Best tripod for $250-$300?

I am looking to pick up a new tripod. What would be the best leg/head combination (they don't have to come as a package)? I will be using it for mostly landscapes so I need something study enough to hold the camera steady for long exposures, especially because I use the 9-stop for most of my landscape images. I also need it to be able to hold the XTi + 70-200 2.8L IS with ease.

Thank you for the input

I like my Slik Pro 700DX, weighs a bit but very sturdy and made from good material.

The best in that price range that I know of is the Manfrotto 055XProB legs topped off with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head.

SkipD wrote in post #11347722
The best in that price range that I know of is the Manfrotto 055XProB legs topped off with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head.

I agree with this, I had the 055Xprob but with 804RC2 head and loved it until it got left in Nepal by Air India. Like it so much I'm gonna get it again!

SkipD wrote in post #11347722
The best in that price range that I know of is the Manfrotto 055XProB legs topped off with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head.

Yep, Id second that. Fantastic combo!

If you can up your budget by less than $100, you may want to consider a Feisol CT-3402 carbon fiber tripod topped with a Photoclam PC-36N ballhead (total stated price about $398 ). This is a very lightweight combination, which totals just a hair over three pounds and will easily hold your stated gear (and then some). The recommended aluminum Manfrotto/ballhead combo weighs in at nearly seven pounds, twice the weight of the Feisol. It all depends on how you're going to use the tripod. If you drive somewhere and just park, set up, and shoot the heavier tripod shouldn't be a problem. But if you primarily shoot landscapes, some hiking to and fro will be involved...in this case, the lighter carbon fiber setup would be to your advantage. Eventually, heavy tripods are more apt to get left behind.

The Feisol rig is just a little over your stated budget, but you'll have the advantage of lightweight carbon fiber as well as a tripod that will last you a long time. The Manfrotto will do the job, but eventually you'll want something lighter, especially if you start to carry extra lenses and other gear with you out in the field. The Feisol unit will save you the trouble of having to eventually upgrade. Just something to think about...

SkipD wrote in post #11347722
The best in that price range that I know of is the Manfrotto 055XProB legs topped off with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head.

+one

Landscapes to me mean hiking around so I agree with saving weight. Even 3 lbs can weigh a bit at the end of a day spent walking up hill and down dale. Carbon fiber is much lighter and easier to work with in the winter cold. Inexpensive brands include Benro, Feisol, Giottos, and Velbon. Markins and Photo Clam make good ballheads. If you source directly from China for the tripod and from S. Korea for the ballhead you can buy a higher quality product for your dollar.

I'll put in my vote for the Benro C-2691. Check ebay for some pretty good deals with head and arca swiss plate. My Benro served me very well [I no longer care about lugging a tripod around , it just attaches to my backpack]. Depending on the kit, it can retail for $300-400.

argyle wrote in post #11352697
If you can up your budget by less than $100, you may want to consider a Feisol CT-3402 carbon fiber tripod topped with a Photoclam PC-36N ballhead (total stated price about $398 ). This is a very lightweight combination, which totals just a hair over three pounds and will easily hold your stated gear (and then some). The recommended aluminum Manfrotto/ballhead combo weighs in at nearly seven pounds, twice the weight of the Feisol. It all depends on how you're going to use the tripod. If you drive somewhere and just park, set up, and shoot the heavier tripod shouldn't be a problem. But if you primarily shoot landscapes, some hiking to and fro will be involved...in this case, the lighter carbon fiber setup would be to your advantage. Eventually, heavy tripods are more apt to get left behind.

The Feisol rig is just a little over your stated budget, but you'll have the advantage of lightweight carbon fiber as well as a tripod that will last you a long time. The Manfrotto will do the job, but eventually you'll want something lighter, especially if you start to carry extra lenses and other gear with you out in the field. The Feisol unit will save you the trouble of having to eventually upgrade. Just something to think about...

I would agree here that the Feisol is worth a look. Check the review of the lighter weight travel Feisol compared to a similar Gitzo. Look at the 3402 review here.

ender78 wrote in post #11353157
I'll put in my vote for the Benro C-2691. Check ebay for some pretty good deals with head and arca swiss plate. My Benro served me very well [I no longer care about lugging a tripod around , it just attaches to my backpack]. Depending on the kit, it can retail for $300-400.

+1 for the Benro C-2691. Got mine for $300 and it's been one heck of a tripod for that price.

wvo wrote in post #11353760
+1 for the Benro C-2691. Got mine for $300 and it's been one heck of a tripod for that price.

There is a version of the C-2691 [the one I got] that also converts into a mono pod. That in itself is a great feature.

tvphotog wrote in post #11353262
I would agree here that the Feisol is worth a look. Check the review of the lighter weight travel Feisol compared to a similar Gitzo. Look at the 3402 review here.

Hm, I may have to look into that combination. However, does the Feisol CB-50H come with a QR plate, or will I need to throw in another ~$50 for one?

EDIT:

Nevermind, I just took a look at Feisol's website and noticed that they have the CB-50DC ball head + QP-144750 release plate for $169.

Cole_Schmitt wrote in post #11354073
Hm, I may have to look into that combination. However, does the Feisol CB-50H come with a QR plate, or will I need to throw in another ~$50 for one?

EDIT:

Nevermind, I just took a look at Feisol's website and noticed that they have the CB-50DC ball head + QP-144750 release plate for $169.

If you're looking at Feisol, try Really Big Cameras:

Really Big Cameras Website

I'd go for a ancient Velbon AEF-3 on eBay for maybe $50, and spend the rest on gas so you can get more landscape shots.

The Velbon is solid as a rock. It was the top of the range in the mid 1970s and can now be found as cheap as dirt.