Help me burn some money

[scottcolbath]

I was going to get a Canon 5D Mk3, but decided to hold off and instead get something I have done without for too long. A good flash and a good, compact tripod/head which will fit in my Tamrac back pack's tripod holder.

So, on the flash......Just go with the 580 EXn(whichever number is current)? It seems to be the logical choice.

Tripods are a lot tougher do sort through. The most important thing is that it fits in the backpack. I'm using a Tamrac like this one:



I think I have about an 18" max on the retracted length. I want something sturdy enough to be able to handle a DSLR and a heavy lens, such as the 70-200 or my 400mm. What do you guys have experience with that fits my needs?

S.C.