Tripod for a 20D. Please HELP!!

Hi,

Ok. I need a tripod for a 20D plus 17-40mm lens. In the future I may have a heavier zoom lens, but that is just speculation at this stage.

I will use it to shoot landscapes/cityscapes, some wildlife and people. So quite a mixture but mainly for use outside.

I will need to carry it about a fair bit and travel with it. Now I don't want to skimp out on a decent tripod just to save weight, however it is something to bear in mind.

I am 6ft2 so don't want to scoop down low when using the thing.

At the moment I have been looking thru many threads, but have not found what I am looking for. I would be looking to spend around 300us$, but can spend more, or less, if needed.

What I need is some recommendations, especially for the legs.

Thank you all in advance.

Have you looked in the sticky?

Bogen/Manfrotto 3021Pro comes to mind. I was looking at this pod but decided almost 6lb w/o head was a little heavy for me. I'm big person but hate to carry anything. I decided to buy Feisol Carbon Fiber 3301 (3 section) pod thru ThresholdConcept.com in CA,USA. You can find it in eBay. Feisol is Taiwanese company who are getting into the tripod business.

So far I have it for about three week and dont have any complains. I use a Manfrotto 390 RC2 pan and tilt 3-way head and the total weight is about 5lb. The pod by itself is about 3lb. The pod cost me $205US and the head was about $45US. This combo has the capaciy to hold about 15lb.

Scott - I did look at the sticky, but thought about adding all the factors I need it for to try and narrow it down for me a little.

Lostdoggy - Cheers for the info. I'll look out for the Feisol here in China. I will be getting the 20D and lens in Hong Kong at the weekend so maybe they have it there.


Any more recommendations??

I looked at the sticky and was impressed at the price. It was just not in my budget.
if you need to weight down your tripod, carry small sacks w/ draw strings to put peblesin and hang it on the center post this way you don't need a heavy tripod. Feisol is now also making Carbon fiber imitation Arca Swiss heads check it out at:http://www.thresholdco​ncepts.com/specials.ht​m

I love my Gitzo explorer. versatile. To keep around $300, combine with a bogen 488RC2 or 486RC2 ballhead.

I love Bogen 3221WN - $164 and
322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head - $105

I have the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001Pro (smaller and lighter than the 3021pro) and love it. I use it with the 20d and the 100-400 without troubles. Definitely recommended.

Another vote for the Bogen 3021BPRO, topped by a Bogen 488RC2 ballhead. Reasonably priced, very good performance, superb versatility.

Ditto, but with the pistol grip ball head.

Wow. What a good response. With friends like this on POTN who needs to leave the computer (apart from to take photos!!). I'll take a look at those mentioned and then make my choice.

Thanks guys.