Ok, I've seriously been thinking about a better support system since my current one can't support the weight anymore (stupid upgrading!) and I'm thinking about this setup:

Gitzo GT-2530 Mountaineer for base

R.R.S. BH-40 LR or Acratech Ultimate Ballhead for head

R.R.S. B5D-L for plate

What I'll be supporting is an XTi and a 5D without battery grip; right now the longest lens I have is the EF 70-200mm f/4L but the heaviest I have is the EF 24-70 f/2.8L; I'll also be shooting occasionally with a 580EX II flash on top. I do plan on getting a longer lens at some point but not yet so I want to future proof it somewhat.

I think this setup would be a good stable platform but I was wondering if any of you have used any of these to give some insight. The big thing is which head to go for. I like the freedom of the Acratech but the R.R.S. still has the same freedom but just not as readily available. However, having the L-plate really eliminates the need for worrying about landscape vs. portrait.

Any thoughts?

Check out the Kirk plates too, as well as their ballheads and Markin's ballheads (I use a Markins M10L with Kirk plates and can vouch that they are excellent but have also used RRS gear).

As far as the legs go, I can't keep track of Gitzo's model numbers anymore. If you don't need legs spec'd for 26ish pounds they should have some less expensive legs available that will hold up to 18 (according to specs). They'll be a little lighter weight/smaller and less expensive. I thought they had a set that was about $100 less than those you posted.

drool

I've only used RRS plates and love them.

I own a wicked old set of bogen aluminum legs that are good and a CF gitzo pair that are great.

Heads, I've owned a bogen 3030, a RRS BH-40, and Acratech ultimate and a Acratech GV2. The RRS was OK, but it's tension knobs are a pita (should just have one) and it traps sand/salt in the ball. It's a pita to clean. The ultimate is better because it's lighter, cheaper and easier to keep clean, but it's a bit awkward with it's 45º design, so you're constantly panning it's base to line up shots. The GV2 is AWESOME. Not one complaint. And when you get into the big/heavy lenses instead of worrying about slip, you can flop it over into the gimbal and it holds heavier setups w/o even needing the lock once balanced. Acratech clamps are a PITA though (screw type) so I went with a RRS QR leverl clamp and a clampless GV2 for my dream setup. And when I assembled them I tossed a Optech camera body end on the post so I have a super easy to use strap that can't fall off.

It's taken me ~3 years of buying, trying and selling, but I LOVE this head:


my old heads:
http://www.newschoolofphotography.co...s/76569417.jpg
the acratech is lighter and less expensive, but larger. It's easier to make small adjustments with it's larger ball with either acratech, it's just the ultimate is a bit awkward at times.

Originally Posted by emorphien

Check out the Kirk plates too, as well as their ballheads and Markin's ballheads (I use a Markins M10L with Kirk plates and can vouch that they are excellent but have also used RRS gear).

As far as the legs go, I can't keep track of Gitzo's model numbers anymore. If you don't need legs spec'd for 26ish pounds they should have some less expensive legs available that will hold up to 18 (according to specs). They'll be a little lighter weight/smaller and less expensive. I thought they had a set that was about $100 less than those you posted.

They do have a set that is rated to 18 pounds: Gitzo GT-1530 Mountaineer. B&H says that it's rated to hold up to 200mm but if was to get a 300mm how would the legs hold it? Is it more of an issue of tipping over or is it a strength issue? I'm guessing it's an issue of tipping over.

It's a bit of both. The weight ratings are somewhat vague in what the manufacturer means. Is that how much it can handle before collapsing? Generally that's how I interpret it, particularly with a brand like Gitzo. The rating for focal length has to do with how long a lens it can hold while maintaining reasonable resistance to vibrations to allow a sharp image.

It's true, that last part can be an issue. If you want to put very long lenses on a lighter weight tripod you can run in to issues because that tripod is allowing more vibrations that will become an obvious problem for that longer lens which is more sensitive to small vibrations.

Ok, after some more research amd taking to heart what you two have said, I'm thinking this is what I'm going to go with:

Gitzo GT-1530 Mountaineer for base

Acratech GV2 Ballhead for head without clamp

R.R.S. B2 LR II for clamp

R.R.S. B5D-L for plate

Now, I just need to save some cash up...

that's pretty much my exact setup. Different legs, but the same manufacturer and carbon.

You'll love it. Yes it's texa$, but it means you use it and love it and you'll be more likely to take it everywhere.

Ben, you are a tall guy, like me... Are you bent over much when using your setup? I've thought of going with the longer Gitzo legs, but I think the leg model you have is a bit cheaper, and 3 section legs instead of 4. I'd like to be able to get the camera close to eye level without using a center column.

The setup I use now is pathetic. Maybe 5' tall with the column up.

nope, it's short. But I don't like more than 3 sections and I'm not hunched over it for long (just to compose really).

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

that's pretty much my exact setup. Different legs, but the same manufacturer and carbon.

You'll love it. Yes it's texa$, but it means you use it and love it and you'll be more likely to take it everywhere.

that really wasn't my intention! although I did use the other tripod threads to use as a base and use everyone's experience so I guess it was inevitable I'd copy someone's setup!