Tripod for 600 F4

I recently bought a Canon 600 F4 ver.1 and will be using it with my gripped 7D. I already had a Manfrotto 055 but I'm thinking I'd like something a bit more rigid. Ultra lightweight is not a factor for me if it means spending another $300+ to save one pound.
With this combo should I strictly be looking for a set of legs without a center column? That's not a problem for me if it gives me a definite advantage in the rigidity aspect.
I'm only about 5'5" tall so I don't need a super tall version if that matters.
I also already have a Manfrotto 393 gimbal mount that I will be using at least for now.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

I use a gitzo gt3542ls with my 600mm vii lens. Folds small, very stable, and an overall great tripod.

Take a look at the carbon fiber line by Sirui. I dont have one yet but i am saving for one!

I use feisol ct-3371 for my 600mm and I'm over the moon with it, and nearly half the price of an equaliivent gitzo...

I would suggest you have a look at the Sirui R4203, I don't have one but I do have their 4 series monopod which uses the same tubing and is excellent.From my (very non scientific tests) the 4 series Sirui tubing appears to equate to 3 series Gitzo tubing, in other words very good!
For my 600 F4 IS (now replaced by an 800 F5.6) I use a Gitzo 3530LS and find it more than good enough (even with the 800mm). I have access to a 5 series Gitzo but can see no real advantage, especially not in cost and weight!
If at all possible I would strongly suggest you get a 3 Series Gitzo Carbon Systematic (no center column). This will give you the best combination of rigidity, weight and price IMO. If you find the new Gitzo prices a bit high (don't we all!) then a used one will serve just as well. I also have a Gitzo 1329 Mk2 (old pre ALR leg lock version) which happily supports me at over 100 kilos, damps vibration well and cost less than $160 in your money! So it pays to look around.

Thanks for the input.
So, not being really familiar with the Gitzo's, what essentially is the main differences between the 3,4,5 series? Is it the diameter of the carbon tubing or ? They have so many model numbers it's hard to get an idea of all the features.
I hear of people recommending buying the newer versions that have the "G-loc" feature. What is this all about? Were there problems with previous versions?

The g-lock holds the legs even if they are somewhat loose... the more pressure on the tripod, the stronger the lock. It works; I have the 3530 and even if I don't tighten the legs completely, it doesn't collapse (unless it's really loose).

The series difference is just size/strength. I've had a 400mm f/4 on the 3530 without any qualms, it would easily hold more, though for something bigger I'd want a higher number model. I believe in overkill when it comes to tripods and heads.

What year did the G-locks come out?

I've been researching tripods lately and after reading LOTS of reviews etc, decided against Gitzo because of stuff like this:

http://www.richardbern​abe.com …y-last-gitzo-tripod-ever/
http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/12621​54/0

Have you looked at Really Right Stuff? Certainly not a 'budget' option but, from everything I've seen, worth the cost.

http://www.reallyright​stuff.com

cheffievrs wrote in post #16629788
I use feisol ct-3371 for my 600mm and I'm over the moon with it, and nearly half the price of an equaliivent gitzo...

Looks quite nicely made. Can you tell me what diameter the head base is to give me an ide of scale and if it will fit my Kirk BH1.

Additional features of the CT-3371 include:

- Constructed of top quality carbon-fiber and high grade cast aluminum
- FEISOL's new Rapid anti-leg-rotation technology
- Lightweight construction normally found in only smaller tripods - only 4.85 pounds (2.2 kg)!
- Preset leg angles at 25, 75, and 90 degrees
- Heavy-duty load capacity of up to 26.46 pounds (12 kg)
- Height capacity of 61 inches (155 cm), and more with our optional center column
- Base diameter of 3.9 inches (100 mm)
- An attractive tripod bag is included

Deanhedges wrote in post #16636674
Additional features of the CT-3371 include:

- Constructed of top quality carbon-fiber and high grade cast aluminum
- FEISOL's new Rapid anti-leg-rotation technology
- Lightweight construction normally found in only smaller tripods - only 4.85 pounds (2.2 kg)!
- Preset leg angles at 25, 75, and 90 degrees
- Heavy-duty load capacity of up to 26.46 pounds (12 kg)
- Height capacity of 61 inches (155 cm), and more with our optional center column
- Base diameter of 3.9 inches (100 mm)
- An attractive tripod bag is included

Thanks Dean. I guess it has the larger 3/8" screew thread?

I can't work out from their web if this tripod has their "rapid" leg adjustment or not?

Also I note they have an elite tripod of similer spec that is 50% more expensive than this which is in their classic tripod line. Do you have any idea what the differences are?

Lester Wareham wrote in post #16637500
Thanks Dean. I guess it has the larger 3/8" screew thread?

I can't work out from their web if this tripod has their "rapid" leg adjustment or not?

Also I note they have an elite tripod of similer spec that is 50% more expensive than this which is in their classic tripod line. Do you have any idea what the differences are?

Rapid legs are an option, which I did actually choose...

I too looked at the elite tripods, couldn't really see what they offered for the extra price, plus at the time they didn't have the one I wanted in stock....

Thanks.

How well have you found the head locks on the legs?

The Gitzo looks like it has a hole for a lock screw. I am thinking if you are carrying the pod with a long lens, I have had heads work loose before.

So far (touch wood) not issues what so ever have hit my head a couple of times with my gimbal though lol