I picked up an Assia Carbon Fiber Tripod from Ebay today. Having used my friend's Gitzo, I dare say this the build quality is similar (but not quite as nice) for about 1/3 the price.

The tripod cost me $85 US after shipping and handling. It weighs about 3 pounds without the ball head and supports 15 pounds over-all. It even comes in a nice little case. There were some minor scuffs on some of the alluminum portions of the tripod that made me think it was possible that the tripod had been returned. The fellow has a very high positive feedback and the scuffs are very minor.

For the money, it seems like a very functional product. Sturdy and lightweight.

-JM

PS The seller is Ksood...and no, I don't have any financial connection with him. There are other carbon fiber tripods on E-bay that are going for much more (still not Gitzo) by Amvona.