Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Hello Hogs!
Ok, so before anyone suggests that I read the multitude of search threads here regarding my subject, I've read three days worth of threads here regarding tripods. So far, I've not found anything relevant to my particular criteria.
So, here's my situation, what I already have, what I need help with, and my target objectives.
I'm a medium build, 60 year old woman.
I trek into marsh lands with backpack & travel gravel roads, looking for Eagles, Hawks & Swans mostly.
My equipment: Nikon D7100 w/Tamron 150-600mm lens which weighs 6.31 lbs all together, the Manfrotto/bogen w/3011 legs and 3029 pan/tilt head, which is rated to only support 8 lbs.
My objective: A tripod that will better secure my camera and long lens, not weigh much more than my current Manfrotto tripod, as this tripod is also attached onto my backpack when trekking into marshland. And discuss types of heads best for birding.
Also, my Budget: $200 -$300
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

The Bogen Model 3063 fluid head will handle that rig.
Edit: I have mine on Bogen 3020 legs.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank You RWR, I'll definitely look into your suggestion.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Firstly, the rig you currently have is too small to handle your current equipment. :( The tripod and head should support 1 1/2 to 2 times the weight of your camera and largest lens.

People here will recommend many different tripods and heads, but in the end it comes down to how each one fits your requirement.

Good luck! :)

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank You traveler90712, your observation of my situation is what I tried to convey in this thread. I'm aware that my tripod isn't sufficient to handle my equipment.
I don't live anywhere near a camera supply store, where I can physically handle an improved tripod. Any purchase I make will strictly be made online. So, I'm counting on you hogs to help me out with something that fits my needs. As far as a head goes, I'm also not knowledgeable of the different heads and what they are meant to achieve. Thanks again.
Sunnybuck

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

:?:
"A tripod that will better secure my camera and long lens ... "
Obviously Sunnybuck is aware her gear is too light, hence her post!

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Yes, she is/was aware, I simply laid out what it should be, as she stated in her reply to me.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Rather than start yet another thread on this subject, I will cut to the chase - your budget is not high enough - you are effectively using a 900mm lens, which requires a substantial tripod for stability - after all holding it up is not your goal, but stable support to minimize vibration (and blur) is.

Look at this thread:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-287863-1.html

And this quote, from Ned Levi - a colleague from another forum,

"If your budget doesn't give you the cash to purchase a tripod leg set which will definitely do the job for you, don't buy one the best one which meets your budget as it will be a waste of your money. Hold on to the money and wait until you can purchase a tripod which will do the job for you.

That is the best advice I can give you.

For this application - any tripod made of aluminum will weigh upwards of 16 lbs. but it will cost less than $1000. Carbon fiber tripods will need to have a 37mm top tube or larger, for stability with a 900mm lens. The least expensive but very serviceable head will be a Manfrotto 393 - slightly under $200. Beware of cheap gimbals, but consider a Nest, from MT Shooter, a frequent poster here, who has a camera shop in Montana. I've not held one in my hands, but some here have and like them. I am not sure how they stack up against the offerings from Wimberley or Really Right Stuff - which for me would be the best comparison, though it might be stable enough for your application.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank You Gene51 for cutting to the chase.
I had not considered support for minimal vibration as a factor when asking for advise. It sounds like the budget must grow exponentially.
Thank you for your time and link. Much appreciated.
Sunnybuck

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I use a Feisol CT3472 - 3.6 lbs, 23" collapsed 37mm top tube - $550, and a Manfrotto 393 - a bit large, but only $190.

I get good results using a 600mm F4 and a D800. Though I have used it with that lens, 1.4x on a cropped sensor, so the "effective" focal length is 1260mm - but at that focal length, good technique is critical and the number of keepers goes down. I would be better off with a Gitzo Series 5 or the top of the line RRS - and an RRS gimbal - and a $2k hole in my bank account.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

I have much to learn and a much bigger hole in my pocket to create. Thanks for the tips.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

A little taste

(Download)

Bob Boner

I agree with Gene51. If you buy the right tripod it will be sufficient for whatever equipment you use. Someday you may have a 600 f/4 lens which weighs close to 12 lbs. You want to buy a tripod that will support whatever equipment you might acquire in the future. That way it will be the only tripod you will have to buy. Save the one you have for when you have to travel light with smaller lenses.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

OMG, Gene51! I can't stop drooling! Very, very, very nice. That one is definitely a keeper, wall quality. Thank you so much for sharing.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

After drooling all over Gene51's Eagle shot, I think I'm going to have to agree you both as well.