PS A Gitzo GT5541 tripod is on order as well – the old Benbo just couldn’t take the strain.

The Gitzo tripod is cheaper to buy in the UK (warehouseexpress). The rest I would ship from the US.

Gitzo GT3530LS Series 3 Systematic Tripod £409
RRS BH-55 LR: Full-sized ballhead with LR $455
Sidekick (0.59 kg) $250
LCF-14: Foot for Nikon 200-400 & 300-VR $95

Monopod (Manfrotto 681B or Gitzo GM2541) $TBD
B2-Pro/L: 80mm clamp with dual mount $87
MH-01 Hi-Capacity Monopod Head $150
LCF-14: Foot for Nikon 200-400 & 300-VR $95

The LR version bullet proof. I have the Gitzo GS5121LVL leveling base installed, too (adds 2″ of height). Highly recommended, as gimbal head for panning, right? Also, for sticthing, you want a panning base. I run the 3530S (now the 3531S). I’m 5′-11″, and this is slightly below eye level at full extension. The LS goes about 8″ taller. If you don’t need the height why pay for it?

Verify the lens foot with your lens model. If you have the Nikon 300 2.8 VR (I or II), LCF-14 the correct foot. It fits the 200-400, as well. More dreaming.

You need a clamp for the 234 tilt head, too. RRS competitor, Kirk Enterprises, offers the 234 with a fitted quick release (MPA-1), which won’t twist. It is compatible with RRS plates.http://www.kirkphoto.com/images/MPA1.jpg I had an RRS Pro clamp, and had no problems with twisting. Still, the Kirk product a good solution, and very reasonable in cost, considering you’re getting the whole enchilada.

The RRS MH-01 mono head – as do all their heads – has tongue-and-groove studs that accomplish the same thing, but it will cost about 2x to do the RRS head/clamp. It’s an awesome system, though, with better load rating/action than the 234. If you go with the RRS MH, I recommend the B2-Pro/L clamp. It’s longer than the standard clamp, and works very well with the LCF-14 foot length. Allows better lens fulcrum positioning. Also, I don’t like a lever release on a monopod; too easy to misfire, and down goes your $6K lens. The RRS knob-style is very smooth. Kirk makes great stuff, too. Either vendor will satisfy, but I’m an RRS loyalist.

I see RRS do several versions of the BH-55, is this the one I need?

RRS BH-55 LR: Full-sized ballhead with LR

Here is my full purchase list:
Gitzo GT3530LS Series 3 Systematic Tripod
RRS BH-55 LR: Full-sized ballhead with
Sidekick
LCF-14: Foot for Nikon

Manfrotto 681B monopod
Manfrotto 234RC Monopod QR tilt top

Here in the USA, we “really” love “Really Right Stuff”. They’ll ship anywhere. I’ve used Arca Swiss & Linhoff, and they both disappointed badly. This opened the door to RRS, and I would use NOTHING ELSE. The RRS BH-55, or BH-40 head would work great. The 55 will handle a 600, as far as that goes. The BH-55 & Wimberly “Sidekick” very robust, and a made-to-order match for the Gitzo 35– legs.

Try the Manfrotto 681B monopod. It’s low cost, low weight, very robust & reliable. If you’re considering the monopod for birding, or anything requiring pitching the lens, then Manfrotto offers an inexpensive swivel head, sold as a package with the 681B, I believe. RRS offers their MH monopod head, for a lot more money, but it’s what I have & I love it.

I wouldn’t spring for a Gitzo mono unless you’re really certain about its future use. The 681B very popular, and for good reason. If you “must” have a Gitzo now, the 2541/3551 are very nice carbon units. The aluminum 2341/3350 swell & cheaper. I use the 5541, but I’m now supporting a 400 2.8.

The TC load inconsequential. Also, you’ll need RRS lens plate, or L-foot (LCF-14 for your lens) to use their head/clamp system. Similar to Wimberly, but better, IMO. RRS changes the way you manage your gear set-up routine; far for the better. You can’t go wrong with the RRS solution. Hope this helps.