Wish I could afford a Gitzo - but I have been extremely happy with my Bogen 3020. I don't care for the "lightweight" tripods - kinda defeats the purpose of having one to begin with. I like one that will extend to eye level without using the center column. (After all - once you start using the center column - you're turning your tripod into a monopod on a stand). As for the head - I guess it's a matter of personal preference and what type of photography you do. If you're shooting static subjects (archetecture, landscapes, etc.), a good 3-way pan head is probably the way to go (something in a Bogen 3047). This allows you to adjust separate directions without moving the others. For shooting, say, wildlife - I like a good ball head with a tension adjustment. Arca-Swiss makes a beautiful one (with a beautifully high prce sticker!). Bogen also makes a good, heavy-duty one - as well as a medium duty one. Bogen also makes a light weight ball head, but in my opinion, it's too light duty to be steady. Anyway - my few cents worth.