original idea was 700$ ditch + spend 400$ new = 300$ spare
did a review 7 years ago on a Gitzo 1542L and Triopo GX1128 a 200 clam tripod
there are 400$ tripods that work as good as the Gitzo here for my current photo needs, that's pretty much it..
and yes the Gitzo is brilliant
now watch me after realising I shoulda kept the Gitzo