Yes, another tirpod question

[BobC]

I need to replace my broken el cheapo walmart tripod. I was looking at the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs w/ 804RC2 Head here. This will be a general purpose use. Portraits, landscape, wildlife, macro photos

My concern is it only supports 8.8 lbs. I have a D90 and hope within the next year to purchase the Sigma 150-500mm or similar lens for bird photos.

Is this set up to light for my future needs.

[Elmo]

I have that set up and like it for some things. As for the head you cannot get much better for the price (I do not like ball heads,3-ways give shakey old me better control). The disadvantage is the RC-2 plates are a pain when not using the tripod. They make SEEM unstable when you set them down on say a table. Also the new plastic locking thigie does not give me the positive feel the old metal ones hadm However the lock has never failed me.

The tripod works for me in the purpose I got it for (micro) if tou understand its limits. The first fail in design is the legs do not open to a wide enough angle at the first stop. This is not all that bad until you extend the column out horizontally for even a small distance. This shifts the center of gravity far enough it will cause the tripod to turn over. On just need to remember to open the legs to a wider angle.

For micro and small format landscapes it is a go to for me. Would I buy it again yes or something like it. As for 500mm it might serve you well, but my thinking is big glass, BIG tripod.