Need a really sturdy tripod.

[ANGUS]

Im after a tripod/ball head/QR Plate for around $400 (Less is better) that will hold my 40D + Grip + 70-200 f2.8IS L and possibly a 300 or 400 f2.8 L in the future. I dont want to upgrade it for a number of years.

Light weight is good but noot needed.

Can anyone suggest a good combo for me? I prefer Manfrotto but really dont mind too much.

What i need is:
1 Set of Legs (That will extend stabily up to 1.5m or so)
1 Sturdy Ball Head
2x QR Plates (Need one for my mono pod too)

[simwells]

Manfrotto 055PROB with tthe 488RC2 head, almost seems to be becoming the forum standard.

If you want manfrotto you definately want the RC2 QR plates, and I'd go with the 488RC2 head. Legs 055PROB, unless you want to spend the extra on CF.

[ANGUS]

Thanks, Is the 488RC2 the 486RC2??

[ANGUS]

Oops sorry no found the 488 now.

[simwells]

Yeah you want the 488 due to it being that bit sturdier and having a seperate pan release.

[ANGUS]

Ok, If i get the 488RC2 with my tripod is there anyway just to get the QR Plate for my monopod (IE: No ball head) As i only use my monopod for my 70-200 which has a tripod ring.

[simwells]

Ok, If i get the 488RC2 with my tripod is there anyway just to get the QR Plate for my monopod (IE: No ball head) As i only use my monopod for my 70-200 which has a tripod ring.

I have heard about people buying just a quick release clamp and screwing it straight onto the monopod, but don't know a lot about that to be honest so can't say how simple it is, would depend on what mounting screw is used for the clamp.

Otherwise a lot of people use either the 486RC2 or 234RC on their monopods.

[ANGUS]

Is the RC and RC2 the same plate? Cant seem to find that anywhere. But if possible i dont want a head on my monopod.

[tangcla]

I currently use a Manfrotto 055MF4 (magfibre) and a 322RC2 head. I think they are old (discontinued?) models but I still like mine :)

[simwells]

Is the RC and RC2 the same plate? Cant seem to find that anywhere. But if possible i dont want a head on my monopod.

Yeah it is, just for some reason manfrotto seem to have just called it the RC rather than the RC2 for whatever reason.

I'm sure you could just buy a RC2 clamp and screw straight into the monopod, provided you can get hold of whatever the right type of screw is.

[blonde]

for your existing rigs, the manfrotto 055 would be a great choice combined with the 488RC2 head. however, if you are serious about buying a 300 2.8 or 400 2.8L in the future, i would save my money and save a bit more till i can buy a more serious head and legs even. i think that you will quickly find that the big L lenses (the 400 in particular) really requires you to have a VERY solid support system and i am afraid that the 488RC2 is simply not going to cut it (i tried mine with the 500 F4 and it sucked big time, i would never use it with anything heavier than a 300 2.8).

[ANGUS]

I am considering a 300 f2.8 IS L in the future. Probably not a 400L. And i object to paying copious amount for a bit of metal so i think ill stick with the above suggestions.

[blonde]

not a problem and good luck!!

[Tanglefoot47]

Thought about the manfrotto 055prob myself but I am also looking at the Feisol 3301 n just don't know if I want the weight of the 055 but I do know many people swear by it