Bogen / Manfrotto. Best bang for the buck hands down.:thumbup:
You can pay more (and much less), but they are hard to beat. And when they do manage to break or get stolen, you don't cry; you just pick up the phone, call B&H and have another the next day...
Mine has survived North Africa and quite a few other unsavory places and still works like new (but the black anodize is wearing in places).
I don't think I'll EVER get that North Africa dust out of every crevice however...
The quick-release plates are great, and I've never had any problems supporting even my old 800mm/5.6L lens on it, with the old Canon 'New' F-1 and motor drive.
I would go heavier for video use, but no need for film/digital... The tripod and head weigh less than my EOS-1d and 24-70/2.8L lens.. Not heavy at all...
If you haven't figured it out yet, Highly recommended!!!:lol: