How good is the Bogen 503?

[eustace]

I'm trying to decide between the Libec TH-M20 and the Bogen 503.

I'd prefer to go with the Libec because it's cheaper, but am I going to be horribly disappointed with it? I'd really like to not have to pay another $320 to get the Bogen 503, which seems to be well-liked in these forums.

If anyone's had experience with either or both of these tripods, I'd like to hear which I should go for. I'm not going to be doing anything super-fancy, but I would like something really smooth with friction control.

I'm also looking at the Slik/Daiwa DST-33 which is a little cheaper than the bogen.

Any information on any of these tripods would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[bilgami]

If your worried if the 503 will hold just take a look at my pics by clicking on the flickr link that tell what the 503 can hold. as far as smoothness goes the 503 does a great job at giving smooth pans and tilts.