Or buy from B&H Photo in the US. I bought when the exchange rate was a bit better and shipping was cheaper (maybe that time no fuel surcharge). Be aware that you have to factor in shipping charges and GST.
TS, apologies for not getting back to you on the 1530's specs. I recently learned that it has been end-of-lifed and replaced by a new model so I could not find the specs.
Basically it comes down to whether you want a more compact tripod (4-section) or one that is faster to set up (3-section) and a little bit more stable. The difference is not that great, Gitzo's engineering is very good - that's what you're paying for. I bought the 3-section mainly because I don't like to fiddle with so many locks. That's a 25% saving on the amount of locks I have to lock/unlock with each operation
Although I must say, my favorite part of Gitzo's G-Lock technology is the very short 'throw' from locked to unlock. ie. you do not have to turn a long way before you reach the end. It almost feels like the flip-locks I normally prefer (Manfrotto 190 series for example).
4-section is good for travel. I no longer travel much, so my 1530 is perfect for use right here in SG.
I hang my camera bag from the hook underneath my tripod, both for convenience and for stability, so the 8kg weight holding is a bonus. If my tripod could not take it, I would just put the bag on the ground.
Gitzo bags are expensive, nowadays I just carry mine on an Optech tripod strap. Generic bags are fine, I have one of those too
I actually like the Benro bag.. just that I can't seem to find it for sale separately. Most of the time they are sold with the tripods.
