That rules out carbon fiber. It also rules out an entry level
ballhead w/ quick release. You can get a ballhead, but it won't
have quick release... and I doubt it would handle more than 5lbs.
With your price range, I'd go with a Bogen aluminum...
Either the 3001, 3021, or the 3051, depending on your needs.
Read this review...
http://www.photo.net/nature/bogtri
Still, I think you should splurge, break the $100 barrier, and get
a ballhead that supports quickrelease. Bogen makes an inexpensive
($58) one that will let you get to work without killing your
pocketbook. I searched, and, except for Slik, I couldn't find
anything under $100 until I found the Bogen 486RC2.
It works fine for my 10D and 70-200 F2.8 IS (3.5lbs of lens) on a
monopod. If you want better pan capability, you might consider
moving to the Bogen 488. I know the 486 is rated for at least 11
lbs.
Again, you will want quick release. It's nice to have, and easier
on your camera. I just leave the quick release plate on my 70-200
2.8 IS. Your 75-300 weighs less, and won't have a tripod collar,
so I'd just put the plate on the 10D and leave it there. But, even
with this setup, you could pick up a Sigma 50-500 and still not
have to upgrade.
I have a Bogen monopod which I do NOT leave on my mini-trekker, I
leave mine in my vehicle... I grab it if I need it. I know some
other people that do the same.
The 486RC2 is about $58 at Adorama. The 488RC2 is close to $90.
I bought a 680B monopod. It's $46 at Adorama. I bought my stuff
in local shops, but I didn't pay too much more than those prices.
I've got a cheap tripod that can't handle the weight of my 75-300mm
lens; it just droops forward. Another problem I have, and I don't
know if this applies to better tripods, is that when I'm up on a
city roof shooting, it can be pretty windy. I end up having to
ditch the tripod and rest the camera directly on the parapet wall
(strap always around my neck of course!) or, my latest method,
camera on the tripod and don't let the legs out but sit the tripod
on the parapet wall (again, camera strap always around my neck!).
This last method worked very well for me about 30 stories up, but
I'm terrified of heights when it comes to roofs and I don't go near
the walls. There I was though, gutsy enough to be sitting my tripod
on the ledge and nauseated if I looked anywhere but right thru that
viewfinder! LOL!
Here are my parameters:
Ball head is a must - I'm sick of dealing with unlevel ground and
jerking around with the legs to get the camera level.
Lightweight is essential - I keep it attached to my minitrekker
backpack and I don't want anymore weight than I have to. The bag
already weighs a ton!
Max price in the $100 range - and no, that doesnt' mean $139.95! A
couple $ over, ok, but I really just cannot go more than about $129
and with that I'd really want to include tax.
If possible I'd like it sturdy enough to handle wind.
Please let me know what is the best quality tripod I can get for
the $ that meets these parameters.
Thanks!
Lonnit
--
Please visit my gallery at
http://pbase.com/lonnit
and offer your comments. The fastest way for me to learn is when
you tell me what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong, what you
like and what you don't. I welcome all opinions.
WARNING: 10D-itis is contagious!!!!!!!
--
10D, 24-70L, 70-200 F2.8L IS, 50mm F1.4, 550EX. Bogen 680B w/ 486RC2.
Nikon FE + collection of lenses.