It’s actually a very common practice in photo journalism. The AP has very strict
Guidelines on what can and cannot be edited. For instance a photo can be cropped but people cannot be edited out. They don’t allow for a lot of leeway.

The point is that the photog is trying to capture an image that is documentary, not necessarily artistic. Al thought the good ones often do both. RAW simply requires too much editing and allowance for interpretation of the image.

A good example was years ago Time had a photo of OJ Simpson that they intentionally darkened his face with deep shadows to make him look more sinister. There were significant ethics issues involved and they clearly editorialized a photo through editing.

As usual a blanket statement, without context, is not often accurate or helpful. In this case the news agencies need accuracy and raw does not help. In some ways it hinders.

Often field photogs are uploading their pics on the fly. Others may be downloading them, determining what goes to publication etc. in addition They simply don’t have time to mess with each photo. Just like some wedding photogs and others. Time is money. And they’re on a very tight schedule.

I shoot almost exclusively RAW the latitude it provides my amateur skills. The news agencies are trying to achieve the exact opposite. Now if they could achieve neutrality and accuracy in reporting we’d all be better off.

The unfortunate truth about tripods is that you get what you pay for. An old joke is that you can get a tripod that is lightweight, sturdy and inexpensive (pick any two).

The other truism is that stated weight ratings are absolutely meaningless.

To answer your question, CF is lighter than aluminum, and more expensive. But a CF tripod assembled to meet a low price point can still be junk (ask me how I know).

I am not sure if this site is still testing new products, but thecentercolumn site has tested numerous tripods and lists the specs and results. They have a separate listing for travel tripods. A surprisingly strong performer was the brand Leofoto, a relatively inexpensive copycat brand that seems to make good products.

Good luck with your search, and enjoy your trip!

About 15 months ago, I had a D-500 take a bath...i.e. partially submerged in water...Just for a laugh, I sent it to Nikon repair in NY, thinking they were going to tell me..."It's a nice paper weight"...3 weeks later, I had it back, fully cleaned, recalibrated. I also have used a place in Miami that does a lot of repair work for UPI, API, AFP on their equipment, I've had 2 bodies worked on there & they have access to all Nikon parts Southern Photo Repair 37 NE 167 St, Miami, 33162 (305)653-7355... Given the model of your camera & possible cost, it may be cheaper to go out on KEH.com, MPB.com & buy a good quality used one