Originally Posted by
Manfred M
It totally depends on the type of photography you are trying to do and the level of stability found in your tripod. I do a lot of landscape work and do night / blue hour / golden hour work using a full-frame body and lenses. I shoot panos, so use a pano head on my gear. I shoot in the winter, in extreme conditions, so ability to use the equipment with heavy outdoor wear and gloves on is critical to my work.
I went for a Feisol CT-3372L carbon fiber tripod that goes to a height of 205cm without extending the column (and to 260 cm with the column extended). The top legs are a massive 37mm diameter and it is can hold 30 kg. I don't need a leveling base as the tripod column incorporates a cut and ball design like video tripods, so leveling is very easy. I also bought the optional leg spikes that I use when shooting on soft ground. I can replace the centre column with a solid plate when shooting in situations where stability is critical and have done multiple exposure 2-hour shots that have given me pixel level alignment.
I use a Really Right Stuff (RRS) BH-55 ball head which has a massive 55mm ball (i.e. very good clamping force to prevent camera droop). Look for a large diameter head for to maximize stability. Generally the RRS, Markins, Novoflex and ArcaSwiss heads are usually considered the best made and performing ones on the market.
The RRS head is slightly more than the FLM you are looking at and the Feisol legs (a three-section tripod vs the 4 section you are looking at) is significantly more ($US 115 more) than the Surui. The capacity of the legs and the head are in the same range as what you are looking at.