Manfrotto 055WXNB Wilderness 3-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head

The Manfrotto 055WXNB Wilderness Tripod with 804RC2 Head is a great choice for anyone seeking a professional-quality, full size 3-section aluminum tripod combined with a pan/tilt type head.  The 2 parts together give a working height (legs fully deployed and column down) of 58.6" with a 29.4mm maximum tube diameter, so for the majority of perspective users it is entirely appropriate to expect stable eye-level use with an SLR camera and all but the biggest lenses.  The Wilderness tripod's based on Manfrotto's 3021 series, about as successful a product as there could be in the imaging world.

The 055WXNB is essentially a slightly more compact and less expensive version of their 055XPROB-the only difference is that the 055XPROB has added a more complex center column which doubles as an instant lateral arm.  You'll still get rock-solid support, Manfrotto's improved flip lever locks, padded upper segments, and retractable spiked feet.

The 804RC2 head is Manfrotto's basic 3-way quick release head, made from a unique plastic that's known as an excellent vibration dampening material (as well as a weight saver).  Each axis of movement has a distinct lock, and the tilt axis has an incorporated counter spring, so that as you point away from level (and the effective torque load created by your gear increases) the tilt axis' friction increases to give you better fine placement control.  It is a cool feature, and a first in a consumer head of this type.  You'll also be buying into the RC2 quick release system, which offers special plates as well as the optional 341 Junior Elbow Bracket.