I'm a beginner and am looking to upgrade my camera support in the next bit. For budgetary reasons I want to do it in phases.

I have a 100-400L and a 30D + bg and teleconverter. I don't believe I will get a heavier lens than the 100-400. I can see myself upgrading the body to a 1d mkIII or a 5D, though.

I've started shooting birds but also I have a general nature interest. I do some landscape (Sigma 10-20). When I do macro I usually handhold (bugs). My main purpose is to try my hand at birding.

My current setup is a Slik Pro 340DX (not the greatest but it is light -- I will upgrade that in the new year) with the Manfrotto pistol grip (vertical). I like the quick setup of the pistol grip but when it comes to birds I take the lens off. I cannot pan with that thing.

This is what I have been able to get hand-holding:
http://flickr.com/photos/airchinapilot/2061605784/

For stationary I think upgrading my sticks is my better option. This is what I can get with my original setup:
http://flickr.com/photos/airchinapilot/2061545424/

I am looking into ball heads and have been researching the Markins M-20 and the RRS BH-55. I've read lots of positive comments about the BH-55 but I don't know if I can ever justify spending that kind of money.

I'm intrigued by the Wimberley Sidekick option. Can you mount that on the Markins? I know you can do it on the BH-55. Would it be worthwhile putting any of these on the legs I currently have? If I have to spend a bit more money should I just keep hand holding and save to get a whole new setup?

Take a look at Tom Hogan's Tripod 101.
bythom.com

Thanks, I have a few times.

But for my specific question about the Markins vs the BH-55. Is that your short form answer for, buy the BH-55?

Anyway, I've ordered an Arca Swiss Z1 and quick release plates for my 100-400 and 30D.

Now I need to upgrade my sticks ...

On the off chance someone has an opinion on this: any feelings about the Gitzo 1220? A local seller here has one. I can't find much on Google.

I would recommend staying away from the older model Gitzos. On the other hand, the newer models rock! The anti-rotation leg feature on the newer models is wonderful, as are the new gaskets that don't expand and freeze up when wet. I would recommend looking at the GT2530LSV model. Equivalent to the older 1325 model. Very sturdy and should last a lifetime with halfway decent treatment.

Thanks Bill. Looks like prices are above $500. Time to save my pennies.

According to the Naturescape page on it, this model should be used up to 300mm lenses. But the load capacity seems well within my kit (30d + BG + 100-400 + flash) = 7.6lbs / that Gitzo's load capacity is 26.4 lbs))

I apologize. My typing skills are not the greatest. The tripod legs I MEANT to type in were the GT3530LSV, not 2530. Sorry about that. They will hold most anything you'll ever want to put on them without any hesitation.

Oh I think you typed it in right. I just searched for it without "LSV". I found it on the same site.

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=202

Looks good. Thanks for your help.

Sorry, guess you already bought one! Happy shooting...............................

I haven't bought anything yet. I have to wait for my bank account to catch up to my research

Well, in that case, another strong word for the RRS BH-55. Worth the $ :-)

Oh that I've already bought I got an Arca Swiss Z1.

Now I'm looking for sticks

I got my Arca Swiss Z1 yesterday (customs dinged me for $70 duty sheesh). I stuck it on my existing sticks (Slik PRO AMT) and wow this is nice. The one thing I really notice right away is how rock solid the QR plate on the head feels when I tighten the ball. Really cuts my vibration down from when I had my 100-400 mounted on the Manfrotto pistol grip 222 and Manfrotto's QR.

Panning is quite smooth. I mean it is already a step up since you couldn't really pan with the pistol grip.

I'm really looking forward to taking this out now.