Need a "quality-budget" tripod combo

tkbslc wrote in post #10622994
Thanks for letting me know. Like I said, $200 was just the number I had in my head. If it is unrealistic, I can save. I would rather not buy a third tripod in a year.

If you are going through that many tripods you are not saving money . Best to wait and get something decent in the $3-500 range . Your other option is to find a good used kit of known make and models you have researched .

yourdoinitwrong wrote in post #10626036
Another vote for the 055XPROB. It's not exactly a lightweight but it is very sturdy and well-built for the money. I have a 322RC2 pistol grip ballhead on it but now wish I hadn't. The idea behind it nice for quickly changing position but it is not completely smooth in operation and droops unless it is tightened down to a point that makes is difficult to move.

I've got the same kit as you and mine seems fine if I leave the tension up high . I've got small but strong hands so to me it doesn't seem an issue . I've often wondered how well the 327RC2 would work , my store didn't have one to compare when I got the 322 .

nitehawk55 wrote in post #10632423
I've got the same kit as you and mine seems fine if I leave the tension up high . I've got small but strong hands so to me it doesn't seem an issue . I've often wondered how well the 327RC2 would work , my store didn't have one to compare when I got the 322 .

The issue I have with the high tension is that the head sticks a little when you first try to move it. It may just be something that I don't have adjusted correctly. What I like most about that head is that I can control it with my left hand while keeping my right on the shutter.

Might want to check out Vanguard, I recently purchased one of their tri pods and a ball head and have been very happy so far.

nitehawk55 wrote in post #10632423
I've often wondered how well the 327RC2 would work , my store didn't have one to compare when I got the 322 .

IMO, both offer a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
Get a decent ballhead (like a Markins M10, or maybe one of the hydraulic Manfrottos), and don't look back.

An RC486/8 doesn't hold a candle to the Markins IMO.

yourdoinitwrong wrote in post #10632500
The issue I have with the high tension is that the head sticks a little when you first try to move it. It may just be something that I don't have adjusted correctly. What I like most about that head is that I can control it with my left hand while keeping my right on the shutter.

Yes I get that sticking a bit too but for sure one handing it is great for control and having your other hand on the trigger . Now mine is fairly new and has not seen a lot of use yet so it's possable there is some loosening up that happens in time , hopefully not a bad kind of loosening though .
It's a great idea , not perfect but just about any piece of equipment has a little fault of some kind if you look hard enough .