Having used them all - that Slik model is way stronger than the Manfrotto 190 and also the 055. Look on the net and you can get it for less money than those too. I'm pretty sure you can still get the Slik head as part of the deal and if a three way head is your thing it's a no brainer.

Whilst the cental column doesn't go horizontal it allows you to set up very low by a different method. The central column is in two parts. you simply un-screw and remove most of it leaving a wee stubby bit that means that you can splay the legs as wide as you like so you're just a few inches off the ground. There's no worries about screwing the center column back on either as without it it's at eye level for a 6 footer anyway.

Thanks Phil. I`ll look around online. Like with all other equipment for photography, there are just too many to choose from, many promise much but deliver so little.

Hehe - a great advert for the manufacturer!

xx