I rarely use a tripod except for interiors and the occasional landscape. Then it usually just supporting a 5DmkII and a 16-35II lens.


I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB and 488RC0 ball head. Together cost about $300. I used it to shoot a shuttle launch with 5DII and 100-400 extended out to 400 and it was very stable. I know it's not the best, but very capable of serving my needs.