[Rolf]

Hi Jeff

.....Some food for thought? I like Manfrotto... but it is really a matter of affordability and what meets your needs and what type of photography you do.

Kind regards
Rolf

Hi Rolf this is all quite brilliant and helpful. Thank you. My camera and lens (D610+80-400G) weigh about 2.5 kg and my immediate concern was to have a lightweight travel tripod for overseas travel which would take that weight and yet be lightweight itself, as well as being sufficiently stable and double quick to prepare for use. I went the Manfrotto direction you indicate, going for the Befree. I set it up with matching camera and lens in the local store and found that at the price it was worth a try. At some future point I will have to move to a serious tripod no doubt, but hopefully this will be a significant step forward. Mashpi Lodge and Galapagos, here I come. Thanks again, Jeff

Very Welcome Jeff, envy your travels... share some pics?

Kind regards

Rolf