I'd ask for advice on a lens in the astrophotography equipment section. Lots of Canon folk there, some lenses are great during the day but suck for astro work. They have done all the experimenting so benefit from their experience.
There are a couple of lenses that are quite cheap that work well I think. Maybe drop into this thread
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=102023
Also there is a quite affordable fisheye that works a treat.
Don't know that particular tripod, it looks a little more spindly than mine, but as I rarely extend mine at all it probably doesn't matter much.
Useful review here:
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Ma...0XPROB_tripod/