Looking for Tripod Legs

[geogecko]

I've pretty much decided on getting a BH-40LR RRS ball head and quick release plates for my Canon 50D, but can't seem to decide on the legs.

I think the Manfrotto 055XWNB looks like a good option, as I will probably not be hiking much with my tripod. The Gitzo's look great too, but the carbon fiber ones seem really expensive, and it is a nightmare trying to figure out what all the differences are... It seems like the GT2541 might be a good one, but it's hard to tell.

Probably the largest lens I would use is a 100-400L Canon lens, or possibly the 70-200L F2.8.

I was wanting to stay around $200-350 maybe, for the legs only.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[kgosden]

Well I have been very pleased with my Velbon CF640. I think it was about $300 including the Tilt-pan head I never use. Good deal on a nice CF leg set at less than 3lbs and under 20" folded.

[Rhys]

I'm happy with my 3021BN Manfrotto.

[geogecko]

Wonder if that is now the EL 640A?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/378782-REG/Velbon_ELCARMA640A_EL_Carmagne_640A_Tripod.html

Looks pretty nice for $300.

[geogecko]

I'm happy with my 3021BN Manfrotto.

Interesting. That one appears to be discontinued too, but look very similar to the 055xb series.

I think the 055XWNB is the replacement for the Manfrotto 3221WN, which appears to be a very popular model.

[geogecko]

The Gitzo Basalt GT2941 also looks like an option to Carbon. This one runs about $350, so just a little more than half of a carbon one from them.

[kgosden]

I got the Velbon 640CF (ELCARMA640) from B&H. I think that the price is unchanged, although it has been 2 years or more. I bought the version with the head as it was only $30-40 more than the legs only. Figured it didn't hurt to have the pan-tilt head as I occasionally shot auto races.

They are the same legs as the link geogecko pointed out. My only complaint is that the feet are rubber without a spike option. I use a Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head on mine 90% of the time. I prefer the lever locks to twist locks. I really liked the folded length to max height w/o the center column ratio of this one. I don't recall finding another that would fit into any suitcase and still get me up to 4 ft tall.