I have the Feisol CT-3442 with the Photo Clam 44NS. I love this combo, very sturdy and yet lightweight for my needs. This combo puts the VF right at eye level for me, which is 64 inches.
If I have the center column attached then it's too tall as it adds 2.75 inches to the overall height while legs are fully extended, so I have to shorten the tripod's legs some if I install the center column. Installing center column goes pretty quick so it's no big deal to swap it out since there's only three allen head screws to turn, and Feisol includes the allen wrenches, which I store in the bag's side pocket.
I have only one problem with the tripod bag - while the hook is attached to the tripod base plate, the hook bulges while stored inside the included tripod bag. It's no big deal, either, to attached/detach the included hook that comes with the tripod (hook is .5 inches longer that's included w/center column) but I just wanted to point that out with a few pics of the regular included hook.
Bag Open -
Bag Closed, (not good to have the hook bulging as it will likely bend hook or strip threads sometime or another!) -
I also use the Photo Clam mounting brackets that are designed specifically for the 7D and 5DII. Mounting Plates attached to bodies -
5DII's mounting plate attached to ball head (7D plate looks relatively the same when attached to ball head)-
For the 7D w/o grip, Photo Clam Mfr number is: PC-7D-UP2
5D Mark II w/o grip, Mfr number is: PCPA-5DMARK2UP2
Currently $42 a piece for each.
