However, it is time consuming to say the least when trying to pan, which is via my arms picking up the ladder and rotating manually. Your review of the Gitzo carbon fiber tripod caught my attention. Gitzo was the first company to manufacture a carbon fiber tripod, but tripod aficionados know that Velbon was the first company to combine carbon fiber legs with a magnesium body, creating a tripod of superior strength and lightness. Hakuba, one of Japan's largest camera accessories manufacturers, and Velbon's U.S. distributor, will be putting it's own carbon fiber models on the market this Spring. Gitzo Montaineer 1228 is a carbon fiber tripod.
Carbon fiber is the very best electrical conductor.
I've seen too much storms in the mountains, so I don't like walking with a lightning rod tied on to my rucksack. I am going to sell my Bogen on eBay and get either the Velbon or the Slik.