Manfrotto 190XPROB + Giottos MH-5001 head--a good combo?

After reading what seems like a gazillion posts on tripods and heads and getting

overwhelmed by the sheer variety and choices, I think I've finally narrowed down

the choices to the following:

Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/13145

Giottos MH-5001 head:

http://www.giottos.com/MH5000.htm

The setup will support my 30D plus 1.4x extender plus 70-200 f/4L lens. Maybe a

heavier lens (100-400 IS zoom, maybe, or some other ~400mm telephoto zoom lens)

down the road. My current tripod is a Slik 300DX, and I'm looking for something

that's more stable and easier to pan, for bird photography.

Thanks for any feedback on this combo and individual components.

Hello Hyun,

For bird photography I would recommend a ballhead rather than a pan/tilt. If you are trying to keep the cost down, take a look at the Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 ($70 at B&H). If you are prepared to spend an

extra $100 I can recommend the Giottos MH-1300 with the MH-657 clamp and plate.

Hi John,

Thanks for the post. I'll check out those products you mentioned.