Another Which Tripod/Head ?

Which tripod would you choose for a 5D w/ Grip. The largest lens I would need would be a 70-200 IS f2.8 + 2x extender?

I am looking at the Gitzo 2531 + RRS BH-40 versus the 3531 + BH-55?

I haven't decided on the RRS heads versus others yet but will leave that for another thread.

I am first trying to find out if I am matching the head sizes to the tripods correctly (in other words would you use the BH-55 on the 2531 or the BH-40 on the 2531)?

And for the setup I have which size tripod/head would you suggest?

I have read so many threads and websites that my head aches!

1. BH-40 would handle your combo perfectly. If you can afford, go for the largest BH-55 for future lens/camera upgrade.
2. What is the dia base of BH-55 and BH-40?

I would go with the largest combo 3531 + BH-55 for future useage. That way, you don't have to upgrade again (cost more money).

I have the Gitzo (model GT3531S) 6X carbon-fiber tripod that supports close to 40-pounds.
On top of that tripod rests a Markins Q-Ball M20 Ballhead. It's a nice combination to manage heavier glass.

Bubble wrote in post #7457541
1. BH-40 would handle your combo perfectly. If you can afford, go for the largest BH-55 for future lens/camera upgrade.
2. What is the dia base of BH-55 and BH-40?

I would go with the largest combo 3531 + BH-55 for future useage. That way, you don't have to upgrade again (cost more money).

I did a big mistake when i was on the right way, i bought 1-series Gitzo and it is great, but it is really not so steady or say sturdy enough if i will use it in many extreme conditions outdoors, then after long time i bought 5-series Gitzo tripod and i never look back, very happy with it, but i did the mistake because i was looking for a Gitzo tripod for travel rather than my 1-series, so again after long searching i bought 2-series Gitzo Tripod, it is really amazing and doing the job, but now Gitzo has sent a curse on me to buy more and more, so i am thinking on 3-series Gitzo this time, the middle solution between 2-series and 5-series, so i agree with above comment to get the largest and never look back, so either 3 or 5 series will be the best.

And about the head, i also didn't think too much and got BH-55 and Markins Q3T, i love that BH-55 a lot even that Q3T is more lightweight and i think handle more load than RRS ballhead, but with 5-series Gitzo i will never use rather than RRS BH-55 or Wimberley Head.

If you go by Gitzos recommendations, users of the 2 series Gitzo will be using lenses with focal lengths <300. As such, the BH-40 or Markins M10 will be quite adequate. For the 3 series Gitzo, FL >300 are typical and the BH-55 or Markins M20 would be appropriate up to a point. Wimberley gimbals are more convenient to use when shooting wildlife with long FL.