I'm having trouble deciding what tripod and head I need. I will be using a Canon 300mm f2/8 IS with 2x extender and 1DMII. I don't normally even use a tripod with that lens and camera but with the 2x, I need more stability because I want to shoot at slow shutter speeds. I have two tripods but neither is sturdy enough and I don't have a head that works well for that weight (nearly 10 lbs). I have decided on a gimbal head, perhaps Mongoose M 2.3 (is that okay for this set-up?), one of the Wimberleys or the lighter Jobu. There are many tripods that would be stable enough and several gimbal heads that would work. Here's the heart of my dilemma: If I get the gear that will absolutely hold the equipment securely and allow excellent movement, I'm afraid it will be so heavy that I'll resist taking it with me. The best gear in the world is useless if it's at home in the closet. Art Morris has several recommendations, and even sells some items, but they might be overkill for me. I'd like to keep the total cost below $700. Any ideas?

If you keep the cost under $700, then you are keeping the heavier items as your only options. I use a Gitzo G1325 Carbon Fiber tripod with a Markins Q20 ballhead. I add a Wimberly Sidekick when I want a gimble head. The Markins doesn't have any of the slippage problems with the Sidekick that Artie has mentioned using other heads. My tripod & ballhead weigh 5.75 lbs. which is less than my previous tripod without a head. If you skimp on the tripod, you won't be as happy with it and will not use it as often. You should read this article by Thom Hogan .

This depends on your long-range plans, do you see getting a 500 or 600 someday, if so then get the wimberley gimbal head, it is the standard in the industry but it will set you back almost 600.

If you do not see a long lens in your future, then get a good quality ball head, like the really right stuff, the BH55 is the industry standard.

it is hard to beat a gitzo tripod but also hard to afford, I would recommend a tripod by Feisol, I have one and they work very well for half the price, get a heavy sturdy one.

I would purchase from others than Artie, he sells at full list price, there are much better options out there and better deals. If you need the wimberley, send me an email and I can help you get one below list price, I have a dealer license for wimberley.

Dale, in all due respect to the other posters, I have a little different spin, starting with we really need to know more about what you shoot to really help you. Gimbles are great if you need one, if not, they are a HUGE pain in the rear.

Keep in mind that you must be on level ground or at the very least be able to level the tripod spider, both by adjusting the legs and then the leveling head under the gimble to get the benefits of using one. If it's not level, or nearly level a wimberly is not worth toating around.

Some good points have been made, but to say that a wimberley head for a 300 is "the industry standard" might just be ignoring the industry youre in . . . I dont ever recall seeing a wimberly at the supper bowl, the US open, or on the top of anyone's tripod while chasing big game around in mountainous terrain. . . .

In any event, tells us more about what youre planning to do, and more about your needs.

I agree more information about the posters use and plans would be most helpful toward making recommendation.

The Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal camera Support is a very heavy-duty, solid, gimbal mount which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I use mine with a 30D mounted with either a 400mm f/5.6L or a 300mm f/4L IS lens + 1.4x TC but, this rig is solid enough to support a longer/heavier combination. It uses a Arca-like quick-release system which is not inter-changeable with Arca compatible plates because it is larger and heavier-duty.

I use the 3421 both on a heavy duty carbon fiber tripod (Giotto's MT 8180) or on a monopod (Manfrotto 681) and it is great for following moving subjects. I have my camera/lens sitting on the "U" mount - not hanging

Manfrotto's illustration shows the camera mounted upside down with the interior "U" inversed. I use my 3421 with both of the mountin pieces in the "U" position and the camera right-side-up.The Nikonions link I provided shows the 3421 in the standard Manfrotto "upside-down" mounting position while the other illustrations show how I mount my camera/lens with both "U" shaped bars open sides up.

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html

The only drawback of the 3421 is that you need to jury-rig a flash mount.

However, the price is great! At $150 including mounting plate, it is not out of most photographers comfort zone.

http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html
http://www.pbase.com/littleflurry/bogen3421
http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html#ProductReviews