Bogen / Manfrotto 724B Tripod Question

[sugar_babygirli]

Hi all!

Hopefully this post won't be too annoying as I'm sure you get alot of questions about tripods, but there are are really so many out there it's hard to figure out exactly what the differences are.

Ok, here's my situation. I do not plan on doing wilderness/wildlife/rugged/macro work with it, and will basically be using it as something to hold the camera for self portraits, portraits, action photography, and just to steady it in low light. I have quite a steady hand and can prevent alot of shake, but figured a tripod would still hold it better than I ever can. This is my very first tripod and my price range is $0-$125.

So, I'm 164cm, a girl (apparently), and kind of on the scrawny side so I don't want anything too heavy to lug around. I wanted a ballhead, independent leg spread, and wanted it to weigh any where from 3-5 lbs. Would the Bogen / Manfrotto 724B Tripod be ok?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=283689&is=REG
It has all the features I wanted, is just the right height (and taller than I am), and I just really like it but wanted to see if you all thought it was a good one too?

Remember, I am fairly new at this, do NOT need the best of the best, and can't spend alot of money.

Oh, one last question, would this tripod be able to hold the camera vertically, or do I need a special attachment?

Thank you all SO very much for helping me out! I truly appreciate it ahead of time! :)

[sugar_babygirli]

Can anyone help me please? :( If you can't answer the other questions, it would greatly help for me to at least know if a ballhead is the right kind of head to switch between vertical/horizontal format. I would hate to buy it and find out it only holds the camera horizontally.

Thanks!

[Edgar in ATL]

I have it. I like it. And, yes, you can go vertical.

[Jon]

You may want to move up a few dollars and get the 728 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=283759&is=REG), with a pan head. It's still within your budget though, and about 3/4 lb heavier. The ball head's more flexible, but the pan head's more controllable, and from what you're planning to do you might find that extra precision (separate pan, tilt, and orientation controls) useful. It'll certainly be easier to switch between vertical and horizontal.

[Jack W.]

I have the 728B. I'm very pleased with it. It supports my 20D with a Sigma 80-400OS lens with no problem (the lens alone weighs about 3 1/2 pounds).
The tripod seems well made, and quite sturdy considering it's a compact.
However, keep in mind that lightweight tripods like these are subject to some vibration when you press the shutter button, no matter how carefull you try to be. So, I strongly recommend useing a cable release.
Jack

[sugar_babygirli]

Great! Thank you SO much for replying and your suggestions/comments have greatly helped me!

Thank you once again! :)

[HJMinard]

I think that tripod will suit your purposes just fine. Based upon one of your stated uses being "action" photography, I'd stick with your original goal of a ballhead. Pan and tilts are basically useless for action. If precision is more important - and action is more of an afterthought - then I completely agree with Jon's recommendation. Ballheads work fine for portraits, but they're definitely not precise.