haven't went to a store yet, but I will this weekend. Theres one place in this town :)

The 64.7 " max height is with the center column extended. This is not a good practice. Reduces stability quite a bit. Keep this in mind when purchasing a tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602859-REG/Sunpak__Pro_523PX_Carbon_Fiber.html

I have the Slik 700DX tripod legs for approximately $90.00 and the Slik AF-2100 Trigger Release Ballhead for approximately $90.00 for a total of $180.00.

I use this with a D300, Battery Grip and I can use the AF-S 70-300mm VR lens and other similar lenses on it. It seem very sturdy and works well for me.

You can also purchse the Slik 700DX that includes a standard tripod head for less than I paid for my combination.

Have you gone to your local camera store to see what they offer and to personally check out the gear?

ya, who really knows honestly. the velbon looks fine and all the reviews I find of owners say its great. the thing is most of the reviewers did not seem that experienced in photography. It is a little long (24") when folded, the induros are around 18 which I think would be easier for moving around. as for the induros I'm not sure what weight camera I should plan for.. 8 pounds might not be quite enough, and also, how stable can something be that weighs 2.1 pounds?

If they are priced "low" at introduction, then I think you're safe. If the price goes up then you have better alternatives in my opinion.

hmm.. I have seen good reviews of the velbon as a "travel" tripod.

I think this might be good for me, but I was impressed with what i've read about induro. I looked at the AT and CT lines and they seem promising. The weird thing was the ct014 holds 11 lbs and is 2.1 lb for 300$ on amazon. Interesting, the also unreleased AT013 is only 2.5 lbs and holds 8 lbs for 96$. I have a d5k w/ a kit lens, and I can't see myself getting any fancy lenses past maybe a 18-200 a few years from now. with that, any advice on these models?

I think I can afford to wait around and see how these end up being. The trouble is I'm afraid once people figure out they are good, the price will go up!

How's that new tripod Kellen? Got any pictures to share with us yet?

I personally don't like Manfrottos, so I just bought an Induro A413. It's aluminum, so it's a bit weighty, but it's sturdy and I really like it. Check out the Induro A213 or 313. The ballheads that you can get for them are really nice as well. Good balance of features vs. price. I'm very happy with mine.

If your main concern is weight and you know you want carbon fiber, though, you might have to be ready to pay up...

Price looks tempting, but knowing some Velbon tripods I doubt the quality.
I would rather go for some lower cost model from Manfrotto/Bogen, even non carbon fiber.

Hey Mike.

Can't say I've used one of these. I'm not sure that it's a completely carbon fiber tripod though. The real stuff is expensive. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a quick release, but you can replace the head later.

So, I know that I will be using a tripod for a long time and I want a decent one. I'd say my budget is about 200$ right now, and I'd like it to be as light as possible even if I sacrifice a little rigidity

does anyone have any information on this product?

http://www.amazon.com/Velbon-Carmagne-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod/dp/B0001Z99SS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I can't find any professional reviews on this. (does that mean it sucks?). It seems to be a pretty solid piece and for 200$ it seems like a good deal. I can just add a quick release later on right?

Thanks for the help,

Mike O