I can't say I know the Gitzo company but I have heard the name mentioned before and yes I was told about there carbon series, but I've only heard of it by word to mouth, never seen one I'd love to see the carbon series though, they sounds very neat. As for the monopod, I've already looking at one, again Manfrotto as I'm quite pleased with my curent tripod. But I'll have to do a bit more reading on the Gitzo, I'd love to get my hands on a carbon monopod...oh and yes I've seen what you mean about taking a monopod any where. At the car show we entered, I saw a few monopods and got a chance to see a few guys using them and how quickly an deasy they are to set up, very neat idea and it makes such a big difference.
