I am writing one review for my entire purchase - it just makes sense that you know about the entire setup.I bought the Manfrotto 808RC4 along with their 190XPROB Pro Tripod and the Manfrotto MB MSTRAP-1 Tripod Carrying Strap. All at Amazon. Here's why:This head gives you unlimited control in all directions. The large knurled handles allow you to grip and adjust the tension on the pivot points to any degree you want. I use it to pan video, I use it to do off center composure and metering. I love how rock steady this thing is when I am shooting my 60and 120 second exposures with my 300MM lens. Rock steady. And the rotation is greased smooth, nary a glitch.With a bubble level and two straight levels you always know where you are. And gradients to indicate -30 to +90 tilt for replication. Great for panning video or shooting stills for a panorama. There are two "softening springs" to slow the movement of the tilts as you reach either end. You can disengage them if you wish.I have friends that went with the ball heads. And regret it. They are fast, but not accurate, especially with a long lens. With this head you can adjust the tension and just ease the camera around without having to adjust it again.Now hear me on this. I see other reviewers not so happy with the way the shoe is a little tricky. Let me say that by practicing with the shoe mounted to your camera and paying close attention snap it onto the head three times and you know all you need to know. You may have to practice a few more times to get it in the dark but I tell you that you are going to love it. When you snap the camera onto the head it automatically engages and you have no worries. The double safety has stopped me from dropping my camera twice. Lesson learned at no cost.As to the tripod - sturdy is the word that comes to mind. And NOT overly weighty. Together the head and tripod are 7 lbs. With the strap - which I did not buy at first - this rig is rock solid and you won't even know you are carrying it. I don't even notice the combo. I hike several hours at a time and have been know to stop in a panic on the way out and feel on my back to see if the whole thing is still there! I think a big part of the "weight" issue is how it is carried. In your hands it feels hefty. On your hips, 7 lbs feels weighty. Across your shoulder diagonally, head down? It ain't even there!The tripod has a wonderfully steady center column assembly that comes up and tilts over to the horizontal - great for macro shots or simply needing to place the camera where you aren't. The legs are sturdy and the snap retainers have just the right tension - not too hard to snap open or closed, not so loose that you worry whether one might slide. I also like that the center column is not attached to the legs with the typical arms of lesser well made tripods. Makes for very easy folding and stowing. I love the leg angle presets - easy to use and not worried about them slipping. The rubber grips on two of the legs are a hand saver in chilly weather. Nice touch.So, in case you haven't figured it out, I love this rig. If I were going trekking across country for days I might want a little less weight, but for day long trips, portraiture or car trips this is the ticket.