tripod head advice.

[justinspeaks]

i just bought tripod legs and now i need to buy a head that will be good for a 400mm f/5.6 and 30d with a grip as its heaviest load. any one have any suggestions?

these are the legs
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200094108487&rd=1&rd=1

a head im considering
http://www.adorama.com/BG390RC2.html

 

[Big Mike]

Make sure to get a head that is rated for the weight of your lens & camera.

I've never been a fan of those 'pan & tilt' heads...I'd prefer a 3-way or a ball head.

 

[fmw]

However, if you buy a ball head designed to handle a heavy lens like that, be prepared to spend several hundred dollars. If that's your budget, then I agree with Mike. The lightweight ball heads are super for a DSLR and typical lens. I use one myself. I wouldn't use it for a long telephoto, however.

The head you have chosen is for video camera use. It is used for panning. Your best bet, given what I think your budget is, would be the three way head Mike mentions. It has three screws that control pat, tilt and angle. Here's one from the same supplier and the same brand. http://www.adorama.com/BG804RC2.html