Tripod Upgrade and recommendations

[chewyuk]

Yesterday I broke my 488 head on my 055ProB tripod, which was a bit of a nightmare, thankfully it was at the end of a day out, so not a major problem.

I am going to take advantage of this and upgrade.

What do I want to improve on?
Mostly weight, therefore the maglite range from Manfrotto seems a good way to go, potentially.
Anybody use a Gitzo here?

I dont want to go the 190 route with Manfrotto as you lose a bit of height in the overall stand.
I am more interested in the legs for a recommendation, as I will almost certainly go with a ball head again.

I shoot mostly landscapes, but the occasional wildlife shot as well.

Any thoughts will be helpful.

Cheers,
Neil

[happy haggis]

I bought a Gitzo about 12 months ago and without doubt, its the best 'pod I have ever owned. Its lighter than my old Manfrotto 055 and adjusting the legs is a doddle. Add to that the sturdiness and for me. its a winner. I bought one of the levelling versions and its made things a lot easier for shooting panos.
Very expensive, but you get what you pay for - trite, but true. :)

[chewyuk]

Thanks Trevor - Which Gitzo did you go for?

The weight of the 055 is my biggest frustration.

[happy haggis]

I went for the GT2530LVL Carbon 6X version. I also went over to a ballhead and dropped the weight by about 1.5Kg. Bank manager wasn't happy, but my back was! :lol:

[malla1962]

Gitzo 3540LS here and love it,:D

[Canon Bob]

:plusone:....as good as they get.

Bob

[jerry12953]

GT2531 Explorer.

Really excellent.

[chewyuk]

Cheers All - Looking at the Gitzo's now and so is my bank manager !