Tripod Help - Need Sound Advice ASAP

[Alex Gutterson]

I need to pickup a tripod ASAP for a variety of gigs - however I still don't know which direction to go.

The Cartoni HiDV1 is the most I could possibly afford.

I currently have a 7.5lb rig but will be getting a matte box/rails/35mm adapter/etc. in the future.

So the question becomes 3-fold.

1. Seeing and all I will be needing a tripod that will be able to handle more weight down the road -- would anythign within my price range be future proof?

2. If not, which would be the best option for handling my current payload?

3. Would it be possible (as I still need to buy some more goodies for my cam and am now broke) to be able to use a 500 dollar setup functionally for weddings? If so what tripod would be best -- some people swear by the 503hdv, some say it is crap. Others say that Libec makes a professional product, etc.

Also -- I have seen online a Gitzo 1380 head with the 11lb spring setup which was moderately affordable. Does anyone have any experience with this head and have advice based upon my needs (my main concern is being able to professionally pan in telephoto for weddings) ? Does anyone know where to get replacement springs - as the one I found only has the 11lb variety? Does anyone know what would be a good cheap leg selection to throw under this head? (all of these other questions are based upon whether or not this head is any good)

Thank you immensely - Alex.

[Alex Gutterson]

really asap... BUMP