The difference in weight between a 3 series gitzo carbon and metal is really not very much, certainly not for an 8x10 kit, if money is an issue. I have a 4 section 3 series metal, which lets me pack it in a smaller space for traveling and carrying in a pack. The advantage over the carbon is it has removable feet so I could add spikes - they really help in some cases. I bought a used 5 series telestudex to shoot over fences - extends to 8 feet and is still stable. Weighs 12 pounds or so, but I find that I use it all the time if I do not have to go too far because it is so comfortable to work on a tripod that does not move if you bump it.