Got a Benro tripod/monopod A-1691 from Camtronic http://www.camtronic.com.my/shopping/index...&product_id=807

Really good built quality. The weight can be felt, but not the the point of being heavy. The ball head is really rock solid after a tight screw.

Heavy for travel onto really depends what type of traveling. I even consider my DSLR heavy for traveling while i"m on holiday.

If you are the type who brings all your gear out for a shoot, I recommend save the money and get a CF. Else Benro above shall suffice. For me it's more to solid than heavy

Dunno about Sirui, so can't make a comparison. What I can say is the Benro can turn to a monopod, the center volume can be placed upside down so can shoot on very low height.