I was wanting to get people's opinions on a tripod for wildlife photography. I was looking at the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 with Q90 column with a manfrotto 468MGRC4 Hydrostatic Ball Head with RC4 QR. I can get both new for under $600. It is not my dream tripod, but it is now way I can (maybe in two year i could)afford a tripod like the RRS or Gitzo, especially with a RRS BH-55 head. I want to get one for a lifetime, and can hold a 500mm lens if i can ever afford it lol. So what do you think about the Manfrotto combo? P.S. my dream tripod head combo is the RRS TVC-33 Versa Series 3 Tripod, and RRS BH-55 PCL.
Bill,
I don't really know anything about the Manfrotto but you might want to read this article before you spring for a tripod.
http://bythom.com/support.htmUnfortunately, I read it after I did all the wrong things first and now have a closet full of progressively cheap sticks. If money is a problem you might want to look for a used Gitzo. There are usually a few for sale at Fred Miranda's of Nikonians. I personally use an old Gitzo 1280 with a Markins ball head (even with my 500mm). My only advice is don't get a tripod that is too heavy for you or you will end up not wanting to hump it around when you really should be using one. You can't beat carbon fiber for weight.
Geo
