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

Like several on this thread, I have only great things to say about my Feisol CT3472, which I purchased 10 yrs ago when it was initially released. It is more than adequate for a 500mm lens. In fact, I have used it with a 600+1.4TC on a cropped sensor camera (for a field of view equivalent to a 1260mm lens), and gotten good results.

Even at 1/10 sec, there is zero evidence of quivering or shake. I used and still use a Manfrotto 393 gimbal, modified with an Arca-Swiss style clamp. The lens has a replacement tripod foot that has the Arca-Swiss dovetail.

I have several ball heads, but by far, the gimbal is much easier to manage.

In USD, the tripod will cost you around $525 without the rapid leg (anti-rotation), and the gimbal would cost $180. A decent clamp would add another $50 - for a total of $755, or about $1000 AUD.

You can always buy a cheaper tripod, and not get much further in your quest for stability. There is nothing wrong with what you have, it is just not up to the task of holding a 500mm lens stable. Getting a $500 AUD tripod for use with a 500mm lens will simply add $500 AUD to the price of the tripod that will work correctly for you. Something to consider.

I have used a Gitzo Studex, a Bogen (now Manfrotto) 3051 with 3047 pan/tilt head, a Leitz Tilt-All, Majestic and a few others through the years - by a wide margin, the Feisol surpasses the performance with a long lens, with the exception of the 12 lb Gitzo. But my CF Feisol only weighs 4 lbs.

I also own an Arca Swiss Z1 ball head ($380 USD) and avoid using it in the field with long lenses. It is far better suited for landscape/closeup/macro photography. I also second the recommendation of the leveling base, which is very useful when doing lansdscapes.

If you must insist on a ball head and can't justify spending $400 on a ball head and plate, get one with a huge ball, like the Feisol CB70D ($245 USD). If that is hard to justify, then you will likely get good service with a Sirui K40X ($165 USD). I have used my Sirui K30X in a pinch with a Sigma 150-600 and was able to lock it down and get generally shake free results - though I would not recommend it as a go to piece of gear.

Almost forgot - there is one tripod, if it is still available, that just might work for you, though for my use the legs are a little thin (32mm dia top leg), making it adequate for up to a 300mm lens on a full frame camera, or roughly equivalent to a Gitzo Series 3, for about 1/2 the price of the Gitzo.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157859-REG/benro_tad38cb3_adventure_8x_carbon_fiber.html

It would cost you about $582 AUD.

Induro has comparable models to Feisol and others for a comparable price, but I don't believe that their tripods are available without the center column, making them about 1/2 to 3/4 lb heavier, and slightly less stable.

A better choice if going with Benro, is their Benro COM48C, which has a very stable top tube diameter of 38mm (I believe), no center column (more stable), and comes with two leveling bases - $440 USD. It is similar to the Feisol in performance, but has lever locks vs locking collars for the legs.

Other than weight, I have never heard anyone complaining about buying a tripod that was "too stable" - but I hear lots of people complaining that their tripods aren't up to the task.

Hope this has been helpful.

1/10, F8, ISO 400, D300, cropped from 4,288 x 2,848 to 2976 x 2474

(Download)

Grnway Loc: Manchester, NH

What he said

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Get a plastic grocery bag, fill with rocks and hang from hook. Problem solved. Do this with my 190 all the time.
This way I have a light and small tripod that is easy to carry all the time but is very steady when needed. The bag is easy to carry too. get rocks locally

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

For travel I purchased the Manfrotto BeFree. Packs up well. The BeFree Live is a step up with a fluid head which is not what I bought ... hapoy with my BF. My next tripod will be a Gitzo with a Gimbp (so?) head. But that purchasing date is a long time from now.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Best one? Your next one.

I think it's likje asking which is the best camera. If you spend decent money, you'll get a very good camera, regardless of brand or model. I believe it's the same with a tripod. Aside from the little travel tripods, decide on the specs you want for size and weight carrying ability, read reviews and comparisons, and go for it.

Good article -
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

Possibly useful links -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIWvjfI_-PA
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

ThreeCee Loc: Washington, DC

I use a ME PHOTO carbon fibre travel tripod. It has had no trouble holding a full frame camera, 150-600 lens, gimbal head, flash bracket, flash, and better Beamer. It is the tallest height extension of the ones I looked at and folds small enough to fit in a travel bag.

whitewolfowner

Have you tried hanging a weight on the tripod to steady it up. You can either hang your camera bag or bring a bag with a strap on it that you can load up with rocks or pieces of wood when you set up. the weight will keep it from swaying in the wind.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

At last somebody mentioned gimbal head. I realize the OP mentioned wanting to stay with a ball head but I would suggest a gimbal head for heavy lenses; you do not lose any freedom of movement and there is less chance of your lens suddenly flopping in a direction you did not intend.

Capnjohn

Much good advice here. I do birds and my favorite bird lens is a 600mm f/4. I have a wooden crutch type tripod made in east Germany when there was such an entity, and a home made gimbal mount. It does not quiver, but I need a wagon to get this stuff around. The tripod is obviously over 27 years old, scuffed and gnarly looking but works perfectly. If long lenses are your thing, wood is the way to go. I also use a Hakuba carbon fiber 'pod with an old Leica 560 mm when I have to physically carry it all. Good, but not like the big guns. Work the used equipment sites. Capnjohn

ecurb1105

Instead of replacing the tripod legs, try a couple sandbags with Velcro straps around the apex of your tripod. The weight will stabilize the tripod and damp down vibrations. The look for an Arca-Swiss or Kirk ball head.

autry Loc: Ashland, VA. - Center of The Universe

How about the Vanguard ABEO Plus 363CT with VANGUARD BBH-300 ball head?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Your problem is that you asked for the "Best". There is no one "Best" as we are all different and one person's "Best" may not be another's "Best".... Is this to be a travel tripod ? or does the weight matter ?. Wooden tripods are the heaviest & most stable (IMHO) but they weigh a lot.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You need to physically try them out, it is the only way, period.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Gitzo. Maybe you can find one that is preowned for $500. But find one that is rated for more than double the weight of your heaviest camera/lens combo.

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

if you like your Manfrotto just look for one more sturdy