Hi guys, happy stay at home! Maybe I'm looking into this too much, or the stay-at-home is making me a little nutty. I think I may be able to finally afford a carbon fiber tripod this year that I can use for my 8x10 and my 4x5. Something I can actually carry. Was looking into the specs and "max load" means just that right? Whatever is on top of the HEAD. Or does that include the head? I have the low profile gitzo head that's great for an 8x10 and I just got a Rationalle #3 head for my 4x5.

My Kodak Master View with a 12" lens attached is just under 15 pounds. So max load would mean the 15 pounds plus the head and do you guys factor anything else in there?

Since I've never had a carbon fiber tripod before, I'm guessing the legs will be (not a guess but a true statment) will be lighter probably than my low profile gitzo head. Will that mean it's top heavy? Is that safe? Or do you guys weigh it down with your bag? Or lunch? Or tie a small chihuaha to the center column?