Rating: - Great Tripod!
Very stable, light (relatively) and cool-looking (shouldn't really matter, but is an added bonus). I use this with a Markin's M10. By the way, the head is wonderful, too. Back to the tripod. Sure you could spend less, but you would notice a loss in steadiness, functionality, or cool-lookingness (not a real word, but it should be). Arguably, you could spend more, but I don't think you'd be gaining anything on this killer tripod. Buy it and enjoy.
Cheers,
Kevin
Rating: - Bogen-Manfrotto 055mf3
this tripod is very well built and easy to use. would replace it with the same one in a heart beat if this one was lost. carbon fiber is the way to go, light weight and vibration resistant.
Rating: - Best Tripod Ive ever had
This its trully a very versatile tripod, its my first experience with Manffrotto (I used Vivitar tripods before) and will definetly make me a returning customer
Rating: - Amazing
This tripod actually weighs a little more than some of my other tripods, but it is balanced so well that it feels lighter and is easier to carry around with you all day than my others. Also, despite the fact that Bogen does not recommend them, you can use the 3430 Tripod Leg Protectors with this tripod to help pad it some and keep your hands warmer in cold weather. They are not the easiest things to get on though due to the larger triangular leg shape of the 055, but with some pliers and a friend it can be done.
This tripod has a very solid feel and is very versatile with the various leg positions and repositional center column. It is also taller than many of the other options which keeps you from have to stoop over as much which can really save on your back after a long day of shooting. All the locks and leg segments are very sturdy and firm which gives you a real sens of stability when using this. A tripod is about the most important thing to consider when it comes to getting sharp photos. If you don't have an easy to use rock solid tripod, you will regret it when your pictures end up soft. So do yourself a favor and make sure you get a good tripod such as this one and use it regularly.