SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Garry, let's not forget, that not only are people in the very tall catagory a small portion of the population but the taller that tripod gets, the WIDER the footprint!! Pretty soon you can't even find an area big enough to set the darned thing up. As it is, my pod that only goes to about 5 1/2' is already wide enough that I have to be careful to not kick the legs while in use.
At 7' high the footprint would be huge!!
At some point that tripod gets more expensive as it also has to be beefier and require extra R&D than the same shorter pod.
I almost bought one that went to 8', that would have been extremely useful for getting over fences and crowds. They are out there but probably just expensive. They can't be mass produced cheaply in China!! Good luck.
SS

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, this is especially true for tripods without a center column. The center column allows for a smaller footprint ( relatively speaking) . In a target rich environment, the tripod foot print becomes a dangerous obstacle to overcome !

dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)

I measure 9" from the top of the tripod platform to the camera view port for a Nikon D800 on a typical small ball head. My somewhat antiquated Bogen (Manfrotto) tripod requires use of a ladder to use it at full extension (I'm the typical 5' 10"). There are many tripods someone your height will not find tall enough, but there are a lot you will find just fine! Find a good well equipped camera store and try some tripod setups out using the head, et al of your choice. Then buy from that store - keeps them available for us!

garry wolfe

thank you all i have many things to think about one thing for sure man! this sport sucks up a lot money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! garry