wondering about weight of d700 with grip and if right for this tripod and ball head?

The tripod legset is excellent -- it is the successor to the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 recommended by Philip Greenspun in this old but useful photo.net article -- and should be plenty for a fairly heavy camera (with the grip) and an 80-200mm lens. I have that legset and like it very much, in part because I prefer the Manfrotto flip-locks over the Gitzo leg locks. This is a personal preference, in my case dictated by tendinitis in my wrists and hands, but there are many photographers who will prefer one type or the other for different reasons. I don't know that ball head (I use an Arca-Swiss, currently a Z1, on that tripod, and it is excellent) but it might be all right. It is rare for a ball head of that price to have the solid hold and smoothness of operation that make adjustments and use almost effortless.

There is something you might want to think about. You have spent a good deal for a fantastic camera and at least one very fine lens. The kit you are considering comes down more on the economy side than on the quality side. Unless that ball head turns out to be excellent, you might want a better one. For the legset, if you don't mind the Gitzo twist locks, there are Gitzos which are more solid. (I don't know if the Bogen/Manfrotto version with magnesium and carbon fiber is any better than the 055XPROB.) If you don't mind ridiculously heavy tripods, there are other Bogen/Manfrotto models which are more solid and, of course, there are other brands.

The legset is fine, but I'd pass on the ball head. I owned a Manfrotto ball head several years ago - it only lasted a couple of years. Buy a good ball head and it will last a lifetime.
http://bythom.com/support.htm

I agree with both of the folks above. I have the 055 which is more than adequate for my needs, though it is not light and therefore probably not something you will want to carry around all day. Otherwise, a pretty good bang for the buck. As far as the head goes, I started with the 486RC2 because I was trying to save some money. That was a mistake. It was replaced this past xmas with a Kirk BH-1 -- a considerably better head. There are several comparable heads along the lines of the Kirk and ultimately it will come to personal preference. Just try to avoid buying things more than once (much cheaper in the long run).

Yes, indeed. Tripods and ballheads are not as expendable as DSLRs, so it's worth investing in quality ones especially you have invested in higher-end cameras and lenses for superior image quality.

I always think the necks of Manfrotto ballheads are too slim and would cause vibrations easily especially if you mount hevier camera-lens combo.

As for the ballhead, Achratech GV2 is worth considering. I love mine.

Anothony: I use the CF version of those legs (which are lighter, and a little more pleasant to haul around all day, if need be), but either version is a very solid, very well made support.

I also use the 488RC2. I've had one for three years now, and use it routinely with the D300 (with grip), and heavier lenses (like the 70-200/2.8, sometimes with a TC). The rig is very solid indeed. I like the RC2 disconnect system, and use those same Manfrotto plates on monopods, a second tripod, lens feet, speedlight brackets... all sorts of things. I'm sure I'd like an even spendier ball head a touch more, but I haven't yet - after countless hours out in the field and in the studio, using that 488 in all sorts of conditions and elements - found it lacking. At that price point, it's impossible to beat. If money's no object, then sure - off to Kirk or RSS etc... but the returns for the extra will be marginal unless you're into some very specific sorts of work.

That will be fine, even with a 300/4 or 80-200/2.8 on the camera. I agree about the head, it's not up to the task. Take a look at the Kirk BH-3 head, and a corresponding Arca-style plate for your D700. It's a very good set-up. As a side note, I'm not a big fan of using the vertical grip on a tripod. Better to remove the grip, and get an L-bracket from the camera to get you both horizontal and vertical orientations.

Matt: just to be clear, I was using the 486 not the 488 (which I believe is a bit better). In my experience, the 486 tends to droop a bit after clamping it down. I also didnt like the fact that there are lubricants in the ball/socket area which seemed to be attracted to my fingers and clothing.

Sorry if I was too quick on the draw there, Scott. I agree that the there's a big difference between the 486 and the 488. The 488 is a bit heftier all the way around, but just as importantly, it has a separate panning action and tightening knob.

It's enough, I have even used my large format camera on that legset. However, I would consider a fancier head just to get smoother, more accurate adjustments. My experience is that Manfrotto do the job but there are heads that do it better, such as the Arca Z1 that I use.

I recently bought the same leg set - but without the horizontal column (which I consider a fairly useless gimmick - and certainly not something that makes a sturdy impression). I had a few Manfrotto/Bogen heads that would have done the job - but I truly hate their QR system - I just don't have confidence in it. I went for a Giottos 1300 series ball head and opted for the RRS clamp and plates. For about twice the price of the Giottos, you could pick up the RRS BH-40 - might be worth it.
The 055 is a tad heavy (doesn't bother me though) - and I like the fact that I can get the camera to eye-level height without extending the center column. Since I often have to get lower to the ground, I exchanged the center column (which is oversized anyway) for a shorter one.

i've got the 488RC4, which is the same as the 488RC2 but with spirit bubble levels. like matt says, it has a panning lock and well as a ballhead lock, so i'm not sure how much smoother or easier to operate it could be. it's kind of a big beast of a ballhead, and feels very sturdy and solidly constructed. i dont doubt it could handle an 80-200, but if you want to use longer lenses, i'd go for something else. there are certainly more expensive heads out there, but for that price i'm not sure you'll find a better one than the manfrotto.

Thanks everyone. I will take a look at the other ball heads but I will get the leg set.. Just need to know a little more about the l-bracket thanks everyone

Anthony,
I have a Nikon D2x and my biggest lens is a 70-200mm. I was looking for a ballhead and tripod as well. After doing some research, I finally decided to invest in a Arca Swiss ballhead and a Gitzo GT3541LSV tripod. Although it set me back by £860, it was worth it.
The combo felt as light as my Manfrotto 190ProX & 486RC combo and after trying some test shots with it last night, I'm extremely happy with the purchase.
If you don't mind spending extra, I think you should definitely consider the Arca Swiss ballhead.