Help choosing first tripod and head

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first tripod. I already have a Gitzo GM5541 monopod and I am really happy with it, so I was thinking I should probably go with a Gitzo tripod. I also have a Really Right Stuff B2-Pro quick release clamp and plate for the monopod which I am also very happy with so I was wondering if I should go with an RRS ballhead. My gear is as follows:

Canon EOS 40D body
Couple of EFS lenses
Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 telephoto lens (quite heavy)

Looking for any suggestions as to which Gitzo tripod and RRS ballhead to go with.

Thanks in advance,
Dave.

For the 120-300 lens I'd go with a Gitzo 3531 (3 section) or the 3541 (4 section). It should meet your needs very good.

Personally I got a 3530 (now 3531) for my 100-400 and a Arca-Swiss Z-1 with the RRS quick release stuff and it works great, rock solid. I purchased the LSV model as it doesn't have a center column and fully extended it's 58" high. All mounted up with my 40D it's right at eye level, perfect, and I'm 6'4". The reason I went with the 3 section with no center column is that I wanted the best stability I could get, maybe unfounded thoughts, but better safe than sorry and no buyer's remorse here.

If you're sold on the RRS ballhead I'd get the BH-55?, their biggest one, you won't regret it with that monster lens of yours.

Roger

Dredd123 wrote in post #6559555
Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first tripod. I already have a Gitzo GM5541 monopod and I am really happy with it, so I was thinking I should probably go with a Gitzo tripod. I also have a Really Right Stuff B2-Pro quick release clamp and plate for the monopod which I am also very happy with so I was wondering if I should go with an RRS ballhead. My gear is as follows:

Canon EOS 40D body
Couple of EFS lenses
Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 telephoto lens (quite heavy)

Looking for any suggestions as to which Gitzo tripod and RRS ballhead to go with.

Thanks in advance,
Dave.

I'd rather get a Markins or Arca then an RRS ball head.

Another option might be the new Gitzo Systematic Ball. Although I have no personal experience with that one.

My suggestions would be either a Markins M10 and a Gitzo 2 series or because you have that 300mm lens the even better 3 series gitzo and a Markins M20 head. I dont personally like the RRS too much compared to the Markins.

Check out the Markins M-10 or M-20 heads; I have the M-10 and it's stellar. Build quality is second to none and they're fantastic to use.

FWIW, I just got a Markins Q3 and a Benro C-228 and they are very very good match.

I haven't taken the big lens out in the field with it but initial test with the 1D MK II and 300 f2.8 felt very solid.

The Q3 can hold a lot and with the 1D and 70-200 it's very stable.