G1548 (has been superseded by gt5540) for $450 at FM

That's about as sturdy a tripod as they come, although probably overkill for most...

Negatives vs the new version:

- a bit heavier
- leg sections rotate when unlocked<ul><li><a href="http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/637448">http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/637448</a</li></ul>