Tripod advice please

Hi all,

Would appreciate your collective advice on a tripod and head arrangement. Am in the process of upgrading to a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 which with my 40D I think will weigh around 3.5-4kg (including any teleconverters). I would like it to be flexible enough to do some macro work in the future and I often try taking shots from low to the ground positions (although do have a beanbag for this). Weight is reasonably important for taking overseas.

I am thinking more along the lines of a ballhead as this seems to give the easiest way of adjusting the alignment and gives me the option of adding a wimberley sidekick (as long as I get one that is compatible) in the future. Or would saving a bit longer and just getting a full Wimberley be a better option? Any other suggestions or things I need to consider?

Thanks

I'm not familiar with your lens so I'm not sure if a full Wimberley is the best option for that set-up. Apparantly it really comes into it's own with lenses of a certain size and weight, i.e. the 500mm and 600mm primes. I don't know how your set-up compares in relation to those.
If you plan to do a variety of photography then it sounds like a Sidekick may be a good choice.
As far as ballheads go I can recommend the Arca Swiss B1 having used one for the last 3.5 years.
The Kirk and Aratech ones seem to come highly recommended too, so they may be worth a look. I'm afraid I have no first hand experience of those.

One thing to consider is you'll need a dedicated quick release plate, so that's something to factor into the budget.
I find the Wimberley quick release plates very good.

I would suggest a sidekick, as I think the full Wimberly may be a bit of overkill for not only the lense but also travel ( it is heavy); it does also not do macro easil where as the ballhead used for the sidekick will.

I have an Arca Z1 ( I think this is the replacement for the B1) which I am more than happy with but it is chunkyish, that said it will cope with a 600mm.

Another option is the Mongoose head, very nice, and a lot lighter than my Wimberly. I routinely use it with a 500VR and good long lense tech with excellant results (the 3.5 version). They make a smaller one also, probably more appropritate to the 300mm. A famous bird photographer frequently uses this (the 3.5)with his 600--you can get them at BirdsAsArt. Another option, contact Really Right Stuff people, they are great for putting together just what you need, and the RS-55 ballhead is hard to beat, esp. good for macro. They have very good advice, you are talking some bucks, so get as much info as you can for your specific needs.

Gitzo GT3531 Mountaineer Tripod with G-lock and Power Disc.

Phil.

Primary material Gitzo Carbon 6X Tubing
Colour Black and Grey
Weight (g) 2100
In-built head type No
Max load (g) 18000
Min height 44cm
Max height 133cm
Leg sections 3
Horizontal centre column Yes
Size 66cm
Range Gitzo Carbon 6X
£636@warehouseexpress

If anyone suggests Benro ignore them as they are absolute CR-- ubbish
poor QA and assembly, spares take months and no customer services.