I agree that is should reach eye level (or a little higher) without
extending the center post. Extending the center post turns your three point
stable tripod into a monopod which is much less stable and defeats the
purpose of using the tripod. I can't imagine using a 4'5" tripod all day,
my back would kill me from constantly bending over; especially during those
times where you're set up for hours watching wildlife from the same spot.
As far as carrying one around all day, that may be a personal preference. I
carry a bogen 3221 with a 3047 pan/tilt head everywhere I take my camera
(hiking, zoo trips, Las Vegas Strip), and it never slows me down. I can't
see the extra pound or so of the extra height adding up to that much of a
burden when you consider the total amount of the other gear I'm normally
carrying (3 or 4 lenses, filters, film, flash, batteries, etc). If weight
is more of a factor than cost, you may consider carbon fiber, but the 30%
weight difference of carbon fiber for me is not worth the price difference.
I recommend you go to a good camera store and try out several models with
your largest camera and lens combination. Stability is the most important
factor for me and then ease of use. There are many very stable, easy set-up
models out there.
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