Keith, Thank you for reviewing and updating your recommendations on "sticks" and heads. Do you think that, with our upcoming AK cruise we'll shoot handheld on the rail? With a little backpacking in mind - my reqmts are modest under 11 lb inc glass (alas). I like IS, which ups the ante, but I would still expect to stay under 11 # with my next couple dream upgrades. Q: To avoid me carrying the wt., will a Gitzo 6X CF Series Zero fly ? # 0541 (I prefer 4 over 3 for the height) or fly around the landscape ? with any kind of A-S Z-1 on top (as in heavy?) Do you have to hang a bag from the hook of a 1.7# 19" tripstand? Or is this pricy little devil solid? What think you? What are you packing on the hikes? Also what do you think of the Really Right Stuff BH-25 "Ultra-light" in this situation?:Or are you saying Series Three period? Thanks!!