Just some additional points, IMHO. 40 years of this, I have opinions.
Good technique is more important than the equipment. or who made it.
Modern IS/VR can compensate for a undersized tripod. Early IS/VR would "feedback" on a tripod, and add vibration; overcompensate. The newer systems don't; word from on high, CANON themselves.
To paraphrase a cultural icon, you need to understand the limitations. Heavy, sturdy used to be the necesisity, but with IS/VR, smaller and lighter support is doable; but not placing the tripod on the top of Everest, or in a fast mountain stream is important, too.
As to different brands; I can still get parts for my 20 year old Bogen/Manfrotto 3001. I like Giottos, they are a premier Taiwan co., but no experience with customer service. Gitzo, the gold standard, only worries me due to the constantly changing model #s. Of all my support devices, the little Giottos, for my Canon G9, is the sweetest, then my Gitzo monopod, which can do duty as a personal protection device as well. The Giottos is smoother and faster than either of my Gitzos.
Another small point; carbon fiber only starts to make a difference in midsize support; the strength to weight ratio. Below midsize, the price difference between CF and Aluminium is extreme with little difference in capacities.
When I was researching small tripods for my G9, I was also impressed by the Slik CF tripods, but price was an issue.