Which tripod?

I just got myself a Vanguard Tracker 1.
http://www.vanguardwor​ld.com …deo/detail-1-4-14-79.html
Damn it's good.
Takes the weight of a 1 Series body and Series 1 (non IS) 300/2.8 without any probs.
Solid as a rock and pretty well priced.
If you're in Adelaide, sneak into twin City Cameras in Grenfell St.

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'm leaning towards the Gitzo GT5542LS, a little costly but I should not need to replace it for many years

I don't know the availability of RRS gear in Australia but since you are already looking at products in their price category, I'd give the TVC-34L a look. It goes 8.5" higher without a center column.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …sa-Series-3-Tripod&key=it

Service could be an issue in Oz if it was needed for a RRS tripod. People in the UK complain that the tripod has to be shipped back to California, it's expensive and there can sometimes be customs issues on return. I've no clue what Gitzo service is like in Australia though, hopefully it's not anything like it is here...

OTOH, since the OP is looking to a 5-series Gitzo, he may be interested in the new RRS Versa Series 4 models (page down).

Peter,

You bring up good points and I have no knowledge of how things work in Australia. I was thinking about the RRS Versa 4 series also but when I checked, there is still no pricing and availability posted at this point.

As I've mentioned previously in other posts, our retirement plan B involves a move to Indonesia. I'll have to factor in repair options for my various pieces of equipment. I was surprised to find out that Canon's battery chargers work anywhere in the world without anything more than a plug adapter.

At 6'3" I'd recommend you consider the Gitzo Systematic 3541XLS. I have one and only occasionally use the 4th leg section(s)...but when I need it its a godsend. I do shoot a lot in the mountains where terrain is uneven. Note that Gitzo now also has not only the 3000 and 5000 series tripods but more recently has some in the new 4000 series as well (not sure in what models though).