Tripod recommendations? Gitzo 1 or 2? Ball head ?

[funkxjyoo]

Hi!

I need to get a tripod for 5d mk III. I will be using 24-70mm II most of the time, outdoor.

I did my research and it seems like Gitzo is mostly recommended.

With my gear, will it be safe to get Gitzo 1 series? or just go with 2 series for safety?
(I prefer a lighter tripod but wasn't sure if 1 series is sturdy enough?)

And any recommendations for a ball head?
With Gitzo 1542T, it seems like Markins Q3T is a good combo, but does that work well with Gitzo 2 series too?

And if anybody can recommend a LESS PRICEY ball head with as good quality, I would really appreciate it!

** if available, can you please post links to the products too?

Thank you!

 

[neuroanatomist]

For a travel tripod, it doesn't get much better than the Really Right Stuff TQC-14 and BH-30 LR. But the Gitzo 1542T with the Markins Q3T would do nicely - a friend just got one to use with a 5DIII/7D + 100-400, and is quite pleased with it.