Maybe I just share my experience.
My 1st tripod is Manfrotto. I mean it's a well-recognized brand, trusted, tested, reliable, looks steady and gives confidence, what is not to like about Manfrotto? - Other than price. But portability is a major issue. Manfrotto is heavy, bulky and difficult to carry, I got shoulder pain carrying it because I spend more time walking with the tripod sling and then shooting on it.
So I changed to a Sirui Carbon Fiber. It's much lighter, cheaper and at first what I am concern is the quality and if it can do that job. So I am impressed. No complaints. It had handled D700 with MB-D10, 70-200 VR2 + TC20eiii.
What I learn is tripod portability is important and that I don't use tripod that much. I can shoot without motion blur at 1/15s plus I can good noise control with my body and hence I rarely need to use my tripod so the lighter and cheaper and yet can do that job, the better for me. For me, I am glad that I ditched my Manfrotto for Sirui.