47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I haven’t a post from him in a long time. Forgotten the name actually. Anyway, he always expressed confidence in and readily recommended the Feisol line. A quick search of tripod postings of the last few years should bring similar posts to yours up. As far as heads are concerned, I’m a bit prejudiced and use the Acratech line, both ball and long lens pano as well as their leveler. A little pricy but they are rock solid.

Cylus Loc: Maryland

Great observation! We are actually RVing from Maryland to Alaska. We will
Be doing some overnight hikes and small plane (re: weight restrictions) trip to Lake Clark National Park. Camera is canon dslr with 200-400 lens

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

Some advice....When you are answering a specific person, click of "QUOTE REPLY" first.

Bruce T Loc: Michigan

I prefer not bending over for shots unless I want to.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Canon 200-400 is a HUGE lens ! You will need a very substantial tripod ! !

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I'm a pro at buying tripods. I bought a ton of them, till I figured it out. You take your camera and equipment to a photo shop. You put your stuff on different tripods and find out the one that works the way you want with your stuff. Then you buy that one. It opens and closes the way you like, it fits the hight you want and your comfortable with it.

Heaththiel Loc: Wisconsin

I've seen a couple of responses stressing this and I shall do so as well. Make sure the tripod is tall enough for you. I'm 6'4 and need a tall Tripod. Nothing is worse than bending over all day to take your pictures because your Tripod is too short.

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

Yes, I have a Feisol CT-3442, use it a lot & love it. Very sturdy, very light. Only difference is that I use a Manfrotto Fluid Head (MVH500AH) on it. I love how that works also.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I recently upgraded from a so-so Sirui tripod to this ProMedia Gear. While it is very tall with all four leg sections extended, with only the first three sections extended it is the perfect height for me (I’m 5’10). But in rough, rocky terrain it’s nice to be able to extend one or two legs more to compensate). This is hands down the best tripod I’ve ever use.

https://youtu.be/SFg5HEQ7ZBw?si=HaKUVblT4SNYQLA-

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

In the past, whenever anyone had a tripod question or was seeking advice, a UHH poster "Gene51" would chime in. I haven't seen anything from him for some time, but he always offered useful information about chosing solid, reliable tripods. He was/is a promonent of "paying for what you need since you never get what you don't pay for." In 2014, he was using a Feisol CT-3472 which retails for about $725 today. Not speaking for Gene, but I assume he would still recommend Gitzos, Really Right Stuff, Linhof, Foba, etc. Back in the day, he would recommend any potential tripod buyer who was looking to make a decision to the RRS buying guide, which has a 2024 version found here:
https://shuttermuse.com/really-right-stuff-tripod-guide/
I would recommend strongly to search on "Gene51" posts here and work through some of his recommendations. "KTJohnson" shoots gorgeous car shots; I don't know if he uses his Feisol CT-3442 for them. But, I can say that the Feisols are excellent. The CT-2442 for $500 is definitely a good investment. "Basil" shared the review of the ProMediaGear TR344L, which is also excellent but only you can decide whether $1250 is more than what you want to spend.
Good luck, but please do search the UHH archives for "Gene51" posts. Lots of good stuff in those threads.

Longlens24 Loc: Cedar Park, Texas

Tripod selection depends on camera & lens(heavy requires more rigid tripod), your height( do not want to stoop to shoot), how much weight can you carry, your budget, whether you want flip or twist leg locks, etc. Carbon fiber is lighter, but on impact, legs may shatter but aluminum at worst just bends. "The Center Column" is a great site to rate and select tripods.

birdseyeview Loc: Indiana

wonderful light weight and sturdy.
I have a CT3371 and going to keep it till my end!