I use the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 and a Giottos medium (rated to 17lbs) with
a Kirk QR and RRS plates. The whole system has cost me about $250 and
handles all of my current setup including an 80-200 2.8L and 300 f4L with
either a 3 or ElanIIE w/PB or BP. The 3001 is a bit on the short side
w/center mount unextended so if you are taller than about 5'9" I'd suggest
moving up to the 3021(right model #?). The Giottos isn't an Arca-Swiss B1,
but I am not a working pro putting equipment through a daily grind and I
don't (yet) shoot MF or LF or big Canon glass. I've had it for over a year
w/no problems. You'll want QR which, unfortunately is an add-on. Then
again, it is w/most other decent heads. Arca-Swiss type is the way to go.
I started with a Bogen ballhead w/QR, but the plates just weren't all that
secure on the lenses. RRS plates can be had specifically for your
equipment.
I use this combo for minimalist reasons: minimal weight+minimal$. I
think this is about as low $ and performance as you can go while still
retaining true stability. You can get even lighter w/carbon legs but you'll
triple the $. You can spend less $, but you'll end up replacing it either
because it isn't stable, or its plastic parts break.
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