CF tripods: Gitzo 1325v vs Bogen 745mf

[Mister Big]

Thanks for all your help in my tripod selection dilemma. I've decided I really want a CF tripod because I'm more likely to lug it places. I'll fit it with a Bogen 503 head. I think I have the choice narrowed down to the Gitzo 1325v and the Bogen 745mf. The Gitzo is nearly twice as expensive, and it would really pinch financially to buy it, but I'm willing to suck it up if that's what I'm going to end up with anyway. I pretty much want to buy one tripod and have it last indefinitely.

I've handled the Bogen but have been unable to handle the Gitzo. The Bogen seems nice. I like the levers and am not sure I'll get used to the rings on the Gitzo.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Mister Big]

Never mind. A few hours after I posted this, I bought the Manfrotto because I needed it right away. I like the flip levers, but the smaller Gitzo I looked at sure was sweet. I know some day I'll probably end up with a Gitzo...

 

[Mister Big]

Okay, I've been playing with it for a few hours and love it. The 503 head is fantastic. You realize just how much the tripod is PART of the camera in many circumstances -- the body to the camera's head. So you need a good body if you're making money with your DVX.