reasonable price, and the $25 rebate...<ul><li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html">Bogen / Manfrotto 190XDB with 486RC2 Ballhead</a></li></ul>

I'd want something rated at twice the weight you're going to put on it, but my larger objection is this stands at less than 4 feet tall without the center column extended. Extending the center column adds a good deal of instability, and with this tripod, you'll always find yourself extending that center column. I'd get something that will allow the camera to sit at eye level without the center column, so 55 inches or so (figure 8 inches from the bottom of the ballhead to the viewfinder).

thanks for the response - i'm just starting out, and don't mind spending a bit more than just a cheapie. i was hoping to get away with something under or around $200... is that reasonable?

any other suggestions?<ul><li><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505861-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html</a></li></ul>

Only caveat with that one is the 24" folded length. If you travel or hike with it, that may get unwieldy. But the best you can hope for is about 21-22" anyway. That aside, it's a better choice, and if you decide to upgrade to a better ballhead down the road, you'll probably continue using these legs. So the extra money is well spent if you're not re-purchasing equipment down the road).

the point was mainly that this tripod should serve him well. And when he gets to a point where he wants to upgrade to something better, the tripod will do the job well, and he can focus that spending on a better ballhead.

Sorry, didn't word that previous post too well.

I need to upgrade from my pos plastic tripod =p

There are tons of companies (Kirk, Really Right Stuff) making cool specialty release plates for Arca-Swiss. I don't know of many making speialty plates for the Bogen-manfrotto style. (Are there any?)

It will cost you more but in the long run you save time and money.

for the larger 3371...

Brand new, in the box, never used.

CF, three section legs, load rated to more than 20 lbs, and weighs a paltry 2.2lbs!!

It is one stiff tripod!! I need a bigger one. Can also include a Markins M10 if you need a ballhead..<ul><li><a href="http://www.feisol.net/feisol-tournament-class-threesection-tripod-ct3342-with-tripod-p-30.html">Feis0l CT-3342</a></li></ul>

Once you go with a one-off company it will cost you more in the long run as you try to add body and lens plates.

...no way it would support that head and a bigger body/lens combo "safely"

It's not nearly as sturdy, even with the rebel XT...I'm using a Giottos MT9261 and it is by FAR better...it doesn't wobble/flex if you push down on a fully extended (legs only) setup.

The 055 is def. a sturdier setup...btw, the 190 is now my lightstand =-)

the lens barrel prevents the plate from sitting in all the way.

No problems of this kind with the "A-S" style plate.