Tripod advice needed - D80 + heavy lens

[longroad]

I want to get a tripod and of course am looking at the Manfrotto range. But they have too many to choose from, I have no idea what to go for.

I shoot mostly outdoors so landscapes and wildlife where the camera might just be sitting on the tripod for a long time until something of interest comes along.
I'll also be wanting to quickly and easily attach and detach the camera and be able to rotate the whole thing fast and easily.

I have the heavy Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens which I imagine will require a substantial support system under it, and Im prepared to pay up to $200AUD for a tripod (though would prefer something around $100-$150 mark).

I dont know anything about ball heads etc as I've read here at the forum so if someone could post some recommendations that would be great :)

[jcon]

The tripod in my sig would fit you perfectly. Its great for outdoors and indoors. It can handle my heavy D200 and 17-55 lens. It also stood the test of the 70-200VR lens when I was borrowing that for a wedding. I got the tripod and head for around $180(If I remember correctly).

[kombizz]

I am not sure if you would like to take macro shot, if you do, then the Unilock tripod with removable head does it for you, as I DO have it.
If you are not interested in that tripod you could go for Manfrotto 055PROB, and a three way head which has separate locking controls and rotational movement on each axis.

[Rooz]

i don't think you'll pick anything of good quality that cheap. i think people generally underestimate the cost of the tripod setup. remember this when you are buying a tripod: this is whats holding your $2500 kit. skimping in this category is not a good idea.

i have the 190proB tripod and the 322RC2 ball head. i think it was roughly $350. takes the 70-300 and d80 without any problem and is nice and stable.

[achuang]

The Nikon 70-300 lens is not that heavy that it requires a tripod support. The lenses that do require support usually come with a tripod mount like on the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. The 70-300 VR should have no problem being handheld. But still a good tripod is needed. I have a similar setup to Rooz, I have the 055ProB but with the 486RC2 ball head. Cost me about $380AUD all up. It's a very sturdy tripod.

[longroad]

I know it doesnt *need* a tripod support. Most cameras dont. But like most people, I just want a tripod for various reasons.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

[tcadwall]

longroad,

He was referring to the tripod collar on the lens itself. Heavier lenses "NORMALLY" come with one. This way the setup is more balanced (lens heavier than camera). HOWEVER some of the 80-200 f/2.8 lenses did not have this. They need it - not sure why they didn't have it.

I totally believe in a good quick-release mount. I have the bogen/manfrotto setup, but not the 70-300. I don't think it is heavier than my 18-200 which is fine with that level without a tripod collar on the lens. Get the ball head with the quick-release. You could buy extra quick-releases when you have need for them (allowing you to switch cameras, etc)

Some people insist on RRS (Really Right Stuff) mounts with heavy tripods for the ultimate in stability. This is good if you are taking long exposures or very heavy equipment. But hey - that all depends on how serious you think you will be in the long run.