I don't care for the "lever" type leg locks of the Manfrotto. I've used those in the field and they can catch on branches or sleeves. They also wear over time and need adjustment or replacement. I prefer the "twist" type lever locks of the Vanguard you mentioned.

But, I personally wouldn't buy that Vanguard either, because of it's rotating center column. Those typically make a tripod considerably less stable, sort of defeating the whole purpose. And, when swung to the side with a camera and lens mounted, the whole rig can tip over pretty easily.
Great tips, Thanks
Both those tripods use 3-section legs, which are better for stability than 4-section, though the tripod with more leg sections might collapse a little smaller for storage or stand a little taller when fully extended (making it less necessary to also raise the center column, which further reduces stability).

In fact, two of my tripods don't have any center column at all (and 3-section legs, all for max stability). A third does have a column, but just so that it can be reversed to do low angle macro shots (that one also has 4-section legs, but it's tall enough without it that the smallest, lowest leg section rarely needs to be extended).

Have you considered used? In the past couple years I've bought two used Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripods for about the same price as the Vanguard leg set you're looking at. That included shipping and both those tripods included some accessories that added value, too (a Leveling Platform on one, a Rapid Column on the other). I added heads, protective Leg Coats and got carrying bags for both, for under $500 apiece (I will upgrade the heads to better ones eventually).

Carbon fiber is good... though I think it's weight/strength ratio, which is what's most often talked about, is the less important of it's benefits. IMO, the main reason for using a tripod made with it is that CF does a great job absorbing and dampening vibrations... better than metal.

Be sure any tripod is tall enough for you. Look for something that will give adequate working height without having to raise any center column, or even without any center column at all. Keep in mind that the head and camera itself on top of the tripod will add to the overall height... and that the viewfinder port need only reach your eye level to be comfortable, not the very top of your head (unless you're related to "Star War's" Jar Jar Binks :roll: ).

I always encourage people to spend extra on a tripod... to stretch their budget as much as they can. Because it really can be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, if bought right. A "better" tripod also encourages you to use it... a flimsy one or one that loosens up over time or one that's just not pleasant to use, you'll be more inclined to leave at home or in the trunk fo the car.

One of the benefits of brands such as Manfrotto and Gitzo is the extensive list of options that are available to be able to adapt any tripod for your particular use. RRS has developed a similar system. Long-established brands such as these also have spare parts available, should repair ever be needed.

You'll still need to get a tripod head with either of the models you're considering... Do you want quick releases? If so, the Arca-Swiss type are the most universal and versatile... offered by many different manufacturers. Until recently, Manfrotto and Gitzo were not among these... they each had their own, proprietary QR systems. But now both of them are also starting to offer some A-S compatible items, too. This might be more important if you look at complete head/tripod kits, rather than just leg sets. You might find good value in a full kit, but only if both head and leg set meet all your personal criteria.

(FYI... Manfrotto and Gitzo have the same parent company... which also owns and makes Sachtler tripods, among other photo and video accessories).

I don't care for the "lever" type leg locks of the Manfrotto. I've used those in the field and they can catch on branches or sleeves. They also wear over time and need adjustment or replacement. I prefer the "twist" type lever locks of the Vanguard you mentioned.

But, I personally wouldn't buy that Vanguard either, because of it's rotating center column. Those typically make a tripod considerably less stable, sort of defeating the whole purpose. And, when swung to the side with a camera and lens mounted, the whole rig can tip over pretty easily.

Both those tripods use 3-section legs, which are better for stability than 4-section, though the tripod with more leg sections might collapse a little smaller for storage or stand a little taller when fully extended (making it less necessary to also raise the center column, which further reduces stability).

In fact, two of my tripods don't have any center column at all (and 3-section legs, all for max stability). A third does have a column, but just so that it can be reversed to do low angle macro shots (that one also has 4-section legs, but it's tall enough without it that the smallest, lowest leg section rarely needs to be extended).

Have you considered used? In the past couple years I've bought two used Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripods for about the same price as the Vanguard leg set you're looking at. That included shipping and both those tripods included some accessories that added value, too (a Leveling Platform on one, a Rapid Column on the other). I added heads, protective Leg Coats and got carrying bags for both, for under $500 apiece (I will upgrade the heads to better ones eventually).

Carbon fiber is good... though I think it's weight/strength ratio, which is what's most often talked about, is the less important of it's benefits. IMO, the main reason for using a tripod made with it is that CF does a great job absorbing and dampening vibrations... better than metal.

Be sure any tripod is tall enough for you. Look for something that will give adequate working height without having to raise any center column, or even without any center column at all. Keep in mind that the head and camera itself on top of the tripod will add to the overall height... and that the viewfinder port need only reach your eye level to be comfortable, not the very top of your head (unless you're related to "Star War's" Jar Jar Binks :roll: ).

I always encourage people to spend extra on a tripod... to stretch their budget as much as they can. Because it really can be a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, if bought right. A "better" tripod also encourages you to use it... a flimsy one or one that loosens up over time or one that's just not pleasant to use, you'll be more inclined to leave at home or in the trunk fo the car.

One of the benefits of brands such as Manfrotto and Gitzo is the extensive list of options that are available to be able to adapt any tripod for your particular use. RRS has developed a similar system. Long-established brands such as these also have spare parts available, should repair ever be needed.

You'll still need to get a tripod head with either of the models you're considering... Do you want quick releases? If so, the Arca-Swiss type are the most universal and versatile... offered by many different manufacturers. Until recently, Manfrotto and Gitzo were not among these... they each had their own, proprietary QR systems. But now both of them are also starting to offer some A-S compatible items, too. This might be more important if you look at complete head/tripod kits, rather than just leg sets. You might find good value in a full kit, but only if both head and leg set meet all your personal criteria.

(FYI... Manfrotto and Gitzo have the same parent company... which also owns and makes Sachtler tripods, among other photo and video accessories).

If you want a really great carbon fiber tripod without breaking the bank
PHOTPRO makes a copy of the RRS carbon fiber with and without a center colum .., at a fraction of the price .., if you buy it from one of the largest camera distributors in Canada .. They quote you in Canadian Dollars ..!

The one I purchased cast $869 in the US a three leg 36 mm no center colum carbon fiber ...supports 76 lbs ..only weighs 5.2 lbs and will actually support me hanging upside down from it .., anyway .. My cost from Canada $469.00..

I have almost $3,000 in monopods and tripods .. And this PHOTO PRO has replaced all of them .. I used it exclusively in Yosemite for 8 days of hiking ..my profile pic shows it with my big lens ...

You probably don't need that heavy a model .., the point is .., you can get an outstanding carbon fiber copy of the RRS from a Canadian Dist at a fraction of the cost .., National Geographic uses them now ... My Manfrotto tripod and 400 geared head were originally $1,300 .. Now they sit unused ..

My brother and I discovered that the quotes from the Canada Photo Distributors were in Canadian dollars .., when converted to US dollars ..which you will be paying in .., the cost drops off the charts ..

I consider RRS to be some of the best stuff I have ever used ..to get an equal quality and functionality at over 1/2 the price .. Well ..

Good luck ..,