I've seen a few people lookig for good tripods and want to share my expirience.
Last summer I was looking at buying a pro tripod and was seriuously considering one that weighed 22 lbs w/out head. I saw one at the local pro photo store in the middle of a bunch of other tpods. I reached in and could barely lift it! so i went shopping on the web and i dicovered Giottos at B+H photo. I needed a sturdy trpd to suppor a pentax 67 and accessories. annd it had to be tall, im 6'2. i bought the largest aluminum legs that they make, mt9180 for $145. now there $160 . and a head that can support 22 lbs. mt1000. the head is $109. i went for value and i think i got it. the whole rig weighs less than 7 lbs.they both are very well built, and the legs can do all the tricks with the centere coloumn.
Mark
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...16&Submit.y=11