The tripod has 4 extracts which the latter is already fallen very thin. With 3 drawers and the center pull-out at the lowest position (height tripod then 870mm + Ball Head 70mm = 940mm total) is a Nikon D700 with a Nikon AF 80-200 f2.8 (together 2.5kg) stable enough to focus with mirror lock-up at 200mm map. With sharp I mean, there are no Verwackelungsunschärfen to recognize only air, camera, and lens.
Obviously, this is probably the max. what is the tripod reasonable. The Nikon AF-S 70-300mm lighter it is more interesting at 300mm, since one must calming measures (mirror lock, cable release, weight hanging on the middle excerpt) set. So I think for the stand is 200 mm of more secure maximum value.
The 494 ball head is overwhelmed with highly eccentric masses. The above-mentioned Nikom AF-S 70-300 4.5-5.6 VR is therefore marginal, because it does not have a stand adapter. Ie. by these unfavorable center of gravity is not possible an accurate setting. The AF 80-200 f2.8 which the center of gravity is has its own tripod recording very good and the setting up simple and stable despite the combination of heavier lens.
The tripod (~ 950gr) + ball head (~ 230gr) weighs just 1.2kg (weighed).
The ball head has no accessible camera thread so you need the ball head + tripod or the camera turn the lens. With folded legs that is not a problem but still annoying. But what you do not do everything for weight.
Speaking of weight: Unfortunately offers the tripod at center extract only a rubber stopper which is secured with 2 holes. This can not quickly a weight (backpack, bag) hang below you. Therefore, I have the rubber plug is removed and milled to hook the holes to a carabiner. Other manufacturers offer as a hook ..
Conclusion:
A travel, hiking, mountaineering tripod. Those looking for a lightweight tripod and want to stay at a focal length of 200-300mm, and a favorable center of gravity in the lenses has can take the combination without hesitation. otherwise there restrictions where you then have to decide whether the slight weight justifies this compromise. About 300mm I can not say anything, but after at 300mm already start the problems, it is not certainly better.
