Looking for a Beefier Tripod that can handle the big ones...

perhaps this is premature... but my wife verbally ok'd (in that she did not mind me spending money on) something in the rage of the 500L...

i guess turning off my a$$ switch during our recent 2 week vacation to the inlaws did it.

love my Gitzo GT 1550T... damn thing is portable and lightweight for my travels and can handle my 7D+70-200Mk2 with ease...

but at times, i find myself longing for something a bit beefier... and with the recent "approval" i'm thinking about getting a decent load capable tripod.

i don't think i'll drop the coin for another gitzo... and i find the feisol models quite interesting.

CT-3342/3442 models are interesting... but i fear that this is only a half step up and Kerry also indicated that for something like a 500L, he would recommend the 37mm tube models (3372/3472)

i would like to shave off as much weight as possible... hence i ask... anyone here use the 3342/3442 with big lens combo? or should i get the 3372/3472 and stop fooling myself?

What about the new RRS, or is it not sturdy enough?

thanks Jay, i haven't really looked at it till now...
will take into consideration... but i fear the RRS is going to be as expensive as gitzos?

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10907044
thanks Jay, i haven't really looked at it till now...
will take into consideration... but i fear the RRS is going to be as expensive as gitzos?

Perhaps, and I haven't see a review of the new RRS here either.

The RRS is more expensive then many Gitzo models.

ouch! well, there goes that option...

What telephoto lenses are you planning to use?

Julian,
the longest lenses i currently have are the 400 5.6. or the 1-4L...
i am working to get something in the range of the 500L (hoping for some deal on used when the Mk2 hits?)

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10907269
Julian,
the longest lenses i currently have are the 400 5.6. or the 1-4L...
i am working to get something in the range of the 500L (hoping for some deal on used when the Mk2 hits?)

I see. How tall are you?

5'5"

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10907381
5'5"

Hey! We're basically the same height. Ok. I would recommend the 3531s. It will definitely hold the 500 no problem. Smack a Wimberly head on there and your gtg!!

lol... dunno about you but all the useless crappy info i have in my head kept me from growing taller!

i fear you're talking about the Gitzo GT3531S?

well, at $684.90 after MIR... guess it's not too far off from the Feisol alternatives 3372/3472 which ranges from $499 ~ $570

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10907443
well, at $684.90 after MIR... guess it's not too far off from the Feisol alternatives 3372/3472 which ranges from $499 ~ $570

After getting the Feisol 3441T and comparing itto the equivalent Gitzo 1541t, I've become a big fan of Feisol. I don't know if the same is true of these bigger sticks. They're worth a careful look, I would say. And lighter than the Gitzo.

Jay, i have to admit, the feisol's are quite hard to pass by... seems there are many happy owners of it.

i just wish i can get a hands on look at the feisol 3372/3472 series...

kinghong1970 wrote in post #10907443
lol... dunno about you but all the useless crappy info i have in my head kept me from growing taller!

i fear you're talking about the Gitzo GT3531S?

well, at $684.90 after MIR... guess it's not too far off from the Feisol alternatives 3372/3472 which ranges from $499 ~ $570

Yup! That's the one. I forgot you're on a budget. Oops!