Tripod for Landscapes, etc.

I already have a Gitzo 3541XLS for my 500mm lens, but I'm looking for something lighter and compact for doing landscapes with. I will be using a Canon 6D with a 24-105mm. May even use it for some macro as well which will be the same 6D and a Sigma 150mm macro lens and maybe some extension tubes.

I had thought about just buying a ballhead, but I like having both available at the same time so I really just want another complete unit, but something cheaper than the Gitzo.

I got one of the cheap Chinese aluminum tripods from Amazon, but it's not sturdy enough to suit me.

As far as price, maybe around $300 and an arca-swiss head. So what do ya'll recommend?

Normally I would suggest a Gitzo 2 series Mountaineer - but a new one is out of your price range, perhaps a used one?

If you are happy with "Systematic" type tripods (I am!) then the Feisol Tournament models are well worth a look:

http://www.feisol.net …s/tournament-tripods.html

Two friends of mine have these and they are pretty rigid + very light. I prefer the 3 leg section version. A little over you budget but good.

Most of my landscape stuff is done with a Sirui K40x/Manfrotto 410 - bit big and heavy though! Either of Sirui's smaller K20X or K30X would be fine. If you fancy something different then have a look at this head:
http://www.ebay.com …011?hash=item25​af1c2bf3:g3QAAOSwxg5XyXZj

It is an all or nothing head, in other words it has only one control for everything! I like this but it might not suit everybody. Also you will need to add a QR clamp - pretty cheap but must be factored in. My RS3 (bought 8/9 years ago) has the best lockup of any ball head that I have tried, including some large and very expensive ones! I can't tell you what is the maximum lens/camera that it is suitable for as my 800 F5.6 L IS + 1 DX are too light and my 4 series Gitzo Systematic is too bendy. Yes read that again - I am serious. Remember though the one single control lever (no independent friction/panning adjustment) is not to everyone's taste.

Just some food for thought?

I'll recommend Feisol as well. I just use my tripod for landscape shooting so small, light, and sturdy were my needs.

I use the Feisol CT-3401 with a Feisol CB-40D ball head (though I did removed the safety latch from the head). Unfortunately the legs alone are pretty close to your price range so the combo puts you over. That said the CB-40D is a nice head but there are less expensive options.

I tried to save money a few times.... but in the end, I bought a very nice RRS setup. It cost me a small fortune.... but it's a joy to use. I haven't ever tried something like John's gear, so I have no idea what its weight limitations are. I love the way the leveling base works. For point of reference, not that it matters to this discussion, I have the the long, 3 series tripod.

I alot so much money each year for photo gear... It took me a year to save up the money for the RRS stuff but I am glad I did. I'm now saving up for a 1D X Mark ll. I know I won't be disappointed with it either.... but I won't be able to buy it until Xmas of 2019... seems like a long way away. I'll make due with my 1D IV until then.

I totally agree with you about top quality support - it's well worth the cost to me as well! Here, in the UK, RRS tripods are a no-go due to their very high prices. In the US RRS represent much better value and are superb tripods! A 3 series RRS should be fine for pretty much anything Canon/Nikon currently make