Thanks, very helpful.
Looks low enough, though.
I found one for sale with the head on eBay, will follow it.

Even with the short column?

Thanks Glover, that'd be very helpful.
I saw the package with the head, but I'll get a head with an Arca Swiss type quick release.
I think that if I can't find a second-hand carbon fiber tripod a bit higher spec'd at a very attractive price, then I'll buy this one new.
By the way, does it come with the short column, and the tool kit?

Thanks for the pics hefty, they illustrate your point perfectly.

Meanwhile, I've made a shortlist of potential candidates, and here's the cheapest amongst them. Does anyone have any experience with it, or do you think it would be up to the task (K-7 + A*300 + 1.7xAF + head)?

Giottos MTL9351B

Thanks for your input, guys.

I'm still undecided about the carbon vs. aluminium issue. Apart from the weight gain, does carbon have an edge as far as sturdiness, stability and vibration dampening are concerned?

On the height issue, I'm completely at a loss. I know I wouldn't want the folded size to be bigger than 25" (same height as my 679B monopod), I'd probably prefer 3 rather than 4 sections, but have no idea what maximum height is required, both for central column extended, and not (I'm 6'2)

hmmmm... that's interesting. I hadn't realised Benbo tripods had this feature.

Ok, that's why I'd probably be looking for one of those with a hook at the end of the central column, so that I can stabilise it with a bag or something.

Doesn't the possibility of adjusting the central column horizontally solve this problem? If not, then I guess that's my second point answered, and I'll go for one with fully adjustable column (which precludes Manfrotto, Benro/Induro/Gitzo copycats, and leaves Redsnapper Vanguard and Giottos in the running).

Thanks Hefty,

I've had a look at the Benbos, as they are so highly recommended on this forum, but they're really a little too heavy for me I think

Just received the Pentax 1.7x AF adapter that's going to fit very nicely on my A* 300 2.8 (...unfortunately haven't been able to try it as my K-7 is out for servicing because of some front-focus issues )

I've still managed to figure out that my trusty Velbon Ultra Maxi F is going to be woefully inadequate at supporting this combo. I'm in the process of finding his successor, and after reading countless tripod threads, I think I'll go for something like this set-up:

. Manfrotto/Benro/Giotto legs, possibly with fully adjustable central column

. a Benro B-1, or equivalent

. a Wimberley Sidekick (unfortunately they don't make copies of those yet :blush. I like the Manfrotto 393, but it's a little heavy and cumbersome, and it mounts on the central column - I'd prefer to keep the ball head mounted all the time.

However, there are still some issues I'm not quite clear about.

Considering I'll be using the tripod mostly with the tele, and a bit of macro as well:

. How important is the maximum height? I don't think the tripod with central column extended all the way to reach my eye-level (I'm 6'2) would be very stable with a lens of that weight, so I guess I would be using it mostly seated anyway (maybe thinking of getting a small folding chair)?

. Some of those tripods (Manfrottos) can be positioned very close to the ground (~4-5") but can only adjust the colum vertically or horizontally, while others have a minimum height of 10" or more at best but can fully adjust the column at any angle. Which is the best for macro? Are there situations were I'd be hindered by the lack of one or the other functionalities, or do they both cover "all the angles"?

. Looking at the Giottos in particular, I see the carbon versions are about 0.3kg lighter, but £70 more expensive. At this point I'd probably favor the aluminium ones, but are there other advantages with carbon over aluminium?

. I think I'll go for an all-Arca Swiss type plates set-up (that's why I like the Benro head), so that changing lenses is easier - do they come in several sizes? If so, is there a minimun size required for the 9lbs of the A* + converter + k-7?

TIA

Mike, thanks for the explanation.