tripod/ball head combo

I am looking for a a strong lightweight tripod and ballhead for my 1dsMII. Largest lens is 100-400. Budget is 1000. THanks.

You don't need to spend anywhere near $1000. Check out the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (055ProB outside the U.S.), topped off with the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head. This is not Rolls Royce stuff (ultra quality and probably overpriced, that is), but a very good quality and highly versatile package for about $250 U.S.

If you spend twice the money for the tripod legs, you can get a carbon fiber model that weighs a whole one pound less. I opted to spend my money more wisely, as the 3021BPro is easily carried across my back with the "long strap" that is offered as an accessory for the tripod.

I have the 3021BPro like Skip does and will be getting the 488RC2 ball head (Monday),although I dont have a 1d body or a 100-400mm lens, I will throw out a second option. If your wondering about weigh cap. Ive researched the Giottos 9170 (weight cap @ 26 lbs) at a price of $149.95 along with the Giottos 100 ball-head w/ 652 QR(22 lbs) at the price of $108.95
Dont sound too bad as a deal, but again Im just throwing out a second option. Good luck with your search.

I've got the 488RC0 with the 3047. It holds up my mamiya rb67 without any problem at all. Probably less than $150.

If you really want to spend $1k, then do so on the Gitzo 1325 carbon fiber and the RRS BH55 head.

Otherwise, I agree the 3021 pro is a great set of legs and more than enough for your gear.
Other heads to consider are the RRS, Kirk, and on the cheap the Manfrottos and Giottos have nice lines.

Personally I'd go for one of the beefier heads than the 488 for the MkII and tele-lenses.
The 490 and 468 are more of a match to those legs, .. the largest Giottos, and also the Acratech would be perfect.
All are in the $170.00 - $275.00 range.

the big decision is ARCA or non-ARCA.

ARCA (RRS, Kirk, acratech etc...) is more solid. The plates are custom-fit to the body (or lens foot) so there's no chance of twist or rotation. But, as the saying (almost) goes, you pay for what you get. ARCA is more expensive.

Am very fond of the Acratech. amazingly flexible.

toothtango wrote in post #2644266
I am looking for a a strong lightweight tripod and ballhead for my 1dsMII. Largest lens is 100-400. Budget is 1000. THanks.

The BEST solution for that budget is the new Gitzo 3540LS and either the Markins M20 or the Really Right Stuff BH55. THis is absolutely the best combination of stability and light weight that I have seen in one package. On top of that, it will outlast you.

You could also use the 2530/40 (about the same as the 1257/8 that preceded it ) and the RRS BH40. That would be excellent, you would be within its load range as well but at the top end of the recommended lens size.

I'd go with the first setup.

J.