Tripod quandary

[kurt765]

Right now I have two tripods legs and one head. I'm really happy with the head (Acratec Ultimate Ball Head).

What I'm not so happy with is my tripod legs.
I've got a Manfrotto 055MF4 MagFiber set that I was using as my primary legs until I noticed that the bubble level I had in the hot shoe of a borrowed 1ds II was jiggling around while I took pictures on that tripod!

Fortunatly on that trip I had a backup set of legs, Manfrotto 1221 aluminum ones, which after moving the head over eliminated the problem.

Typically I shoot with my 20d, but after this I have not gone back to the 055MF4 since I no longer trust them (and I intend to sell them).

So, I'm looking now for the ultimate tripod that is capable of supporting a Mamiya 645 setup or a 1DS II with lenses up to 70-200 2.8L.

What can you recommend? The tripod selectors on the Gitzo or Manfrotto web sites are pretty confusing, so I'm looking to see what people perhaps with similar equipment are using in landscape and nature photography. I prefer the feel of something like carbon fiber because they are lighter and they don't get as cold to the touch as aluminum in cold weather.

I don't want to have to buy another tripod ever again after this.

-K

[Ken Bennett]

The Gitzo Systematic tripods have a good reputation. The top plate is of larger diameter, and my particular tripod is quite rigid. There are many versions available in various heights and weights. (This series has the letter 'S' in the model name.)

I, too, was in the market for one tripod that I wouldn't need to replace in my lifetime.

[Colorado David]

Here's the tripod I use.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4759...rbon_Fiber.html

I never use a center column.  I can easily switch it from a 75mm bowl and a video head to a flat plate and a Kirk Ball Head.  It is quite sturdy and will last me forever.