I'm of the view carbon fiber tripods are essentially a waste of money. There are plenty of mechanically comparable aluminum tripods that are equally light (or lighter) and cost less than CF. And CF requires twist-lock rather than lever leg tighteners. I really dislikes twist tighteners.
Brad,
I recently purchased a carbon fiber tripod with lever locks. I actually bought the lever lock and twist lock versions of the same model. So I don't think carbon fiber requires twist locks, it just seems that the manufacturers have gone that direction. The lever lock version is substantially heavier as well.
Jason
