Manfrotto 3246 + 488RC2

[_dreamer]

I'm doing some research in order to buy a good tripod.

My current result is:
Bogen / Manfrotto 3246 + 488RC2 head.
(B&H Link (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353313&is=REG&addedTroughType=search))

I'm 1.93 meters (about 77") tall, and this is the only descent alternative I've found (reaching 1.93 meters without the column extension).

My haviest load is EOS300D + 70-200 4L.

Can you recommand it ? alternatives are also welcome...

[chtgrubbs]

Those are exceptionally sturdy legs. They will hold a heavy 4x5 studio view camera without any problem, but their twin-shank design makes them rather bulky for field use. . Great ball head.

[condyk]

I just choose the same ballhead and due tomorrow. I got the Feisol Carbon Fibre tripod which will be here very soon too. Worth checking them out as seem well liked. Not sure what you need it for tho'. For me, lower weight was key and stability.

[blue_max]

I have the 488rc2 and if anything I expected it to be bigger. The general concensus is that bigger is better, so I am glad I didn't go for the lighter model.

It has no problem handling the 10d and a good lens. There is a little initial give, but maybe I don't tighten it up enough (it's new!). You quickly allow for it though and maybe it will improve as I get more brutal.

Highly recommended though.

Legs are always a compromise, but I went for an 055 pro set (different ref in the usa). They are very sturdy and perhaps overkill, but I didn't need another lightweight set. The carbon fibre range saves relatively little weight (c20% for nearly double the cost). Whatever suits.

Graham

[SkipD]

Nir, in my opinion the 3246 tripod legs you're looking at are quite bulky and not too well matched to your camera/lens equipment. The 488RC2 ball head, on the other hand, is a great choice. I would suggest you look at the 3021BPRO legs as a good compromise between heavy (5.3 pounds plus head) and sturdy and carryable in the field. You wouldn't want to tote a tripod that's much heavier. The 3246 weighs in at 9.2 pounds plus weight of the head.

I do have a much heavier tripod leg set that is almost as versatile as my 3021BPRO. It's the Bogen 3251. I use it mainly in the studio and for my star-gazing telescopes (with a geared head). The 3251 is amazingly versatile, but it's one heavy bugger to tote around (13.6 pounds plus the head).

[_dreamer]

Nir, in my opinion the 3246 tripod legs you're looking at are quite bulky and not too well matched to your camera/lens equipment. The 488RC2 ball head, on the other hand, is a great choice. I would suggest you look at the 3021BPRO legs as a good compromise between heavy (5.3 pounds plus head) and sturdy and carryable in the field. You wouldn't want to tote a tripod that's much heavier. The 3246 weighs in at 9.2 pounds plus weight of the head.

I do have a much heavier tripod leg set that is almost as versatile as my 3021BPRO. It's the Bogen 3251. I use it mainly in the studio and for my star-gazing telescopes (with a geared head). The 3251 is amazingly versatile, but it's one heavy bugger to tote around (13.6 pounds plus the head).

I'm having a major problem finding a descent tripod for my height 1.9 meters (77"+).
Do you have any recommendations?