Ugh I am literally about to lose my mind with my current setup. I just finally bit the bullet and got a Canon 600mm f/4 III and my supposedly sturdy Manfrotto is acting like a wet noodle under that kind of weight. Every single time I try to lock it down for a long distance shot of a hawk or something the frame just sags like half an inch as soon as I let go and its driving me insane. I have already missed a bunch of shots I can never get back because of the vibration.

Ive been looking at the Gitzo Systematic Series 5 because every pro seems to swear by them but honestly paying twelve hundred bucks just for legs feels like a total robbery. Then I saw people online recommending the Leofoto LM-364C as a budget alternative but some reviews say the leg locks get gritty after like a week of field use and I dont want to buy something that falls apart when I take it out in the humidity. I live down in Florida and I am heading to the Everglades in three weeks for a big trip so I need to figure this out fast. My budget is around 800 or 900 for the legs and maybe a gimbal head if I can squeeze it in but I am worried that wont be enough for something actually solid. What are you guys using for your heavy glass that doesnt feel like a toy when the wind picks up?...