Originally posted by StiffLegged The OP has used a Bogen 3001 with medium format and was happy with the results. Has he tried the same tripod with his K-1? There's no point buying a new tripod if the existing one already does the job with his existing kit, or is a longer tele/zoom in prospect? Of course, the only proper course is to spend four figures on a carbon 'pod and a ballhead rated at 500kg – that way there's no arguing the kit isn't up to the job – but I feel some authorities believe the DSLR shutter is a 5-ton portcullis...
The Bogen 3001 with Medium Format film (Mamiya RZ67) was no problem. With mirror up and the leaf shutter in the lens there was virtually no camera induced vibration at any shutter speed. The amount of sharpness loss with the K-1 can be seen even with the tripod at its lowest leg extension from about 1/60 to 1/180 if I remember correctly, depending on the lens. This was using resolution charts. It may not be too evident in real world shooting.
The Bogen is a fine tripod which I have had for about 30 years. Once one of the metal clamps cracked and the company sent me a replacement without hesitation. It is the right height and light enough as well. Not the most fun dragging around when hiking though. It would be nice to find something a little lighter.
The cost of CF seems extreme for the small benefit, and if the lower cost versions are worse than aluminum, I will not be in a hurry to get one.
As for LV and PS I use them both. I get the idea of sandbags. Since I already have the weight of the camera bag to deal with, I have tried to find a way to fasten the strap of the bag to the tripod head, but it hasn't helped.