How about this combo?

Opinions please!

Tripod:
Slik Pro 340DX
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ro_340DX_Tripod​_Legs.html

Head:
Bogen/Manfrotto 804RC2
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_3_Way_Pan_Tilt​_Head.html

Slik Kit from B&H, not sure about the head.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_340DX_Tripod_B​lack_.html

I would not use the tripod legs you linked to. It's likely to be too flimsy for any heavier lenses. Don't get hung up on the "load capacity" as being a good test of rigidity. The tripod has only a 1/4-20 stud for mounting a head. All of the Manfrotto heads require a 3/8-16 mounting stud. While you can get a bushing to put a Manfrotto head on a 1/4-20 stud, you won't have the inherent strength of the larger stud size.

For general-purpose use, I would recommend a Manfrotto 055XProB tripod leg set.

I would forget the 804RC2 for still camera use. The handles get in the way for transport and are a (at least for me) a pain to use. I would suggest a Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head for general-purpose use on a tripod. It weighs less than the 804RC2, is far easier to use, and is so much easier to use.

Thanks for the reply and excellent points.

I was looking for a pano head as I want to try my hand in panoramic shots and was told to stay away from a ball head.

Additionally, low light and night shooting are other reasons I am purchasing a tripod.

Looking to keep the set up around $150 or less please.

The Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head has a separate pan lock that, when loosened, allows the head to rotate horizontally without having to unlock the main ball. It wouldn't take much to build an adapter for panoramic work (to make the camera pivot at the lens' nodal point) which would work just fine on the 488RC2.

Cheap tripods are seldom very sturdy. If you're planning to do night shooting, you need a very sturdy tripod.

If you have to stay within a certain budget, and the 055XProB Skip mentioned is more than you care/have to spend, at least get the Slik 700DX. I have this tripod along with 2 other full size tripods. It's only $10 more than the 340DX and is a vastly superior tripod. I don't have any long/heavy lenses to mount and the 700DX does the job for me as an easy to take along tripod. You really should look around for a ball head instead of the 3-way pan.

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Thanks for the replies everyone.

I am not opposed to a ball head, was just told that to do nice pano's a pan/tilt was the way to go.

My only concern with a ball head is am I able to aim my camera stright up into the sky with it? I would also like to take a "time lapse" picture of the sky that makes the star's "streak" Will a ball head allow me to achieve this angle?

I assume using a ball head the base will rotate allowing me to keep the level that my camera is on, is this a standard feature of all ball heads, or just some?

A combo (legs and head) costing me around $150 would be great.

Thanks again for all your input, I really appreciate it, keep the suggestions coming!

BucketMan wrote in post #6216396
My only concern with a ball head is am I able to aim my camera stright up into the sky with it? I would also like to take a "time lapse" picture of the sky that makes the star's "streak" Will a ball head allow me to achieve this angle?

Easily - at least for the Manfrotto ball head family which includes the 488RC2.

BucketMan wrote in post #6216396
I assume using a ball head the base will rotate allowing me to keep the level that my camera is on, is this a standard feature of all ball heads, or just some?

Of the Manfrotto ball head series led by the 488RC2, only the 488RC2 has a pan release control. All the rest require releasing the main ball.

I don't have enough experience with other brands/series of ball heads to answer your question beyond the Manfrotto products.

BucketMan wrote in post #6216396
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I am not opposed to a ball head, was just told that to do nice pano's a pan/tilt was the way to go.

My only concern with a ball head is am I able to aim my camera stright up into the sky with it? I would also like to take a "time lapse" picture of the sky that makes the star's "streak" Will a ball head allow me to achieve this angle?

I assume using a ball head the base will rotate allowing me to keep the level that my camera is on, is this a standard feature of all ball heads, or just some?

A combo (legs and head) costing me around $150 would be great.

Thanks again for all your input, I really appreciate it, keep the suggestions coming!

I like a ball head with an Arca Compatible quick release when shooting with a non-tripod ring equipped lens (with which I shoot most of my panos).

An Arca Compatible head will allow you to use a really Right Stuff L-bracket. This is the absolutely best way to mount a camera on a tripod, not only for panos but for all photography. I often shoot my single string panos using the camera in vertical position. This allows me to use a longer focal length lens to achieve the same top-to-bottom coverage as when using a shorter focal length in the horizontal position. The left to right coverage is predicated by the number of exposures you will use in your string. Here is some info on the great RRS L-Bracket:

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com/QR/05.html

for panos and criticle framing I would get this head. No worries about head droop like you get with inexensive ball heads when you tighten then down. I don;t have one but that's probably what I will be be getting for stationary subjects and panos.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …410_Mini_Geared​_Head.html

I think I have decided on the 488RC2 for the head.

I appreciate the suggestion on the 700DX, but a having a hard time with the folded height and weight of the tripod.

The 340DX is really appealing with its tight fold height and low weight, making it ideal for travel and hiking.

I am 5'11'' and the extension of the 700 would be nice, but think I can make the 340 work. My back is already screwed up anyways, so whats the difference right?

bohdank wrote in post #6216589
for panos and criticle framing I would get this head. No worries about head droop like you get with inexensive ball heads when you tighten then down. I don;t have one but that's probably what I will be be getting for stationary subjects and panos.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …410_Mini_Geared​_Head.html

I have it. It sits atop my Manfrotto 3246 tripod. Talk about stable.

Found this in the classifieds:
https://photography-on-the.net …60765&highlight​=manfrotto
legs good?

BucketMan wrote in post #6219985
Found this in the classifieds:
https://photography-on-the.net …60765&highlight​=manfrotto
legs good?

That's what I have and I don't anticipate replacing it for MANY years to come.

Well, I think I made a decision.

The Slik 340DX just sounds too nice to pass up with its low weight and folded length. The times I will be using it and the size/weight factor is NOT an issue will not be as frequent as when they WILL be a factor, if that makes any sense...

IE: I will use this more during international travel, hiking/outdoorsy stuff vs. indoor weddings and portraits.

The B/M 488RC2 sounds awesome, havent heard a bad thing about it, hopefully it will be money well spent.

Lastly, is there anything I need to buy in addition to these to make them work together? Adapters, special plates, brackets, etc? Will the two essentially be a "plug and play"?

The head nor the tripod comes with a level, so I was going to buy a hot shoe mounted one to ensure the proper angle. I saw B&H has several listed, is there any particular one to stay away from or to get?

I cant thank everyone from this site enough for their time and patience, this hobby is a little expensive to get started, but hopefully will be well worth it!

You will need to be very mindful of that tripod. 4 sections is not as stable as 3, the skinnier legs are not as stable either, and given your height the center column is going to be raised (because the tripod is so short) and that will add even more to the lack of stability. Good luck.