dryfly, I really prefer a pan head to a ball head tripod. Like I said on the other thread, unless you're going carbon fiber, this is about as good as a semi-lightweight tripod gets:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/507998-REG/Slik_611_845_Sprint_Pro_EZ_Tripod.html

Add an Oben Tripod Hammock for increased stability:

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“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery