Took a chance, worked out fine...
 

My new "Feisol" tripod arrived today, fresh from the Left Coast.
Well-packed, well-packaged.

I wanted a carbon fiber tripod that would be between Manfrotto and Gitzo
tripods in quality. I think Feisol delivers. I looked at three or four
Manfrottos at a local camera store, and two Gitzo carbon fiber tripods.
The Feisol sells for about the same as the Manfrottos, but seems to be
better built and sturdier, at least to my eyes and touch.
There's no question, though, that Gitzo is the cream of the crop, but
the nearest Gitzo that interested me was 50% more.

I got this one:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...0/ae45aac9.jpg


But there are many others.

I didn't get the center column feature. Seems tall enough without it.

Still waiting for ballhead to arrive.

Cheers.