After much assistance from this forum I am leaning toward a Gitzo Systematic tripod GT3531S.
My next decision is which full size ball head to get. I don't have any experience with these so I wanted to get everyones pros and cons (I also realize that to a certain extent this becomes a personal choice).
I have read good things about the: Markins M20, Really Right Stuff BH-55, and the Arca Swiss Z1. Are there others that I should consider? Anyone have any info on the Gitzo Systematic head?
The heads are somewhat similar but do have some differences:
Model__$__Weight_Height_Base Dia._Ball Size
M20___360_1.25#___3.98"__2.68"______48mm
BH-55_355_1.6#____3.65"__2.86"______55mm
AS Z1_365_1.2#____4"_____2.7"_____Eliptical
I am planning on using this with a 5Dii and the longest lens would be a 70-200 f2.8 + 2x extender (at least for now). I will also probably get RRS QR plates (which everyone seems to rave about) including an L bracket for the camera.
Thanks.


