recommendation for tripod/head?

First off, I shoot with a 40D and my heaviest lens is the 70-200 f4L. I have come to the conclusion that I like the Manfrotto 055XPROB. BUT, I am so confused on choosing a head. I plan to do some landscape photography at different angles so a ballhead seems like a good choice. But I also plan on doing some real estate type photography where I will be shoot at 10mm and need to be level and a ballhead complicates this right? I know I can get a hotshoe level but I'll be using a flash(unless the head plate has a level built in). Also, with pano's, I'd like the option to pan (which requires a level shot). I'm guessing quick-release is a good option too?

I'm on a tight-budget right now and really don't need anything fancy. Any suggestions?

You couldn't go wrong with the Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head.

You don't really need a level beyond that in the tripod itself. There are techniques that can be used to very accurately level the camera as long as you can pan the camera sideways without releasing the main ball. The 498RC2 head allows you to do that.

Am I correct in saying the 055XPROB has a level on it, and if I used a hotshoe level, made sure both were perfect..... then panning would be perfectly level?

aparis99 wrote in post #12102179
Am I correct in saying the 055XPROB has a level on it, and if I used a hotshoe level, made sure both were perfect..... then panning would be perfectly level?

You are certainly correct.

I use my hotshoe level as well, works like a charm!