Tripod Recommendations?

[cameron12x]

I'm looking to get a new tripod which hopefully will fit all of my needs:

Scenario #1
Canon 1Ds + 400mm F5.6L + 2x Telextender
Wildlife, sports, extreme landscape, limited astrophotography

Scenario #2
Canon 7D + external microphone + variety of lenses
Beginning video, wildlife, sports, general photography

Any recommendations or other scenarios to consider?

I'd like to budget less than $200 for this, but could possibly stretch to $300 if it made sense. I'd be doing still photography for the most part, but also some beginning video with the 7D. Thanks!

[ydgmdlu]

For the head, I recommend the Manfrotto 701HDV. It's only $125, and it's not overkill like the larger heads (such as the 501HDV, which is closer to $200). You'll have plenty of money left for a decent set of legs.

[Osslund]

I just got the Manfrotto 701HDV head and 745XB tripod and will comment on it later on...

[ydgmdlu]

I just got the Manfrotto 701HDV head and 745XB tripod and will comment on it later on...

Cool, I have the 701HDV with the 755XB legs. Works great, but a little bit outside of the OP's price range.

[Osslund]

I mounted my GH1 with Mattebox on the 701HDV/745XB combo. The head feels very fluid and it seams to be a perfect match for these types of camera.

The tripod may not be as stable as the larger heavy duty Manfrottos. I like the fact that you can make this tripod both high and low. In the lowest position at ground level!