Need a tripod for 7D & 400 5.6

I am looking for a tripod & head for my 7d used with a 400 5.6, and everything I've read seems to include $500+ on a tripod and head setup.

My budget is about $200 at most right now. Are there any options for me, or do I have to wait awhile?

What are you shooting with it? For $200 the best you could probably do (new) is some ebay tripod and ball head that includes an arca-swiss style clamp, and then grab a cheap long arca-swiss style plate for the 400 giving you as much adjustment to balance it as possible. $200 is pushing it though, that's for sure, I think you'll struggle - the tripod will probably have a bit of wobble and the ball head some droop.

Probably something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0&hash=item​3efee66e84

It might be better waiting a while, depending on how long that is, though at least the tripod and ballhead can be mixed and matched with other items down the track and used for other things.

edit: You'll also find the cheaper ones don't go very high, especially without extending the middle column (which you normally don't want to extend).

Slik 700Dx, not only will it keep your gear steady it will assist in your body building, like it or not

Thanks for the input.

I would be using for bird photography. I thinking maybe the Manfrotto 055xprob legs and 498 midi ball head

I think with Amazon quick pick manipulation I should be able to get this combo just a bit over $200. Thoughts?

It'll be a good combo, I didn't realise it could be had for near $200. I have a similar tripod (055XPROB + 488 ball head). I also own a 7D + 400 F/5.6 btw, it will support it no problems at all.

landth wrote in post #11276311
Slik 700Dx, not only will it keep your gear steady it will assist in your body building, like it or not

Well said landth. Unfortunately my bodybuilding days are over, nor have they ever started.........
The SLIK 700DX is a great tripod and a great buy period.

phreeky wrote in post #11276418
It'll be a good combo, I didn't realise it could be had for near $200. I have a similar tripod (055XPROB + 488 ball head). I also own a 7D + 400 F/5.6 btw, it will support it no problems at all.

A bit more then 200, looks like currently priced about $265 for both on Amazon, if I can quick pick them and get 10% off or more that would bring it down under $240, I think I could swing that.