opinions on tripod combo for 1ds

considering for legs
Gitzo G-1257 Mountaineer Reporter 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (Rapid Column) - Supports 17.6 lb (8 kg)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=403​835&is=REG

and for the head
Bogen / Manfrotto 468MGRC0 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead with Rapid Connect 0 System (RC0 Quick Release) - Supports 35.3 lb (16 kg)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=368​324&is=REG

for a canon eos 1ds

The ballhead is for a large format camera and the QR plate is huge. Not a real good fit on a 1Ds. A 488RC2 is a much more common choice and certainly more than ample for the camera.

Just as a gentle comment - I see a lot of threads here asking for support (tripod, monopod, head) advice and mentioning the camera body. The body doesn't make much difference - all the Canon DSLRs are reasonably similar in terms of their support requirements (there is some difference between a gripless 350D and a 1 series, but not much), but the lens or lenses differ widely in their support requirements. You need a very different tripod and head setup for an EF 600mm f/4L IS or EF 400mm f/2.8L IS to an EF 50mm f/1.8 II.


As Dan says, RC2 is likely more than adequate, and a better fit to the kind of gear we use. I particularly like the 200PLARCH-14 anti-twist RC2 plate.

David

i come form a video/motion picture background where the weight of the camera corresponds with what balance a head can provide, which is why i mention body type. fyi why i got this camera even though new to digital photography was i was scoping out 20d, 30d. saw the 1ds and put a 1500 bid on it. was outbid but that guy flaked and i scored the 1ds for 1500, so no snipes on haveing more camera than needed. but for 500 more figured worth it.

so the legs are still a good choice?

i got G1258 too, but have not tried it out , becasue my RRS BH55 ballhead has not arrived yet

hope can get it tomorrow morning...

Gitzo are the preferred brand for tripod legs for many people, including me (I have a G2220 Explorer). Unless you want to use very heavy lenses (in which case a 3 series tripod may be more appropriate), the 2 series tripod you mention sounds to be a good choice.

I believe there's at least one forum member with a 468MGRC2 - if you're going to go for Manfrotto quick release rather than jumping to Arca Swiss, RC2 is probably the most appropriate system (I use RC2, even though I have a Gitzo offset ball head, which is something of a specialist design to get maximum flexibility out of the Explorer legs and can't be recommended for general use). However, the 488RC2 may do all you need, and it's cheaper.

Consider buying 200PLARCH-14 anti-twist RC2 plates if you go for RC2 - they were something of a miracle in my setup, as I was getting terrible problems with plate twist with the camera at certain angles. These plates sort it out.

David

I use the Bogen / Manfrotto 468MGRC0 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead with my 1D MKII and find it smooth and rock solid.
I use it for everything from macro to landscapes.
For a ballhead I find it very good for panos due to the independent pan and tilt locks.