Dear Kim,
Get the best possible tripod you can afford; one that is extremely rigid and versatile at the same time. Having such a quality tripod, I wonder how I ever got along without it!
Here's a link to the Gitzo Explorer G2220 tripod I use:
http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric...ghtscreen.php3
Mine is the much more affordable aluminum one. The carbon fiber one is only a small fraction lighter. The stiffness, rigidity, and build quality are beyond belief. It also will set up in tight or uneven places 98% of other tripods can't! It's about $225.00
While not recommended, in a desperate emergency pinch last year, I used this tripod to help shore up the sagging foundation of my mother's house. It easily supported over 200 pounds of a huge hand hewn main beam until I could place and secure the jack posts!
For the Head, I use a Manfrotto 222 Grip Action Ball Head with a Quick Release Plate:
http://db.manfrotto.com/product/temp...d=8&itemid=269
This has proven to be an excellent choice for action photography. The trigger grip allows for quick positionings in large or minute adjustments, on the fly. I am experienced at shooting several hundred pictures of moving children in one rapid session, and this is the perfect head for that!
It cost's around $75.00
Another type of head I would recommend for you is a Manfrotto 410 Geared Head, which would be the ideal one for copying art with very precise and measured head adjustments:
http://db.manfrotto.com/product/temp...=10&itemid=278
This is well worth its price. I don't have one yet but I have used a friend's. It's about $149.00
Everything above is light weight but built like a tank, and can take the abuse cheaper tripods cannot. I personally have had nothing but grief, disappointment, and broken plastic parts from Slik products. Get yourself something good that will last you your whole career!
Congratulations on the new lens.
Garth
Threaded Mode
