Looking for Feedback on Giotto Brand Tripods

[Sistereinstein]

Morning Everyone!

With my Canon 450D (Rebel XSi) - I still have not decided on a tripod, and I've done a lot of research. What I've come up with is, as noted in the subject line - are Giotto Tripods. My biggest/heaviest lens right now is my 55-250mm IS zoom lens. My intention is to make this part of my professional gear list that I'm building up to. Lighting will be next


I very much value the opinions of the DPS group and would really appreciate some feedback on whether this is a good tripod or if it is better to direct me to a different model.

Tripod:
Amazon.com: Giottos MT9360 Aluminum 4-Section Tripod Series III Professional: Camera & Photo
Ballhead:
Amazon.com: Giottos MH1000-652 Large Ball Head with Tension Control and MH652 Quick Release: Camera & Photo

Thank you in advance,
Dawn/Sistereinstein

[oldwolf]

Giotto makes some nice tripods but I prefer Manfrotto. I'm not fond of the twisting locks on the legs. I like the snapping kind because it takes me less time to set up the tripod and lock down the legs. I've got a tripod like this one:

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black): Electronics

[Krusty79]

I have a Giotto MT9242 tripod with a ball head made by someone else. This is my first non-cheapo tripod, so I can't really compare this against a Gitzo\Manfrotto\Benro. I do get a little impatient with the twist locks for the legs. Also, after shooting on the beach, I have some grit in the threads, but at least I can unscrew them all of the way and use an old toothbrush to remove the grit (well, most of it). Other than that, the tripod works fine for me. I don't have a telephoto lens yet, so I haven't pushed the amount of weight it can support.