Newbie need tripod help

[wishlf]

Hi guys, I am thinking about buying a tripod with ballhead. I want something that's adaquate for 5D MKII with 70-200 f2.8 IS and speedlite 580. I only want for spend under $300. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[HoosierJoe]

Do a search on adorama or B&H site and narrow the search to tipods and heads for 10 lbs and up. You should come up with a Slik, Manfrotto, or one of the better brands in that range. Same for the ballhead. I have a Benbo tripod and manfrotto head. Very solid. And have heard some good things about Vanguard legs, if you don't get the lowest priced ones.

This is assuming that you don't want carbon fiber. In which case, I'm not sure what you would look for.

[Beachcomber Joe]

Consider one of the Manfrotto 055 series aluminum tripods with their 498RC2 ballhead.

[KCMO Al]

Remember, you will get what you pay for. I had a number of heads over the years and was never satisfied until I bit the bullet and purchased a Kirk BH-3. Others were either too many controls (too slow to use) or not stable enough. Don't be surprised if your'e not totally satisfied with your first combo.

[themadman]

Consider one of the Manfrotto 055 series aluminum tripods with their 498RC2 ballhead.

+1 More of less the general recommendation =)