?

I heard Gitzo lasts longer... could be wrong.

Thanks again!

[Scottes]

I have the Manfrotto 3021 Pro, and it's great for birding and will handle a monster lens, and will last a lifetime.

But if I did it again, especially for macro, I'd get the Gitzo G-2220 in a heartbeat. The Manfrotto's center arm does 90-degrees only, while the Gitzo's is multi-positionable.

[steven]

I have the Gitzo G-2220 and have been very pleased with it so far. But since I've only had it for two month I can't comment about durability. It looks very well made.