I recently just bought a new tripod head combo that should meet your requirements.
The Tripod was the Gitzo 1530
http://www.gitzo.com/Jahia/site/gitzo/pid/4765?gitzoView=flatView&curLevel=1CAT&curFamilyId=NONE&curMarketId=MARKET%3AMKT1&actualPathCategoryKey=1CAT%3AAAA1%3A2CAT%3ABB59%3A3CAT%3ACC49%3A4CAT%3AD293&productContainer_windowsize=10&ctnscroll_productContainer=&kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&detailPid=5048
This is a carbon fiber tripod, weighs only 1.1kg (!!!) and has a max load of 8kg. The link says it only reaches 155mm, but this must be before the extension tube is lifted, as my reaches past my eye level and I am 1.84m tall.
It is
extremely stable, has only two joins to twist (which makes it more stable than those with 3 or more) and is wonderfully light for carrying around. Gitzo make other carbon fiber tripods that are heavier and can hold more load if you like, but if you are walking around a lot, this is a great model.
So far it has increased my success rate from 60% (light or no wind) to 100% and from 20% in high winds to 95% as far as camera shake since my last tripod. (using a 70-200mm L lens at 200mm)
Honestly, it is an absolute stunner. It feels so solid for it's weight, and the twist mechanism of the legs have such a good solid feel, I like to turn them just for fun ;O) This really is an Italian made masterpiece, I can see why so many pro's love their Gitzo's.
The head I bought was a German made Magic Ball from Novaflex (their largest model). This weighs a hefty 920kg or so, but works a dream.
http://www.novoflex.de/english/html/products.htm
It is extremely accurate and easy to use, solid and once locked in place, does not move. It is rated for 10kg. It even looks amazing. Id doesn't have a quick release, but you don't really need one with the twisting wheel. It is a bit slower than quick release, but saves having to have one mounted at the bottom of each camera.
The only downside is that it doesn't swivel on the horizontal axis unless you buy the extra panorama plate. But this is really only needed if you do panoramas.
All of this ain't cheap, the Tripod was around €500 and the magicball head €300. A panorama plate will set you back another €100. But then again, if you want a good tripod and head, this is around the middle price range, and it is absolutely top notch.
Last edited by jchambers on Wed Jun 27, 2007 9:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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