Hi All,
Well, it's time for my next dilema*, and I'm hoping you might be able to help...
So, as subject, I'm in the market for a proper tripod to complement my refreshed setup; and I've narrowed the choice of legset down to:
Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 - Widely-known as a very good quality bit of kit.
Giottos MTL8361B - Not as widely-used, but those who do seem to have good reports.
I'm currently using a pretty heavy and not amazingly stable or versatile aluminium legset; but the weight hasn't really bothered me, so both of the models I'm considering will be nice and light in comparison. My primary concern for the new legset is stability (I shoot a lot of landscape stuff, often in pretty wind-swept locations), but I have thought about minimum height a bit - sometimes (not often, but...) it's been useful to get the camera close to the deck (which my currently legs can't do so I resort to standing a Gorillapod on the floor - not my preferred solution).
I've seen the specs for the 055CXPRO3 note it's minimum height is 11.5cm - but I can't figure out how it gets that low, is there some trick to using the legs without the centre-column? I've struggled to find information anywhere about how it's done.
The Giottos of course can sling the camera under the top of the head (between the legs), which means a) you can get the camera to almost 0cm - ok it's a little awkward, but it's possible and b) you can do it without having to spread the legs as wide as they'll go - potentially pretty useful if on a ledge, cliff-top etc.
So, I find myself wondering how the two stack up stability and build-quality wise. Does anyone have experience they could share? If the Manfrotto will be massively more stable, I'd be quite happy to accept 11.5cm as minimum height, but if they're evenly matched in stability/engineering/build terms; I think having that 'real low' ability might be enough to swing me toward the Giottos.
I think I'm likely to use a Manfrotto 460MG 3D head regardless of the legset (well, for landscape work anyway); and probably a Manfrotto ball head (with the same QR plate) for other types of shooting (which need less precise, but quicker repositioning). I can't see any reason for me to struggle using those on the Giottos legs should I end-up making that choice, or is there something I've missed?
I'm eternally grateful for any advice you might be able to offer!
Thanks in advance and best regards,
Rob.
*The last dilema being choice of body. I've not let the cat out of the bag yet, but the help I got here, and yet more serious thought did get me to a decision. I'll say no more until I order - delayed until crimble bonus time, as I had the opportunity to start my 'L' collection at great prices and I'm now the proud owner of a 17-40 and a 70-200 2.8 IS 
