Can I get a decent, lightweight tripod and ballhead for $500?

What would you look at in this price range. Here is what I am looking at:

1) Has to fold down small.
2) Has to be lightweight
3) Has to work well for tall people (aka 6'+)
4) Should be arca swiss

I am zoned in on the Feisol 3441t but figured if I'm going to spend this much I better make sure I research everything.

If I was already at $500 I would wait, save and get the Gitzo 1541T Travel Tripod w/ Markins Q3T ballhead.

^ I would agree, I have that setup, but I'm over 6' tall and just tweeked by back by bending over to use the Gitzo. I just bought the 3441T and will use it with the Markins Q3t and lever quick release.

The Feisol has good reports here, but no track record over the years, as it's relatively new, but I'm giving it a try because of its extra 12" extension without the center column up. Regardless of its newness, it's my back I'm thinking of at this point.

I'll sell the 1541T on the Selling Fourm.

Thanks, how does the markins Q3t compare with the new photoclam "gold" ballheads?

http://reallybigcamera​s.com/PhotoClam/Pro_Go​ld_II.htm

I'm getting frustrated, I bought my 055xprob + 488rc2 ("the classic") when I first got my camera. It's actually a great setup in my opinion EXCEPT for the fact that it's big. Now I'm looking to upgrade and it seems like you have to spend like 800-1000 to get a decent setup. That seems like too much to me on an absolute level but maybe it's just my expectations.

The 3441t + photoclam gold ballhead + plate = ~ $610 but then I worry I'll be wanting anti leg rotation, or quick release (this comes with the screw style) and I'd hate to have to upgrade again...but maybe that's what it is.

Being short I guess I never thought about that. That is a good point as it would change the pod if it were not tall enough.

tvphotog wrote in post #10821981
^ I would agree, I have that setup, but I'm over 6' tall and just tweeked by back by bending over to use the Gitzo. I just bought the 3441T and will use it with the Markins Q3t and lever quick release.

The Feisol has good reports here, but no track record over the years, as it's relatively new, but I'm giving it a try because of its extra 12" extension without the center column up. Regardless of its newness, it's my back I'm thinking of at this point.

I'll sell the 1541T on the Selling Fourm.

merlin2375 wrote in post #10822034
Thanks, how does the markins Q3t compare with the new photoclam "gold" ballheads?

http://reallybigcamera​s.com/PhotoClam/Pro_Go​ld_II.htm

I'm getting frustrated, I bought my 055xprob + 488rc2 ("the classic") when I first got my camera. It's actually a great setup in my opinion EXCEPT for the fact that it's big. Now I'm looking to upgrade and it seems like you have to spend like 800-1000 to get a decent setup. That seems like too much to me on an absolute level but maybe it's just my expectations.

The 3441t + photoclam gold ballhead + plate = ~ $610 but then I worry I'll be wanting anti leg rotation, or quick release (this comes with the screw style) and I'd hate to have to upgrade again...but maybe that's what it is.

Photoclam is the new kid on the block, short track record. The Markins Q3t has been around for a long time and is a known entity, very high quality. It's just about the same price as the Photoclam.

Just know that I have not used the Photoclam and I have used the Markins, as a matter of fact I just bought a second one. On the other hand, you should also know that I also just bought a Feisol 3441T even though it doesn't have a long history, but has features that the Gitzo traveler does not have.

I'm willing to take a chance on the Feisol, as it's gotten some great reviews. Search the Photoclam here for more information.

The lever release is a real value if you use an L bracket or think you may get an L bracket. I think that's definitely worth the money.

Do you need the extra panning plate the Gold has ? If not, I would go with the Markins Q3T or one of the non Gold Photoclam's.

Kerry at reallybigcameras knows his products and is very helpfull. You should discuss it with him.

I was mainly looking at the gold because you can get one with a lever mount. It doesn't seem the other photoclam one's can come with a lever.

I don't think I would die without a lever but I'd rather spend a few extra dollars now than have to updgrade again in the (near) future.

The Markins Q3T with lever is the same price as the Gold so..... decisions

Although Kerry is throwing in a plate for free.

Lol, yes, I've been fighting with it and going back and forth. It's a challenge!

tvphotog wrote in post #10821981
I just bought the 3441T and will use it with the Markins Q3t and lever quick release.

The Feisol has good reports here, but no track record over the years, as it's relatively new, but I'm giving it a try because of its extra 12" extension without the center column up. Regardless of its newness, it's my back I'm thinking of at this point.

How is the Feisol working for you? Better than the GItzo? How is the sturdiness in in comparison?

I was able to mess around with the 1541T last weekend at B&H...now I'm trying to decide between it and the Feisol. Cheaper, smaller, and taller are all good things...but it still needs to perform it's primary function very well.

Roobaix wrote in post #10832518
How is the Feisol working for you? Better than the GItzo? How is the sturdiness in in comparison?

I was able to mess around with the 1541T last weekend at B&H...now I'm trying to decide between it and the Feisol. Cheaper, smaller, and taller are all good things...but it still needs to perform it's primary function very well.

I just posted a review of the 3441T and will add to it when the new Markins Q3T with the lever QR arrives. I'm liking it alot.