Sorry Bsteph, I meant nplus. Well, considering that the ones I have 'work', I am now wanting one that I don't even think much about--it just does its job. In fact, right this minute, I am using the funny little Minolta as a table top to try some reflection pics--and its good for that. I really want one now that will carry me for a long while. I want one that I don't say 'damn' every time I want to make a change somewhere--or that doesn't 'quite' hold. Bsteph, I am NOT the woodsy construction type, tho' my partner is. He has been my 'rock and my fortress' LOL--so to speak--in all my problems for my textile art (and 3 houses we've rebuilt). However, I really don't want to futz around this time. Oh, and then a 'nature' photographer (whose work I admire) recommended the Gitzo (which--I think, is now owned by Bogen). I'm still leaning heavily to a Bogen. Alpha, Nplus--how do you carry your tripods??(I am picking brains all I can because this is a fairly good sized purchase that I don't want to make again).