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.

You lucked out. I made at least 6 attempts to purchase one of these tripods. I have not been able to get one. They keep going up well over 100 dollars. I guess this is still a bargain, but sometimes you hear of people being able to get them for 70 or 80 dollars.

Tim

Hey Tim,

Keep trying. I find that the best ones to bid on are the ones that expire in the evenings - usually later evening. I am a late bird (does not always help when I see infomercials ).

I also bid on several and failed...often at the last second.

-JM