Hi all, I am looking for a tripod to fit lenses up to and including my 300 f/4.


I have a question: How sturdy does it need to be? I do wildlife and macro photography and have had a hard time w/o a tripod. I have been exploring my different choices and posted a poll on TDP. The 2 top vote getters, and now my two decisions are:


1. Get a Manfrotto 055XPROB or similar aluminum tripod - $200, weight rating 15lbs.


2. Save, and blow it on a Gitzo 3 series CF.


My question is, Will the Manfrotto be sturdy enough to handle a 300 f/4 on an Acratech GP ballhead without too much vibrations? Will I notice a lot of stability problems? Will I be able to use the horizontal center column feature easily? I know, obviously that the Gitzo is a far better tripod, but I honestly can't justify the cost unless my setup requires such a tripod to some extent. Yes, I know I could do with 2 series Gitzo, but if I am spending $650 I will just go for the 3 series at $700.


What are your thoughts??? [:P]


brendan