My father is after a new tripod for his birthday/Christmas. Primarily for using his camcorder when he's out and about so would need to be sturdy but reasonably light weight.
He, or rather the dog, have managed to go through a couple of cheapo Velbon aluminium tripods (the dog ran into one and snapped a leg off).

So any recommendations that are:
- sturdy (dog proof or at least less likely to disintegrate if it gets knocked)
- light(ish) weight (he carries it about when he takes the dog for walks)
- panning head
- able to support your average compact camcorder type thing (it's a Canon SD based model but don't ask me which one).

I like my Manfrotto 055XPRO-B, it's certainly sturdy, but a tad heavy. There is a 190XPRO-B with is a bit smaller and lighter.

As for a head, I have the Manfrotto 804RC2 head which is great.

Yes, I've got a 055XPROB with a 498RC2 ball head but it's a bit heavy heavy to carry all over the place and overkill for a camcorder.

Giottos (and Manfrotto) do Xmas bundle offers. I bought the MTL9361B + MH5001 Kit a while back and like it. It's even cheaper now.

I dont know if you might be better with a video tripod (with a fluid head like this http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8709.3 ... 128RC_HEAD) but the Manfrotto M-Y range are cheap and lighweight too.

Thanks for that. The Giottos kit looks pretty good.
I'll certainly look into it.

Wee update.

Dad got the Giotto's tripod kit but it was DOA (the quick release plate was fault with a fixing bolt that had sheared off somehow). Doh!