I am attending a weekend landscaping course soon and I have decided to upgrade my tripod. I am out to buy one specifically for landscapes - as I wish to get some when away this year and next year as well.

I need a panning head to do some stitching of shots (going to be doing this on the course), it was recommended to carry weight of at least 4kg - the tripod needs to be sturdy. I will be climbing over rocks etc.

I heard that calumet is a worth a look. Would appreciate some landscapers giving me some advice as to what to look for. I would spend maybe $300/400 on the tripod and then purchase a head. I might in the future put a different head on for a 500 lens, so it needs to carry some weight.

What should I be looking at? I am really looking forward to getting some nice shots to put on the wall to please my other half of our favorite areas down Yallingup way, WA.

Thanks in advance...