Need to upgrade sticks

[waycar71]

I'm looking for a good ball head-tripod combo for my 100-400 L and 7D. Budget is between $500 - $600. Manfrotto seems to be the most popular. Any suggestions of this brand or others?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Buckster]

For the 100-400L, consider a gimbal head. I was never happy with mine on any of my ball heads, especially not when I'd occasionally forget to tighten the ball again and it would flop over and smash a thumb or finger.