For some the search for the perfect tripod is like the search for the perfect camera bag - endless and unsatisfying. For the first time in many years I am no longer looking for a tripod and consider myself to be 'reasonably satisfied'. This has been achieved through the collection of a Goldilocks set of three tripods. These are:Gitzo GT3530S Systematic with RRS BH-55 head - @2.8KgGitzo GT2531 Mountaineer (centre column removed) with Three Legged Thing Airhed 2 @ 1.79KgGiottos MT 8241 with XCSource KS-0 Head @1.33KgThe use for each is dependent upon which camera is being used, which lenses might be used, the total pack weight sustainable and the distance to be covered. It is also influenced by context such as wild country, urban, carry on required etc. The heaviest total combination would be a Nikon D800 with 70-200mm f4. At the lightest, probably a Fuji X-T1 with a 14mm.The Systematic Gitzo is the default option for all work that is within an hour from the car. It, combined with the RRS head, provides the very best in stability that I am prepared to carry. The head is absolutely stable with no sag even with the biggest lens. In operation it is perfect. I occasionally wonder about the longer leg variant but not sure I'd be prepared to accept the weight and bulk increases.The Mountaineer is now a couple of models old but does the job for me. It represents the best compromise between weight and stability that I could find. The TLT Airhed was a difficult choice as I was trying to get something under 400g to make a big enough weight saving. At 388g it seems to punch above it's weight. Only with the 55-200mm on X-T1 is there the slightest hint of sag and even then not always.The Giottos is of course made up of more compromises for the lighter weight. However at 1.3Kg it really is a 'carry just in case' or a 'carry when the rest of the pack is already too heavy' tripod. It is always better than no tripod at all and together with the rock bag I always carry it works well enough. The Ks-0 head exists under a range of manufacturer's names but as so often XCSource are the cheapest and this head works well above its weight and price point.At the time the photo was taken the Mountaineer did not have spikes fitted but these were included in the quoted weights. I buy medium length spikes off Ebay dramatically undercutting the original Gitzo versions. They are worth the slight increase in weight for the added stability.Update: April 2017The three series Gitzo has now been replaced by an almost itentical model but with the longer leg length. The original version required me to stoop even at full height and leading to back ache. The L version works perfectly.The TLT Airhed has been ditched and replaced by the RRS BH-40. While beautiful the Airhed couldn't support even the Fuji with 55-200mm without a sag as the head was locked off. There became no way of accurately framing without guesswork. It had to go.