Tripod/Head Recommendations

[krzysztof_hanusiak]

<p>I'm going on a trip in a few weeks and I'll be doing mountain hiking. I would like to get a new tripod and head for Canon 5D Mark II. I plan to use medium zoom and telephoto zoom lenses.<br>

Without spending more than $400, could I get a sturdy and light (carbon fiber) tripod? I don't want to log too much extra.<br>

And what tripod head would you recommend?<br>

Thank you!</p>

[jwallphoto]

<p>Feisol carbon fiber CT-3342 is what I got. It's just under $400 now. It's been a good tripod, much nicer -- taller and lighter -- than my old metal Manfrotto. My only issues are the rubber feet are easily lost. All three were lost on my first mountain trip, but they replaced them for free, and I now have them hot-glued on. Another issue is the leg tension comes undone after a few days of use, so you'll have a leg that swings around too much. Finally, the top plate can also come loose, causing your ballhead to wiggle slightly. Both the leg and top plate can be re-tightened very easily with a hex wrench, but you need two different sizes, one big and one tiny. I didn't get a center post, but I'm six feet and don't have to bend over at all with the legs completely extended.</p>

<p>I've got a Kirk BH-3 ballhead on mine. This is the third tripod I've had the Kirk on (each of my previous two Manfrottos went belly-up after about three years). I shoot a D300s with up to a 300/4 and 1.7X.</p>

[peter_n1664876959]

<p>I bought a travel tripod/head these last couple of weeks, a Gitzo 1541T tripod and Markins Q3T ballhead. However the Gitzo tripod is over your budget so I recommend the Benro/Induro line, which are Gitzo knock-offs. See <a href="../filters-bags-tripods-accessories-forum/00NpA4" target="_blank">this photo.net discussion of the differences</a>, also see <a href="http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3794673&postcount=1">this discussion of the various trade-offs involved in buying knock-offs like Feisol and Benro</a>. The Benro C-268M8 is identical to my new Gitzo and <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584210-REG/Benro_455_268_C_268M8_Travel_Angel_Carbon.html">looks like a good buy from B&H for $368.95</a>. I would not buy a Benro/Induro ballhead though and strongly recommend the one I got - the Markins Q3T, I have several Markins products and can vouch for their quality - they are excellent. You can <a href="http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/Q3T.php">buy the Q3T directly from the manufacturer at $289.99</a>.</p>