Am I missing anything? New tripod setup

I don't normally ask for purchasing advice, but this is one case where there are so many bits and pieces that I know I will forget something critical. I am buying a new tripod system - after many years of using my current setup I feel I need something more stable and versatile, plus there is one very large lens looming in the somewhat near future that I will be buying, and want to be ready for it. So. . .

Current setup: Manfrotto 055CL + 488RC2, the universal amateur photographer's tripod and ballhead.

Pending New Setup: Gitzo GT-3540LS Systematic 6X Legs (no column); Markins M20 with 2 PL-55 plates for the 70-200mm and 300mm/100-400mm lenses. Kirk Photo BL-MarkII L-bracket for the 1DmkII

Future parts for the New Setup: Wimberly Sidekick + plate, Canon 500mm f/4 IS L, and possibly a centre column for the 3540, but probably not as it is already taller than my 055 with the column down, and that is tall enough for me.

I do plan on traveling with this setup, and I know it is less than ideal for a really lightweight solution, but it is still lighter and more compact than my current setup and far more versatile. This is part of my reason for choosing the columnless Systematic 3540 over the Mountaineer version, it saves nearly 1 pound in weight. I also rarely use my current tripod at it's full height so having that extra height isn't important.

Does anyone see anything that is missing for me to use all my gear that is listed in my sig, plus the future 500mm? Also, since the Markins TB-30 tripod base isn't listed as being compatible with the 3540LS, I assume that is because the base plate that comes with the 3540LS is the functional equivalent, correct?

Thanks for any and all advice, I've used the search function a lot over the past couple of weeks.

Not 100% sure, but I think the TB30 attaches over the "hole" that's left if you remove the center column of a mountaineer 3 series.
Screws on instead of the column lock I think, providing a level surface to mount the ballhead on. Like the top platform on a systematic.

Seems like you've got about everything you need then.

When I did the tripod configuration tool on Gitzo's web site they recommended the GT5540LS for 400mm or better. I also have plans to get a 500mm f/4 in the future so thats the tripod I choose along with a BH-55 Head. It is a couple of pounds heavier then the 3540 but I didn't want to chance having to buy another one after buying an expensive lens. After getting the head and tripod, I can tell you its is very sturdy and you will notice the difference right away when you mount a longer lens up to it. Your on the right track and maybe someone with more experience can tell you if the 3540 is sufficient for the 500mm. I honestly think it will, but for $200 extra now I know it will. If turns out to be over kill I can sell it and get the 3540.

I hear tons of great stuff about the Markins M20 so I am sure its equal in quality. I debated these two heads for a while and I am sure you can't go wrong with either.

Hope this helps...Jeff

jmik26 wrote in post #5566750
When I did the tripod configuration tool on Gitzo's web site they recommended the GT5540LS for 400mm or better. I also have plans to get a 500mm f/4 in the future so thats the tripod I choose along with a BH-55 Head. It is a couple of pounds heavier then the 3540 but I didn't want to chance having to buy another one after buying an expensive lens. After getting the head and tripod, I can tell you its is very sturdy and you will notice the difference right away when you mount a longer lens up to it. Your on the right track and maybe someone with more experience can tell you if the 3540 is sufficient for the 500mm. I honestly think it will, but for $200 extra now I know it will. If turns out to be over kill I can sell it and get the 3540.

I hear tons of great stuff about the Markins M20 so I am sure its equal in quality. I debated these two heads for a while and I am sure you can't go wrong with either.

Hope this helps...Jeff

There are a lot of testimonials from people using the 35X0 with 500mm on this forum, which is why I decided to go for it. The 5540LS would be great, but it is major overkill for any of the lenses I have now, and isn't necessary for the 500mm. Thanks for the input and link.