One major No-NO for me is the twist to unlock legs. If a tripod doesn't have quick unlock/lock tabs I simply avoid it. I have an old Slik with twist and I use a Bogen gear head on it, and it is more stationary, but for anything that I will move in lanscape type work, I would not get a twist lock system. I have had the SLIK for about 10 years and even marking the direction for lock and unlock and the number of times to turn it..it is theee most frustrating thing.
I like the way it goes low and looks like the legs can work independently, and hope they lock in various stops.
I'm not a ball head user, and always thought to try it, but I hate to fiddle around to level things off.
Anyone know of any CF tripod with tab lock under $200? and about or under 3lbs?
I ask this weight as I think Alum+mag combo also are very light weight.