Tripod Questions

[zachwass2000]

Hi,
I am planning on buying a Canon 20D (or one of the new Canons that is going to be announced soon). I am most likely going to get a Sigma 18-200mm lens and definitely the Canon 100mm Macro. I am looking for a good sturdy tripod for under $200. Any suggestions? How much weight should I look for the tripod to be able to hold? Is Bogen-Manfrotto a good company for tripods? I am mostly going to be using it for long exposure and macro shots.
Thank you, Zach.

[Rhys]

The 3021BN is very good. Add a decent head and you should come in just under your $200 mark. I have tried lots of different tripods - Cobra, Benbow, Haukuba and of the lot my Manfrotto/Bogen 3021BN is the best.

[zachwass2000]

Thank you for the advice. I am looking that up right now, but I have some more questions now. How do I know what a good head is? What is better, ball or tilt head?
Thanks.

[Rhys]

Heads are very much personal preferance. I have a 3D head because that's my preferance. I wasn't happy with pan-tilt and ball heads didn't grab me either.