Nepal wrote:... these legs just support 6 lbs which is very close to the the weight of my camera body + one lenses with L-plate and quick level release clamps. With my type of photography which often involves exposure time over several minutes to an hour or also, I doubt these legs can hold. But I will certainly do more research on this.
I only have to support a D90, so I went for the lightest legs. Amazon is selling other sizes as well, almsot the same price. Saw some Benro legs for 40 pound loads for $219 - $470 off list blowout price
http://www.amazon.com/Benro-C-358M8-BEN ... 592&sr=8-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but now we're at 4.4 pounds
In between there are these legs - $120, so you won't worry about scratching them up in the talus:
http://www.amazon.com/Benro-C-158M8-BEN ... 687&sr=8-4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
full specs here
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... ripod.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
17.6 pound load, weight 2.6 pounds. I went with the lighter one because I only have a D90 and cheap plastic glass when I hike, so weight does overall remain in check.
Benro isn't Gitzo, but when I strap these things to my pack I don't want top worry about a $700 set of legs getting beat up the next time I put the pack down. Can't beat the Amazon prices right now, and Benro is definitely a notch above the no-name Chinese stuff. Been looking for a used Gitzo on ebay for months, and when I saw these prices on Amazon, I changed my mind.