Tripod recommendation with telephoto lens

I've been thinking about buying a tripod to use when I goto the track but I don't have any clue where to even start. I've gone through the stickers here on this forum, but it seems to be to indepth for me. I'm just looking for a tripod that'll hold a 20D with a 100-400mm L lens mounted to it.

Anyways if someone could point me to a site that discusses more about tripods and what a head for the tripod is that would be great. Thanks!

At the top of this forum: Choosing a Tripod, One Man's Quest.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=53864

There's a LOT of info in there.

I've already gone throuh that post. The post appears more to be ab out what to buy whereas i'm looking for information on what each part does. For example I have no idea what a "ball head" does. I figured all I needed was the actual tripod and I would be able to mount the camera to that, but I guess it's more complicated than that?


NM I didn't realize there was stuff below the first post.

In the cheaper tripods, the tripod is sold with a tripod head permanently attached. In the better tripods, you buy the tripod (legs) as one item and then add a tripod head to the top of it. Some people like a ball head, and some like a pan-tilt head.

Your best bet is to go to a good camera store and they will have a dozen tripods on display. Ask the sales person some general question like "Which are better, ball heads or pan-tilt heads." The sales person will probably give you one opinion, based on which one will get him a bigger sales commission. You would probably want to try one out with your camera to see what you think.

Whatever it is that you are seeking, first know the total weight of your camera with heaviest lens on it. Most good tripods and/or heads will have a maximum recommended weight limit. You would not want to put a ten-pound camera on a tripod head rated for five pounds.

---Bob Gross---

when you're adding the total weight, do you also have to add in the weight of the head?