Redged - very nice new tripod kit, from a Dutch company that I only recently came across. The "kit" versions come with a ball head fitted. It also came with a sturdy case, which has a handy little side pocket for tools and perhaps a spare camera mounting plate. All that kind of stuff was in the list of optional extras with the (frustrating... keeps breaking!) expensive Manfrotto - along with the spike feet things that I replaced the simple bits of rubber with... after one came off somewhere in the snow and mud of Munlochy Bay (more frustration).

Have replaced the latest fractured leg clamp on the Manfrotto tripod, but don't have much faith in it, since it's failed twice this year, with this problem. Both occasions were after lugging the heavy thing up a hill. Fortunately because I noticed something was wrong, the expensive photo-gear on top of it, was restrained from diving into the pool I was next to, or off the side of the hill. The new tripod is much more compact, and a darn sight lighter, and uses a better system for clamping the legs. Very nice. Of course I reserve the right to change my mind after some field trials. The manufacturer gives a two year warranty, which they'll boost to three if you register on-line. So they have some faith in it.