Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

How thick and what type of steel?

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

Mochaman Loc: Wilmington, NC

Hi,
I don't know if you have seen this thread, http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=8481046&t=502574 started by Kreb's Cyclist, but it came at a time when I was on the fence about Sirui, Manfroto, Vanguard, and Benro.

Advice from HOG community is excellent - many tips and pointers to consider before plunking down your cash. Comments regarding articulating center column are accurate - it absolutely destabilizes the tripod - counter weights are your best bet against "Mr. Bill Syndrome" .... however, you'll have added functionality.

My suggestions, after recently purchasing a Benro FGP-28C(GO+), are: set a budget, but expect to exceed it a bit. Next, think about the type of photographs you take and possible new directions you'd explore. Next, your gear compliment and the heaviest combo you'd use on the tripod.... THEN add the weight of tripod and head, you'll be traveling around with.
As already indicated, you may come to the conclusion that one tripod does not fit the bill.

In my case - in my opinion, as a relative 'Nube' with interests in wildlife/birding, ground - tabletop, and landscape, I chose Benro for it's flexibility, relative light weight considering max height w/o extending center column, articulating center column.... and it's relative sturdiness (my post: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=8489651&t=502574 ).

Knowing I could not afford an RSS or Gitzo, set my upper limit .... only time will tell if this works for all my needs.

Happy hunting!