I had a cheap SLIK panning tripod for years. It was made for video and was light but it could handle digital camera with reasonably light lens. I carried it on the side of my camera bag. I go to shoot my daughter in an opera production and I find the (cheap) head and the center column ring on the tripod cracked. I was fortunate enough to go to the backstage and get some gaffer's tape to get through. With a trip to Italy planned this summer I needed a travel pod. I wanted a good one that will last me a lifetime but did not want to pay the Gitzo price. In comes Feisol carbon fiber tripod and Photo Clam ballhead.
http://reallybigcameras.com/Colors_of_Spring.htm has been extended April if anybody is looking for a tripod deal. They did not have my choice of blue and was willing to give me black (instead of a color of spring) which I wanted in the first place.
I got a chance to take it out to Tidal Basin for a spin. I am impressed. The twist lock takes getting used to. The level on the head is a nice feature I can really appreciate. The whole thing is tightly machined together and is a joy to use. It's light to carry and can handle even my 100-400 Zoom.
P.S. I had no issue with rotating legs at all. Once I got the feel for the twist lock, I had no problem setting up and breaking down the pod in a jiffy. The quick release plate was a free bonus.
