Which Tripod? Entry Level.

I have narrowed choices to the following tripods:

Slik Professional Universal Deluxe Tripod with 3-Way Panhead and Panoramic Photo Guide

http://www.amazon.com/Slik-Professional-Universal-Panhead-Panoramic/dp/B00006I5SI/ref=sr_1_174?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1210652141&sr=1-174

or

Bogen-Manfrotto 725B Digi Tripod with Integrated Ball Head with Dove Tail

http://www.amazon.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-725B-Tripod-Integrated-Carrying/dp/B000FFSDCC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1210909405&sr=1-7

This is my first tripod and its main purpose is going to be for hiking. This tripod will be used for holding a 30D with a 18-55mm IS lens, and eventually the 55-250mm IS.

Any user experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Get the Bogen-Manfrotto 725B. It weighs less than half as much as the Silk. You said you would be using it mostly for hiking.

If you get this with the ball head, it weighs less than 2 lbs. The panhead adds slightly more weight. I have seen a lot of travel tripods and this is the sturdiest of the truly light models.
Carole
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Seeking the True, the Beautiful, the Good.

I am considering the following and uou may want to view it as well Bogen / Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) with 488RC2 Compact

If you buy quality from the start, you will enjoy your photography more and pay less in the long haul...

I would recommend these items for beginners.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/13145

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=BH%2D25%2DPro&eq=

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=BGE2&eq=BGE2%2D001&Tp=

I have a slik pro 700DX and love it it was less than 150$ and will hold up to 15lbs, it is very well built and I use it all the time at shoots

meatyist, heaviest one you can stand, entry level ot not. Skinny ones wobble in the wind, shake if you get near them and though they look cute and sexy (skinny legs and all), they just aren't all that stable.

Jules

I have taken a look at a few of these - couple questions.

I have a 40D and usually use my 17-55 2.8 Lens, typically outdoors, taking landscape shots, sometime indoor, or just general low light shots. Also, I would use this for panoramas, so being able to stay on a horizontal axis would be important.

Otherwise, my requirements are compact in length (folded), light, and no cross bars for hiking and walking with this somehow attached to my backpack.

Any recommendations for a good tripod? I checked out some of the Slik - any other recommendations?

Thanks!!

I got the Induro A013 for hiking. Very well made and weighs only about 2.5 lbs. Seems comparable if not better quality than the sliks/manfrotto. Cost me about $85.
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http://wythe.zenfolio.com/