I'm thinking of purchasing a tripod and my budget is about $500. I will be using this primarily for landscape and sports.
The camera is a D90 and the heaviest lens I have is a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 (total weight about 9 pounds). I may also use this with a lightweight camcorder so panning is important.
So far I have identified the tripod but cannot make a decision on which head to buy. The tripod I like is the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 and I selected this because it extends to 67" - I am 6'1" - and it folds up small making it good for air travel. I know that it is a bit heavy but for this price point, I don't see any other options.
Would love to hear recommendations for heads, and if you have better ideas for tripods, would love to hear them too.
I already have a Manfrotto monopod (680B with 234RC head) and would love something that can work with the same plate (not sure if this is possible). I am open to other brands and systems as well.
9 pounds That just doesn't sound right. What's that Sigma made of? My Canon glass isn't anywhere near that heavy.
Anyway, back to your questions, I'd take a serious look at a Feisol tripod with a Photoclam ballhead, although you might end up maybe 15-20% over budget. Have a look at www.reallybigcameras.com, and don't hesitate to contact the proprietor for some good advice on the best combination within your price range.
The Manfrotto tripod you mention is 67" tall only with the center column fully extended - something you never want to do, and especially with a heavy lens. Stability will be compromised to the point of negating the use of the tripod.
Have a look st the Feisol CT3371 or CT3471. Max height is 61 inches, but that's without any center column, and the large diameter legs will be grossly more stable than the Manfrotto. Add to that the height of a typical ballhead, maybe 4", and the distance from your camera base to its eyepiece, to get a realistic expectation of working height. Put a piece pf tape on your wall at that level to see how it feels, but you will have to bend your knees just a little bit. I'd say look at the Photoclam PC40 or PC44 ballheads, both a good match to the Feisol and far easier to use than any Manfrotto head. The panning base is nice and smooth, the ball itself will lock firmly without slipping, and the drag level can be very finely adjusted. The Photoclam heads are just about at the level of the high-end players, like Markins and RRS, so they're a great value.
Finally, you will have to upgrade your quick release clamping system, and the Arca-Swiss compatible types (Markins, RRS, Photoclam, etc.) are not only easier to use, but more stable and safe, too. You can buy a new plate for your D90 and/or lens from the makers I mentioned, or from Hejnar Photo, which are a bit cheaper. http://hejnarphotostore.com/
Do this right the first time, and it will likely be your only time.
I agree with Dcains, do not run your center column up... I purchased a used Feisol 3371 with a leveling head on buy & sell and an Arca Swiss Z1 for about what you have budgeted (actually, less)... There is an Arca for sale here.. .https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1154846 ...Buy once and be happy...
Thanks for the great advice. I'm leaning towards the Feisol CT-3441T tripod with the Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR base. I can stretch my budget a bit and I would rather have something that will last a very long time.
Regarding the quick release system, I am still a bit confused. How hard is it switching out the quick release? Can I find a Photo Clam plate that will work with the Manfrotto monopod and head that I have?
Consider that a camera or lens plate (on a tripod ring) is intended to be permanently mounted on that piece of equipment. To that end, you want a similar clamp on your tripod and monopod heads, in this case, one that is Arca-Swiss compatible. For example, this is an appropriate plate for your D90:
Either is compatible with the Photoclam ballhead's clamp, but not the Manfrotto system. You may, however, be able to change the clamp on your monopod head, or just change out the entire head. Which one have you got? This is a good budget solution I use on my small Feisol monopod (Manfrotto head/Kirk clamp):
I have the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 and I love it. Everyone it seems says never to use the center column, but unless it's seriously windy, I don't see any stability compromises. With my D90/D7000 and 17-55mm lens I've taken up to 25 second exposure and they're sharp. I haven't tried my 70-200 with the column up, but I suspect it won't be as bad as popular opinion seems to suggest.
That just doesn't sound right. What's that Sigma made of? My Canon glass isn't anywhere near that heavy.