best ball option for drebel 350

I was advised by the shop man that a Bogen 488RC4 was too big for my camera and I should opt for the Giotto MH1202 / MH652 ball head which is smaller.

Actually I wanted a 488RC2 but he said was too light for my camera. The RC4 seems exesive and I wil never get a massive zoom.

Any thoughts on this matter - the giotto is cheaper and lighter but i might loose out on functions

TRIPOD - also I was going to pair the ball head with a Manifrotto 3021BPRO or the slightly smaller one but i was shocked at the weight. Even the carbon fiber one seems very similar weight. Not sure for to proceed on the tripod front as i cant see me lugging a heavy thing on long hikes........any soothing advise

Cheers

Huh? The only difference is the QR? I think the RC2 would be fine for the stuff in your sig...
On tripods: light, strong, cheap. Pick two

What would be a light strong and cheap one then - is the manifrotto 3021 considered as light strong and cheap?

What do users think of the giotto ball head compared to the bogen 488?

You have found a sales person who does not know the truth about what he is trying to sell or he is just trying to sell what he has in stock. Steer away from that fool and find a truthful sales person.

The 488RC0, 488RC2, and 488RC4 heads are all identical except for the quick release plate design. The ...RCx suffix on Bogen/Manfrotto heads specifies the quick release family.

The 488RC4 has a huge quick release plate that would be very awkward to use on a 35mm SLR style camera. The RC4 quick release system is designed more for medium format and large format cameras. The 488RC2 is perfect for your equipment (and even with heavier lenses).

You can easily carry the 3021BPro in the field with a strap that lets you carry it across your back. The currently sold 3021BPro even comes with two "leg warmers" that put a soft surface across your back. I can't say enough good about the 3021BPro (or its much more expensive carbon fiber version, I suppose) and will never get rid of mine.

IMO: light and strong: Gitzo CF tripods
strong and cheap: Manfrotto 055
If you want light and strong, it won't be cheap. If you want strong and cheap, it will be a bit heavier
Like SkipD said, I think the 055 is light enough to carry quite comfortably.

Thanks gents,

I have the Slingshot 100 AW and its has 2 black plastic strong looking loops on the back that i was told can be used to hook a tripod to. Do you think I could get the 3021PRO strap through this OK, and will it be OK to carry on my back.

In a nutshell - it this bag suitable to carry the 3021?

Cheers

I would NOT want to carry the 3021 tripod strapped to a camera bag. My camera bag (a fully loaded LowePro Stealth Reporter 650 AW) weighs way too much to add the tripod to it. In addition, it would be awkward handling the camera bag with the tripod strapped to it. Just get the Bogen/Manfrotto "Long Strap" (part number 3044) or their new strap (part number 458HL) and use that to carry the tripod.

I also use an auxiliary bag (the 35" Bogen/Manfrotto 3280BLK) to transport my tripod, but usually not while hiking.

On the whole tripod subject - what is the best stratagy for transporting your camera bag and tripod as well as a backpack bag when you are checking in for a holiday (ei: taking a plane). My slingshot is quite small but i worry that it will be counted as 1 BAG if they are very strict - especially with a tripod that could be view as a weapon (if they are totally stupid that is).

Any problems do you think?

Depends on the airline.

I would tend to pack the tripod inside hard-side luggage rather than try to carry it on the plane.

Since most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage plus a briefcase (computer cases are often considered a briefcase), you might re-pack the camera equipment into a "briefcase" for the actual travel and get away with carrying your backpack too. If you travel this way and they make you check one of the two items at the plane, check your backpack and keep the camera equipment under your control.

Like most others have intoned, the 488C2 will work great for you.

I chose this as it seemed to be a great value after looking and comparing many models. There were many I like better but at 2-5X the price, just not worth it for the ammount I use it and for my intended use. I am very satisfied with my choice now that I have used it for a whil.

So is anyone familiar with this giotto ball-head brand. the sales man said it was taiwanese but it sounds italian to me.