Anyone have any experience with these?

[flameshots]

Fotopro Carbon Fiber MGC-584N Tripod + Ball head K1B - eBay (item 230424072107 end time Feb-13-10 01:10:25 PST)

I know you get what you pay for, but I am on a budget and really need a new pod. What do y'all think?

The other option is the manfrotto 160 but I will have to buy the ball head with it and I will be up to almost $300 after buying two ball heads. (I'll have to replace the ball head on my mono pod for compatibility sake).

 

[kundalini]

If you go with a Manfrotto head with RC QR plate, you can get the tilt/swivel head for monopods.

Manfrotto | 234RC Swivel/Tilt Head for Monopods, with | 234RC

No need for a second ball head solely for the monopod.

 

[flameshots]

If you go with a Manfrotto head with RC QR plate, you can get the tilt/swivel head for monopods.

Manfrotto | 234RC Swivel/Tilt Head for Monopods, with | 234RC

No need for a second ball head solely for the monopod.

Sweet. It uses the same base plate and it's not $75.00! I didn't know they even existed.
Thank you kundalini

 

[flameshots]

Ok, I'm bumping this one again to get some more feed back. I have found the allum. version of this pod and it's only a few ounces heavier. With that said it's also $100 cheaper. It has the same ball head and one of the legs becomes a mono-pod eliminating the need for me to go over budget and buy multiple heads. What do you guys think of this type of unit? I know it's made in china but so is most of the other units available in my price range. Here's the link to the aluminum one.

Fotopro Aluminum alloy MGA-584N Tripod + Ball head K1C - eBay (item 330397861434 end time Feb-20-10 19:30:58 PST)

The other option is a Manfrotto but I would only be able to afford the 486 head and it doesn't have the ability to Pano like this unit would and would force me to buy another mount for my monopod.

I know I know shut up already. This is my first "real" tri-pod and I want to get the most for my money. Thank you for your input.

Marc.