Hi,I'm looking for a new tripod for my Canon 40D. I have used the Velbon Utral LuxiF so far, but with my 200 mm/2.8L lens the stability really deteriorates and the slightest breeze can cause vibrations and blur my photo when I shoot outside.I'd like something light enough to be taken on a hike, but still sturdy. The Gitzo GT2540 looks great but I'd really like to spend less money if possible; is there a cheaper equivalent? What about the ball head? Any suggestion?I tried to do some research on the web but there's just too many products and very few reviews, so any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Pierre

Hi Pierre. I responded to a thread about tripods and ballheads recently and included a couple of links. Here is my post:http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=29953205Hope this helps.Bill -- http://www.pbase.com/willvan

you really can't go wrong with the 25 series Gitzos. I have the 2530LVL and the RRS BH55 Ballhead, while not cheap I've never had any regrets. If it's landscapes or panos you do you might want to consider the leveling head, I's great.... -- CalPut a Canon to your head, You deserve it....http://funshots.smugmug.com/

Have a look at a Manfrotto 055 series tripod and 488 or 466 ball head. for just a bit over $200 to $250 USD you can have a great set upI have a 055XPROB & the 488RC2 ball head with the integral QD plate & it works good for all my needs. my biggest lens is the 400 f5.6L -- Warren

I am currently waiting for my Gitzo 1541T tripod and I currently own a Markins Q-Ball Q3. I have a 40d and use the markins with my canon 70-200 4.0L IS and don't seem to have any problems. I think however that 200mm should be the max weight for this setup (from what I've read).

Bill,I had not heard of Feisol before; do you know where I can find them? (just looked at B&H, Adorama, Amazon, but nothing there...) Thanks, Pierrewillvanwrote:Hi Pierre. I responded to a thread about tripods and ballheads recently and included a couple of links. Here is my post:http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=29953205Hope this helps.Bill -- http://www.pbase.com/willvan

Pierre MICHELwrote:Bill, I had not heard of Feisol before; do you know where I can find them? (just looked at B&H, Adorama, Amazon, but nothing there...) Thanks, PierreHi Pierre. Here is a link to their US site:http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-class-foursection-tripod-ct3442-with-tripod-p-31.htmlI can't vouch for them since I decided on a Gitzo but from the threads that I read, folks here seemed to be happy with them. A couple of more links to threads that I read &or participated in.http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=28847065http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=159&topic_id=25481&mesg_id=25481&page=6 http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/662740I assume people got their Feisol units from the US site but I am not absolutely sure. A search hopefully may give you a bit more information.Bill

Thanks! Pierre