I need suggestions on good tripod and gimbel head

[DeonHolt]

Hi all and thank you for your help.

I need to get a good tripod and Gimbel head like this one: http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/Pr...oductid=WH-200 but not this one. This is way to expensive. I am currently using a friend of mine's Benro C-497M8 (tripod) + GH-2 (Gimbel head) and it works excellent. But, I have noticed that this tripod does not seem to be around any more. I have a SLIK tripod which is excellent; I have forgotten the model. Which other, more affordable combos are you aware of?

Thank you very much.

[Fanie]

The focal length of lens and the weight of the camera lens combo would dictate what would work.

[DeonHolt]

Askies Fanie. Canon 400mm f/2.8 IS with Canon 7D.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

The GH-2 from Benro is definitely available... Maybe look at the C3570T or even the C3770T

[Peter Betts]

Gitzo 6x Carbon Fibre tripod (3 or 5 level depending on kit) and Wimberley II Gimbal..cant go wrong

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Peter, you missed the part where he said the Wimberley is too expensive, me thinks...

And I think your post was supposed to read "...Wimberley II Gimbal with a D3s..."

[BrerFox]

Aw shucks, Sean - surely if one buys a Gitzo and a Wimberley, you can sling in a D3S for free?
Fanie's point about kit is very true. I distinctly remember going through this process 5 years ago
and Hedrus strongly advised the Gitzo/Wimberley. Supporting heavy and expensive kit on
macaroni legs makes no sense at all. I was extremely grateful for Hedrus's superb advice.
So, I would go with Peter's recommendation here, too.
If the price is too high, I would advise buying second-hand instead. I would still rather have
a second-hand G/W combo than practically any other kit on the market.

[Ernst]

Echo Sean. I bought the Benro gimbal head and legs and very happy with it for 7D + grip + 400mmf2.8.

[Thndr_strck]

I have a vangaurd Tracker tripod, and I reckon it could carry me Not the smallest tripod, but seriously sturdy. Not sure about changing the hea tho :?

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Aw shucks, Sean - surely if one buys a Gitzo and a Wimberley, you can sling in a D3S for free?
Fanie's point about kit is very true. I distinctly remember going through this process 5 years ago
and Hedrus strongly advised the Gitzo/Wimberley. Supporting heavy and expensive kit on
macaroni legs makes no sense at all. I was extremely grateful for Hedrus's superb advice.
So, I would go with Peter's recommendation here, too.
If the price is too high, I would advise buying second-hand instead. I would still rather have
a second-hand G/W combo than practically any other kit on the market.

Generally yes, but the Benro is very good value for money, and pretty decent kit (I own some carbon fibre Benro legs, nothing to complain about)

[Brendon Cremer]

Agree with Sean, you cant go wrong with the Benro Kit, the carbon fibre tripods are superb!

[FDavel]

Hey Guys

I am also in the market for a 'value for money' tripod. I have a Canon 60D and a 24-105 F4 L but I dislike the ball heads for some reason. What do you suggest?

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

Hahaha... not a gimbal head then!