.... and I'm NOT talking about the bullet! This was the kidney stone I passed not long ago. MY 7th so far.... and the largest to date - a little over 6 mm! It was right at the breaking point as being too big to pass and requiring surgery. Thankfully, I didn't have to go under the knife.

For those who are fortunate enough to never have been plagued by one of these, I can only say.... "You have NO friggin' idea how lucky you are!"

I have a very high pain tolerance, but these little SOB's will bring you to your knees!

I knew a nurse who had a breech baby and she said the kidney stone she had was far worse than the backward delivery!

Yep.... it's THAT bad! Whew.... I hope to hell I NEVER have another one like the one in the photo!

Seriously considering upgrading to a carbon fiber tripod. Care not one whet for the center post, so it will be removed immediately if not sooner. Will be used primarily for DSLR with medium weight zooms(70-200, 100-400)
Needs to be:
a)relatively light, I do a lot of hiking/traveling
b)minimum support of +- 9#
c)positive adjustments
d)ability to get very low
e)height of 60+"
f)preferably less than $5C.

Also looking for a plate to convert from a manfrotto to arca swiss.

Would appreciate opinions based on first hand experience.