Rich, glad you enjoy sharing as much as I love learning ��. So more options to consider... I checked out the RRS options. Looks like the cost for this setup would end up costing me closer to $1500 with freight, duties, and taxes. The biggest difference is in the cost of the legs. They are rated at a higher load capacity than the Gitzo I am considering. Going up to the 3 series in Gitzo would match the RRS 2 series and still cost less. But the RRS ballhead has a lower load capacity than the Kirk. Thanks for the feedback on the plates. But if I go with the Gitzo and Kirk setup, I will probably go with the wimberleys because I can get everything from B&H. Ideally I can get my things from one store to minimize my shipping charges to Canada. Or are the RRS plates that much better that I should pony up for the extra shipping charges?