Would this tripod comfortably support the weight??

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

I have a 5D / grip / QR plate / 430ex / and a lens generally not great than 2.5lbs.

I have a manfrotto aluminum tripod at the moment, but the light weight of carbon fiber has been calling my name!

Load Capacity of this tripod is 17.6 lbs (8 kg);

So it should be ok with you config.

Laurent.

If you don't plan on shooting longer lenses then you have at the moment, it should work okay.

The only thing I will be adding that is any longer is a 70-300 f4 IS.

I was reading on the website they recommend a series 2 or 3 for that length. Is it because of that focal range, or is it because of the usual weight of the lenses in that range? The 70-300 is generally pretty light compared to other lenses that are in that category.

It's because of the FL. The 2 and 3 series have a higher torsional stability.
A tripod is all about vibration reduction. Most decent lightweight tripods will be able to hold a slower 400 or 500mm without *collapsing*. They won't stabilise the camera enough to get the image though.

Yeah, I think I might just get a series 2 tripod and switch to a RRS head. Just to play it safe.

This tripod you show (Gitzo 1540) will do well with the load you mention. If you use this in high wind, then go up a size. Gitzo is very conservative with their load ratings - specifying them not as the load it will hold, but the load it will hold and still make a stable platform for photography.

J.