What tripod for a 70-200mm VR nikon lens?

[theory]

Hi all,

I know that Gitzo and Manfrotto seem to be the tripods of choice, but which would you guys say I should be considering for such a long lens?

I have a manfrotto tripod which I picked up off ebay for about £35-40 I think (rrp was something like £70ish) and it's really good, but too light and can't take the weight of bigger or longer lenses without making it really hard to frame shots accurately.

I want something which is up to the job and I know so little - are there any good review sites I should look at? and can I buy a bundle for say £100-120ish?

Cheers for your replies people

 

[theory]

actually, I'd like it to be up to the job of of 3 or 4 hundred mm lens really. I don't really want to upgrade all the time.

I quite like macro work too. I guess the question is really whats the tripod (and ball head) that represents the best quality before the price starts shooting up.

Do I really have to spend this kind of money to get something decent?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-MANFROTTO...oryZ3325QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Please help clever people of photo-tography land!

 

[LeeP]

I've got the Manfrotto 190XPROB for my 70-200VR and my 300mm 2.8. Is a great, stable tripod, and with a decent head has many many applications.

Hope this helps!

 

[theory]

Oops thanks dude, but does that include a ball head (and if not then which one do you have?)

Know any good places to shop? How much did you pay for yours?

 

[Messiah Khan]

For long lenses you really should try a gimbal head. Ive got one and it makes life soo much easier. But when using gimbal heads, its best to use a tripod without a central column as the column introduces unnecessary play. Ive got a Manfrotto 190XProB but am looking to replace it with something like the Gitzo GT3540XLS or GT3530LSV for this reason.