tripod anyone every try this one?

I would take a strong look at LeoFoto. I've been extremely happy with the ones I have.


In the below photo (I am not the shooter) the Tripod is a LN-364C I got directly from someone who also sells on Ebay for $385 Shipped from China, but there are several retailers stateside that have them, including Amazon. The ballhead is a LeoFoto LH-55 I got on Amazon for $225. I also swapped out the clamp for a RRS SC-LR because I wanted something that worked on Arca and picatinny.

It's not going to be as light as a real RRS setup though, but about half the cost.

This LS-324C and LH-40 Combo on Amazon for $339 is a good lighter weight setup. I have one of these as well and wouldn't hesitate to shoot off of it, but probably not ideal if you are going to really lay into it. Probably not tall enough if you are gonna be standing, depending on how tall you are.

7067958
 
I got a chance to play with Bog's Deathgrip in both aluminum and carbon flavors this weekend and I am very impressed with them. For the money it is a phenomenal value!! The only details I missed was to check if the clamping mechanism can be removed to show 1/4 or 5/16's threaded studs and I could not find a weight capacity.