Thanks for your suggestion. Reviews of the CT-3442 are very positive. Have you ever had any issues with security/TSA? Regarding the CB-50D, is the primary difference between it and the 30D & 40D it's max load rating? There is only $30 spread between them so no biggie, but the 30D is half the weight of the 50D. I understand comments suggesting a larger tripod would be more stable but if I'm traveling by air its got to be a travel tripod...I was in Iceland last year and wish I had a tripod with me!

First, I recently discovered this site and am very excited about the information shared. I feel like I learn something new with each visit. Like the original poster I also purchased a Nikon D5300 last year along with their 18-140mm and 35mm lenses. I am 5' 8" tall. I don't have the option to try out a wide variety of tripods first hand and I am looking for something that I can travel by plane with. Before finding this site I was looking at reviews of the 'best' tripods in general and for travel on thewirecutter.com. Their recommendation for travel is a Mefoto Roadtrip that folds down to 15" or so and weighs 3.6 pounds. Without ever seeing it the Roadtrip seemed a little spindly to me and some reviews I've read confirm this. I had been thinking of moving up to their Globetrotter for extra stability then discovered uglyhedgehog. The Benro TMA38CLV3 on this thread seems to have a lot going for it, however its folded length is listed as 27.4"...almost as tall as my tallest luggage! I realize size was not of the the original posters requirements. So how do people travel with a stable tripod? I've read carry on is hit or miss and the Benro might not even fit in my checked bag. If possible I'd like to have only one tripod. Thanks...