Manfrotto and Velbon are two manufacturers who have come along way in recent years. Both of these have some good models out at the mo.
If you want to go for something a little more specialist, checkout some of the secondhand units around, try out some of the later black finish Uniloc makes (the earlier brown uniloc didn't have as tight a quality control). In my opinion a good one will give many years service.
Incidentally, the Uniloc company was formed by one of the Kennett Benbo company partners who had a falling out. Benbo products are generally very good units, but do get the right model, and also checkout that quality control, which is variable at the best of times.
Slik are also a good manufacturer from years gone by, but at the mo I don't feel they offer the same value as Velbon or Manfrotto......years ago the Slik 88 and black diamond models were best sellers. Unfortunately I bought an 88! (very heavy by todays standards).
Bottom line....check any potential model out. Don't rule out the lighter weight carbon fibre ones if the budget allows. (your back will thankyou for it).
This would be one thing I WOULDN'T buy via the net. (try them out/ open them out first)
hope this helps
good luck
Last edited by Joe; 28-05-07 at 12:01.
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