OK, call me crazy now and move on.

My ailment has taken its toll on my strength. I enjoy short hikes with a camera and tripod, but the weight of any of my current seven tripods (how did I get so many?) along with gear is simply too much. Doesn't matter how I carry it, the mass is distributed through shoulders and back. It pains me. And it pains me not to make images, too.

I've minimized my camera and lenses kit to almost nothing and now I'm looking for the lightest tripod/head that will work. I'm willing to use a shorter tripod. I don't photograph in the wind, so all it needs to do is hold the camera up for a second. The longest lens used will be 240mm, not much extension.

Benro Slim Carbon-Fiber Tripod with Ball Head at 2.2 pounds looks very interesting. Have you tried this tripod or others in the two pound region? I've read the ball head may not be the best.

Your suggestions are welcome. Thanks for the help. -e-