Affordable Tripod, Ballhead, Camera Plate Options?

If money were no issue, I'd order the following:

This Base Plate For Canon 60D with this L-Plate for Canon 60D (for some reason the link to the combined item is broken).

This BH-40 Ballhead with LR Clamp (link is for ballhead without clamp, link for item with clamp is broken)

And this Gitzo GT3541XLS Tripod (or similar as I think this one is discontinued)

However, money is obviously an issue. I have a tripod that works well enough, but it is cheap and the leg locks are starting to fail. I am 80" tall and would like something at least 70" tall max height, even though I know it is not often that setting the camera at that height is the best choice. I have never had a ball head or any of the quick release systems, I have just had the cheap Best Buy tripods with integral head.

What other options would you guys suggest for a tripod, ballhead, camera plate system? I am currently looking at the Induro tripods but even those are $600+ for the specs I am looking for. I know you get what you pay for, but perhaps there is a middle ground I am currently unable to track down? I am especially at a loss on the ball heads and plates. Other ideas? Thanks in advance.

Make a search here and you will see many thread dedicated to this issue.
But I would say tripod is one of those things that you should buy it only once in your lifetime. Make you best selection that money can buy. At the end you pay a lot less.

Check the HorusBennu thread at this forum. I have the C-3540V legs and the FX-45Q head with a RRS L plate and love it. Rock stable, something about carbon fiber doesn't vibrate. Buy the best tripod you can afford. Quality lasts forever. I have a 50 year old Slik Master bought while in Vietnam that is still a great studio tripod in perfect condition but a bit bulky for taking to the field.

Thanks guys, I just did a little POTN searching and found this. That should be a decent stopgap until I can afford to go the 'buy once and keep for a lifetime route'. I don't use a tripod a majority of the time, but when I do I want something that works somewhat decently. The Oben fits the bill I do believe.

Actually, I am leaning toward this. Taller max height and lighter weight. We'll see what my social director allows me to purchase. Already have the Sigma 10-20 4-5.6, as well as more off camera flash and accessories on the wish list. Thanks guys.

bmaxphoto wrote in post #15609231
I know you get what you pay for, but perhaps there is a middle ground I am currently unable to track down?

Feisol, Photoclam, HorusBennu.....

Feisol tripods and Photoclam heads have all gotten good remarks from other users here. I personally have a Feisol tripod with a horusbennu head and it has not failed me. Feisol tripod are very good quality and horusbennu heads have large balls that do not move.

Head over to reallybigcameras.com for more specs on Feisol and Photoclam products. Thats where I ordered my feisol tripod and they have amazing CS. For HorusBennu you'll have to head over to e-bay to find their products.

Also there is a fairly large HorusBennu thread in here some where and if you search for Feisol and photoclam you should come up with a few threads as well.