What to buy next?

[sambisu]

So I have a budget for some new equipment of about $1000-$1500. I am debating between the 16-35 f/4 or a new, sturdier tripod. Right now I have a Gitzo GT0531 with a RRS BH-25 ball head. This was a great setup for my T2i, but too lightweight for my 5DIII (especially with 70-200 2.8). It is usable, but not a sturdy as I'd like. I was looking at either a Gitzo 3 series Systematic or RRS TVC-33 and a RRS BH-55 ball head.

This is mostly for landscape work. If I opt for the tripod, I will mostly shoot with my 24-70 2.8L II. I could obviously stitch multiple shots at 24 for wider views still. I have a nodal slide already. If I get the 16-35, I could still get a heavier ball head to use with my current tripod, which i think would help quite a bit.

I'm really back and forth on this right now, so just looking for some input.

Thanks!

[neuroanatomist]

My thinking is that for landscape use, a wider FoV benefits some shots, where as a tripod sturdy enough to effectively hold your camera benefits far more shots. i'd say get the tripod and head, which will be the last time you need to make a purchase of that sort. Hang onto the smaller/lighter set up for travel.

[Sean Setters]

For what it's worth, I went with an Induro CT314 over a comparable Gitzo. The Induro was less expensive (significantly less expensive with the rebate at the time), yet doesn't seem to give up anything in quality to the Gitzo (I got to try them out side-by-side at a photography expo). Very stable, leg locks are smooth and require only about 1/4 to 1/2 turn to go from locked to unlocked and back again. The case is pretty nice, too.

I've been extremely happy with my decision.

[sambisu]

That Induro looks pretty nice. That would leave some money for some other things I need too (filters mostly).

[Kayaker72]

I am mostly going to echo John and Sean. I believe it was Bob Williams, another forum member who doesn't post very often anymore, that the single piece of gear that helped increase the quality of the images he was taking was a good tripod.

But, I will caveat that with the fact that it has to fit your shooting style. If you are more run and gun at this point, I'd get the EF 16-35 f/4 if you are really interested in UWA.

I'll also through out something that I will want at some point, but a pano-head for your tripod.

[sambisu]

I actually already have a RRS pano set up (the panning clamp and nodal slide). I am liking the look (and price) of that Induro. I'd still get the RRS BH-55 ball head for it probably, but the savings over the Gitzo or RRS tripod would leave me a few bucks for some filters since I don't have any 82mm filters yet for my new 24-70.

[Bill W]

Sambisu......why the RRS BH55? With the equipment you have listed the BH40 will suffice and save you a couple of hundred bucks more to put towards the filters and step rings. If you plan on adding a 500 or 600 down the road, I'd suggest a gimbal over a ballhead to use w/the big whites.....just a thought.
Good luck
Bill

[sambisu]

Just figured it would be better to fail towards a heavier ball head than what I probably really need. BH40 I'm sure would handle my 5DIII and 70-200 no problem though. I'll have to look at the price difference again. I don't need the clamp though because I have the PC-PRO and was just going to get the lower piece and mount that on it.

[sambisu]

$60 more for the 55

[clemmb]

I will mostly shoot with my 24-70 2.8L II. I could obviously stitch multiple shots at 24 for wider views still.

I agree with the other on the tripod upgrade. Since you may be stitching to get wider you may want to try 30mm for less distortion. Be interesting to try to see if you can tell the difference.