I have a
Giottos MT 9242. When I was a videotog, I cheaped (
) out on tripods. My
Giottos MT 9242 is made very well, considered lightweight professional-grade and made of aluminum. I like tools to be made like machine parts and this is. I paid $117 with a store discount. I am happy with it as an entry-level pod. Perhaps someday I will notch up to another pod...maybe one of those carbon-composite types. For now this is quite good. Here's a tip: You buy the tripod and the head separately on good quality pods. My ball head is the smallest Giottos (MH 1104). It's quite functional for now but, the neat thing, is I can step up into a beefier head anytime. I have learned that it is best for me to remove my battery grip from my K10d before mounting on the pod.
Oh yes, my Giottos came with a really nice case and shoulder strap. Also, I made an 8-pound bean bag. Stitched all by myself (LOL) and it also is a handy tool for about $5 worth of dried pinto beans. It's always in my car.
Hope this helps.
