Three legged Thing...

http://www.3leggedthing.com/

As it happens I know what you're talking about, so here's the links to the reviews I did of Brian and Eddie:

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/3-Legged-Thing-X1-Brian-Tripod-15245

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/3-Legged-Thing-X2-Eddie-Tripod-15244

Interesting. Have you used one? If so, is it stable and how well does the ball head work?

A bit late for me as I've just bought a tripod but otherwise I would have been tempted to support a British company. Seems fairly comparable to the Giotto head and Benro tripod I bought, a bit cheaper and a combined monopod though.

I like the idea of the monopod built into it, and it's good to see they use an Arca Swiss QR.

If I were in the market for a tripod I might consider one. I may do anyway - as a travel pod since they are a lot small folded than mine is.

AHH I like the look of the X2 very much, I have a very expensive Carbon Manfrotto 190 with an Acratech GV2 Head but despite it being compact still gets left at home. That just may go on sale here now because of your review John:arrow:
Incidentally John how did you find the size weight Portability Vs Sturdiness etc, Your review is very positive...

They both look very nice and having recently lugged my Manfrotto (055ProB & 460MG head) up a few hills I was possibly in the market for a light weight equivalent but I find £300 somewhat expensive. For my limited use I think I'll be happy lugging the extra 2kg around in the knowledge that I could put that cost saving towards something else .

Glyn

I was going to invent one of those. Onto the next...

I don't think there's much to add to the review. The tripods are compact and light to carry but very sturdy and with a terrific ball head. When I upgrade a tripod it will be Eddie.

Thanks John it's the Eddie I'm looking at, seems to have the best mix of features size and sturdiness.
The quality of the Ballhead was the other worry, I have an Acratech GV2 Which cost me the best part of three hundred quid, it's very very good but THREE HUNDRED QUID!

You can buy Eddie without his head I believe and put your own head on - of course that would affect the weight I suppose.

I don't think it would fold up completely with my Acratech on?
I'll ask em, Acratech brought out a Head with smaller base just for that purpose but I'm not shelling out that much again in a hurry... Despite my Carrying weight obsession I'm also looking at their Mag Alloy pods too. They are only about 300Gms Heavier model dependant but a whopping £120 less!
Just wondering how well they damp vibration, that said I never had any trouble with my Aluminium Manfrottos despite them seeming very rigid...:arrow:

These guys are very helpful, they are going the extra mile to gain My custom, not going to say any more than that right now but if your'e wondering about Three Legged Thing, talk to them, their attitude is so refreshing! They deserve every success...
Will have more to say next week...:arrow:

Darn it, my Slik 700DX (though great) has been breaking my back for two and a half years now. Tempted to break that 'no photo gear' resolution already...

Ok then I'll break my silence! (Didn't take long!:lol
if you talk to Three Legged Thing, at the moment they are running a scheme whereby they will loan you one for a week! mine arrives on Monday, they take your card details and if you like it you buy it if not you send it back! They are a bit inundated with requests I think at the moment and I didn't want to open the floodgates, however I have have just spoken to them and they say it's ok to let the Cat out of the bag...:arrow: