I like Pentax equipment because its looks cooler

(Just cutting to the chase)

Update:
OK, I've had the £16 Hama Mini-Traveller Pro for 6 days, and spent 3 of those up in the of the 'Loch District' giving it a run

-Small - almost the exact length of my Lowepro Flipside 200, which was unplanned but more than welcomed (as I do not have a 'periscope' sticking out my head)
-Light - just 100gm heavier than my SMC A 35-105
-Ridged - Clamps undone there is a comical amount of movement, but this disappears once the clamps are on. Surprisingly there is no play in the erect structure what so ever.
- Ease of use - in a way its kind of enjoyable compared to my big Velbon, the simplistic design and fittings means your adjusting less things to get your position. All 3 leg clamps can be un-done at the same time when setting up. Ball head holds my GX10 & SMC A 35-105 at all angles with no drift
Height wise, it would be a bonus if it was taller but then it would not be a 'mini-traveller', I never felt the need more height outdoors, (not for studio work.)

So I guess pretty much what the ePHOTOzine review said....

Yes you could try your luck on Ebay, and I was, but for £16 quid, particularly from a trusted site like Amazon, I am satisfied - a basic, yet solid and functional bargain it would seem...

As above!

I've got the DAL, I find it fantastic for walking around cities picking out bits of architecture, (and its very light)

Ha, yeah, it's easy to see how PentaxExpert get his kicks poking at the hornets nest of 'Pro' opinion.

I'm sure anyone sticking £2k worth of glass and body on a tripod would have no hesitation on spending big on one, just like anyone who can afford a Porsche can afford the insurance.

I would be selling my 2k worth of equipment, 1.5k tripod and the Porsche and going full frame or a 645D at that stage, or I suppose I might even be able to afford to keep them all, maybe use the APS-C gear as table stands and foot stools.

New thread idea - 'I have just bought a 645D and Hama Star 62 tripod. Can anyone recommend a good lens cloth? I have been using a £5 microfibre, however my friend says he's saving money recycling his used toilet roll?'

Incredible?! Macros? Distance? I'm confused, dumfounded and impressed. Having spent an hour hunched over a flower bed yesterday - I think I need to get this lens to avoid ending up in a wheel chair.

Great shots - lovely colours

+ 1 - just love that 3D bokeh!

Might start another thread 'What's the best way to spend £1500 on a tripod' - see if there's any off topic comments chastising the idea and recommending cheaper tripods, might get some more ideas LOL

Me too man, but people take their hobbies to different levels and all power to them. Certainly we all use our equipment to different levels of both punishment and frequency so the expense is justified for some.

I prefer to travel light and would rather spend money on bits of equipment I would use more often, and as I said have got the big Velbon if need be, so I ordered the £16 Hama from Amazon - will update my opinion upon testing - if anyone gives a monkeys

I think the guys are hinting at something here. With that kit I think you'd be pretty annoyed if you saw a shot and you didn't have it with you....

I'd just borrow the other half little Sony compact rather than buy my own

If it's any help I just helped my friend at work pick the Canon IxUS 310, though he hasn't received it yet. It seems to get great reviews with regard to low light shooting which compacts have always struggled with. Gives up a lot of zoom range compared to the Panasonic's (my next choice as they are Lecia's in disguise), but I would sacrifice the zoom for good low light capability - the Canon is a smaller too, has some manual controls, and has a nice screen with touch controls.