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I'm in the market for a new tripod I would prefer one made from carbon fibre.

I plan on using it with 5x7 so it nees to be "hefty". Any suggestions or recommendations?

Your help is much appreciated!

Well for both my professional work and landscape work I use a Gitzo Systematic tripod - a GT3531S I think. It's very lightweight and can handle up to 18kg including the head you plan to use.

Can recommend it very highly, and a good addition would be the optional spikes for outside work.

I have just bought the 3541LS which has four sections rather than three. A very light but sturdy tripod and I am very happy with mine, but you might want a bit more height, and they aren't cheap....I have short spikes on mine but long ones might be better.

I'd recommend one of the 35x0 series.. I have the 3540XLS which is tall enough to use at eye level when working on a 45 degree slope and will easily take a 5x7 with a decent ballhead (or 4xx geared pan head if you wish). I preferred the extra height and have been justified in using it quite often, especially when I want to stand on something to get the shot but there doesn't happen to be three other appropriately placed things to stick my tripod legs one. The advantage of having a spiked feet option is pretty important to me too - I have the short spikes which have rubber covers and long spikes which are great for sand, mud and bracken. The new g-lock mean it's very quick to set up and tear down too... (NB Gitzo, please mark cheques payable to "Tim Parkin")

Thanks to all who responded

I took Tim's advice (good advice Tim!) and ordered a Gitzo 3541XLS from Speedgraphic (cheapest I could find!) and it arrived today. First impressions are very positive! Gitzo have certainly developed their CF tripods and this offering is lighter than my previous 1325 - and that was light! The new leg locks are excellent - much improved over the previous type. Very nice "dust bag" too

Excellent choice Paul, I also have the 3541XLS and it's first trip out was a 4 day workshop with L&L so it certainly had a baptism by fire. I found that the leg locks were quite stiff to begin with, I even ended up with blisters between my thumb and forefinger, 6 months down the line and they're as smooth as silk. Am definitely going to buy the spikes when I have a mo.

Paul

What about using a surveyors tripod with a head?

I've only just seen this. I was going to offer you my new (but too cumbersome) CF Gitzo GT3531 whereas I'd like the more suitable & portable (ie shorter & lighter) Gitzo GT3541LS.