Comments about Cullmann Cullmann 50012 Maximo Digital Super Lightweight Compact Tripod.:

I have only tried it in the backyard but since no reviews at least this is something. This seems to be the smallest closed tripod going at 14". It was between this and the Velban El Carmagne that goes to 16.5 without the head.
It uses a combination of ball bearing closure of all sections except the top and the flip type. This was good because I was able to adjust for level using my D80 in-camera parallel lines and a slight lowering of a top leg. The 3 way pan seems fine and can be adequately adjusted to frame properly. (I was using the D80's Nikon 18-200 VR DX lens)
So the strength is that it is so small I can easily pack it in a shoulder bag or backpack. I used it both with the center pole up and not up. I'm thinking for my Grand Canyon trip I will use it with the center pole down for added stability.
The weakness is that the pole crank seems fragile -- so I know I need to be careful. I don;t know how long it will hold up obviously or how much wind I can tolerate. Since I will use either a 5 sec timed release or the cable release I can also put some downward pressure on it for added stability. Finally, I'm buying a holster for my D80 for quick access and using my backpack for other equipment (the tripod) and my share of picnic essentials.