Benro C3580F and B3

I am wondering if anyone on here is using this setup and how they like it...
I am going to be a little over budget with this setup but I am thinking it may be worth it?
Any help would be great.

I like Benro tripods but I stay away from their ballheads. I think they've improved their heads since that extremely critical teardown was published a couple years ago, but you can do better. Photo Clam ballheads are good value for money and if you're a bit tight on the budget they're really worth looking at.

As for the tripod I'm wondering why you want to buy a flip lock tripod with a center column? The ALR twist locks on the Benros are like old Gitzos used to be, really really smooth to operate and they work well. Over the long term they'll be more reliable than the flip locks too. I'd seriously consider one of the Benro systematics like the C3780T, they're much more flexible than a tripod with a center column and you can buy several options for the base including a center column if you must have one. The C3780T is specced very similarly to the C3580F you're thinking about and you'll be able to source it directly from China at a lower cost. Worth thinking about...

I really dot need a flip lock or column.

I purchased a B3 about 6 months ago and love it! Used w/ 40d and sigma 150-500 it flawless. I have owned a set of Benro lightwt carbon legs w/ a KS-0 head for 3 years without any problems, so when I needed a larger setup for my bigger lens, I had no problem buying Benro and have been very pleased with all 3 Benro products I own and use. My B3 is on an old 1980s set of Manfrotto legs I had laying around.

Thanks for the reply Shane.
Do you think the B3 is overkill for the 70-200? Do you think I would be better off with the B2?

Silverstonev8 wrote in post #12567282
Thanks for the reply Shane.
Do you think the B3 is overkill for the 70-200? Do you think I would be better off with the B2?

Yes, definitely an overkill!
I have B1 and I'm using it with 70-200 f/2.8 or 100-400 on 40D, and 580EX on the top of it - no creeping, no shaking, no problems at all.

Horror stories about Benro heads are the thing of the past.

Silverstonev8 wrote in post #12566065
I really dot need a flip lock or column. I just cant seem to figure out what I should buy.

If you're 6ft 1in I think you should look at the Feisol tripods. I'm not familiar with them myself but they are popular among people who are tall. Don't get frustrated, there are a lot of choices and some of them are quite arcane. I think it would really help if you could visit a camera store and just try a few tripods for yourself. That would help you focus in on the features that you like best...

I ended up a little over budget but I got the Acratech GV2 in the mail today and the Gitzo GT2542L Legs will be here tomorrow.
Thanks to all for the replies.

Update. I got the GT2542L but wasnt too happy with the flex of the lowest section so I returned in favor of the GT3530LS. I had to give up the small size for the strength but I think I made a good choice in the end.

I use the 3541LS and it's rock solid. Congrats I think the 3-series systematics are good tripods.