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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Stephen Mark" data-source="post: 3235448" data-attributes="member: 126138">Frankly I have never seen a Manfrotto tripod, and I've seen dozens, that is worth 400 dollars let alone 4oo pounds. The tubing is too thin and at least a generation out of date. Gitzo and RRS are very good but way overpriced, at least one and a half what they should be. Since Gitzo got bought out by the same people who own Manfrotto they ain't what they were though reportedly the quality is somewhat better lately. The names to look at in that price range are Induro (some real deals as they are redoing the line), Benro, Sirui, Feisol and Slik but only the top of the line they make some cheap junk. I have and love the Manfrotto 502 Video head for my Kowa 803 scope. Its the best I've found if you can handle the weight.My opinions involve a lot of money and time sending back losers. I currently have three Induros and won't be looking at tripods for a long time. I use them for photography as well as birding.Steve</blockquote>