Tripod recommendations?

I'm planning ahead a bit for when I can afford a 300 2.8 and I'm not sure what tripod would be good. From talk around here, thisseems like it would be a good head. What tripod would you recommend to go with that for <$400?

I would be a little leary of trusting such a considerable investment on a $400 tripod. I have the same gear and am very happy with the Gitzo 3541LS and the Wimberley

For over 25 years professional photographers have been trusting the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 and its replacement, the 055XPROB with similar equipment. Probably the most reliable tripod on the market and one that retails for well under $400.

I've been very happy with my Manfrotto 055PROB. If I was buying now I'd choose the carbon fibre version of the same thing.

I am not keen on the hammerite paint finish on the metal parts of the Gitzo, looks cheap to me, although otherwise its a servicable tripod.

I'd suggest an Arca-Swiss style dovetail QR clamp rather than any of the Manfrotto offerings. The Markins M10 is what I use but RRS, Kirk and Arca-Swiss all offer similar quality products.

I used to own a 3021/3221 back in the day and I just ordered an (aluminum) Gitzo GT2331 which should arrive next week. It's less than $400 and rated for up to 300mm. Seems to be the Gitzo version of the Manfrotto 055XB, if one prefers twist locks and doesn't mind spending twice the money. There's not a whole lot of info on it since everyone seems to lust after Gitzo's carbon fiber models, but I decided to check it out as my full size while I wait for Gitzo to make a CF Traveler that will actually extend to a usable height. I'll try to post my thoughts on it either in this thread or a new one once I'd had some experience with it.

Ok, thanks I was looking at that Manfrotto before and it seemed pretty good.

I should also add - if you don't think you'll be needing the horizontal column feature then look into the non-"pro" version of the Manfrotto - the 055XB I mentioned rather than the 055XProB. I used to have a 055MF3 with the "pro" feature. The problem with it is that, while very versatile, the clamping blocks are entirely plastic and even in the unextended position the center column was pretty unstable - you could grab the bottom end of it and move it back and forth pretty easily even after tightening the clamp down. I didn't notice any such problems with my plain vanilla 3021.