[3/8"-16 Male] The only reason not to use these sticks are if you can't afford them (which is a fine reason). But if you can, they are far more stable, sturdy, and easy to adjust than their single-leg counterparts. The legs slide down when unlocked without any pulling. Go ahead and spend the extra on the HD version (as opposed to the CF-100ENG 2CF). For a little extra, you get a lot more stability. These sticks are very light to carry for their weight rating, and collapse down to be quite short. I bought them because my Manfrotto 535 sticks were flexing too much during high-drag pans, and the feet would occasionally slip or the legs pop inwards. Windy conditions were out of the question. Those issues have been resolved by the Sachtler's spiked feet, mid-level spreader, and heavy build.

[7.35 lb] Everything works as expected. Easy to operate. Tripod legs operate smoothly and easily. Sturdy as long as you don't exceed the weight specifications. I'm sure in windy conditions the weight hook will be a necessity to make it sturdy and not top heavy. Very easy to carry on hikes. Will fit in my carry-on suitcase if I remove the ballhead (not included and not a problem to just unscrew it), which is the reason I didn't buy the 3 section-- too tall. Nice looking product.

[3] As I get older I find lighter weight things are more my needs. This is a good solid very light and yet pretty stable tripod. I shoot a Nikon Z7 and the 24-200 lens which is a relatively light set up but still substantial. I've not had a bit of trouble with the Slik. Highly recommended.

[Carbon Fiber] I bought this while it was on sale with the Slik PBH-45LP Ball Head. I didn't bother getting spikes, which are sold seperately for the tripod feet (had them on another tripod, and didn't use them), and am fine with this coming with only rubber feet considering the price. This suits my needs of having a fairly light and robust tripod for hiking miles into the mountains while keeping my pack weight down. I've used this with a Z9 and 400mm lens and easily got sharp photos in a stiff cross wind with no problem, and also shot crisp 10 minute astro photo exposures and it's rock solid. I've owned Manfroto and Oben tripods over the years, and find this one to be very good and think it will provide me with many years of good service.

[Yes] These are my favorite sticks in the world. I love the quick clamps and two stages. I use them with my Oconnor 1030, which is my favorite fluid head in the world. They're slightly heavier than the carbon fiber version, but I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that they're not going to break if they ever get crushed by another heavy piece of equipment. I'm sure I'll be using them 25 years from now with no problem.

[7.35 lb] This is a product for serious film making. While filming for my first nature documentary on a DSLR (Canon EOS 1D Mark IV), I knew what I was missing. My heavy Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM lens weighing 5.3 kgs was giving jitters in other tripods and heads. With a payload of about 95kgs, this will work well with my future film camera (RED) and will last a long long time. I bought this to be used with an Oconnor 1030 HDs fluid head with 100mm bowl. It works like a charm. I know it would be tough to carry in treks. However, there is no escaping the weight if one wants to get rock steady stability. I don't lust after gear, however, I must admit that the tripod looks lovely.

[3/8"-16 Male] I've been a landscape and astro-landscape photographer for 15 years now and I have a bit of an addiction to tripods. This Slik VARI series is hands-down my favorite tripod of all time. It's basically 3 tripods in one, from an ultralight travel tripod with the plain base that keeps its weight around 2 lbs, to the leveling base for incredible stiffness for super-telephoto work, and of course, the center column is perfect for all types of general use. You won't find a better combination of stiffness, height, weight, anywhere else.

[Carbon Fiber] Works really smooth. It is buffy and incredibly light weight. If you can afford the extra money, you can't be wrong. I use it with the Sachtler heavy duty rubber spreadors and love it. The locks are just 3 and I don't have to kneel down to reach them. For a one-man-show camera department, this is the best. No remorse in buying this at all.

[Carbon Fiber] Great company

[Twist Lock] I have not had this tripod long, but I am really impressed how sturdy and solid it is. The locking mechanisms on the legs are great - I know they are locked once I tighten them. This is not a cheap tripod - very solid and I know that I will have this for a long time. Came recommended from a pro photographer.