First Tripod,Need Help!

[arhuranna]

Here's the backround. We are doing a lot of gradeschool team and class photos. We will be doing our first prom and senior photos soon, and have been asked to do a family reunion and a wedding this summer. We presently have the wal-mart special and would like to purchase a good tripod. Main problem is we live in rural Kansas and it is about a 4-5 hour drive to a good camera store so will be purchasing from the internet. I like the looks of the Bogen 3021, but would like to know other recomendations. I don't backpack or do much outdoor shooting so doesn't have to be super light. I have a Bogen flash bracket and would like to use my flash and bracket with tripod. I also need advice on a head for the setup. Have no ideas about this. Thanks for the help.

Mitch,

300D, kit lens, 550EX, Bogen Flash Bracket, 70-200 on the horizon.

[Avalonthas]

Well I noticed you have a 300D, and its not a very heavy camera. I dont think u gotta invest in any type of expensive tripod as u will be on level ground and wont have much movement. I would invest that into a new flash or lens.

[DocFrankenstein]

70-200 on the horizon.
Any 70-200 will require a nice tripod, even f/4

3021 should be good for you. If you don't carry them a lot, it's a nice setup.

For the head, 3047 is nice for portraits. Allows you to level the horison and adjust everything precisely (albeit slow)

So, that's a 9 pound tripod. You won't be hiking with that, but you'll carry it in once and will have a problem free shooting session.

Cheers

[Digital Prophet]

Well let me toss in my two cents. I just bought the 3021BPro (http://www.adorama.com/BG3021BP.html?searchinfo=3021bpro&item_no=1) (I got the aluminum finish version) with a 322RC (http://www.adorama.com/BG322RC2.html?searchinfo=322rc&item_no=4) and I LOVE it. I plan to use this as a general all purpose setup and let me tell you that grip is NICE. So so smooth you just can't believe it. I can highly recommend this to anyone.

- Digital Prophet -