The thing with the expensive ones is that they can support A LOT more weight. Something you will want when you get higher quality (and heavier) lenses.

I have just about maxed out the cheap one I have. Plus it is too short...

 

put me down as a maybe.

 

oh man glad i poked back in this thread!

 

nothin's sacred anymore...

 

Yeah haha, I always look at the nicer light-weight tripods that are actually bought in pieces (legs separate from the swivel, separate from the quick release) -- but $400 for a "decent" tripod always scared me away

 

I recently bought a nice manfrotto cf tripod. Does the job really nice and is super light.

 

I'll bring my cheapie to make you feel better

 

isn't that still a $200 tripod?

i can't wait to get a gitzo like the one you have

 

If I know Alex, it's more likely his cheapie is a backup Gitzo.

 

Heavy lenses.