Carbon fiber seems to be the best compromise -- it has excellent vibration damping properties and is light. As for isolation, I added the Gitzo combo spike and rubber feet to my pod. These give you the option of the ideal choice based on shooting location. Rock-solid pavement or mountain granite, I use the spikes; inside buildings that move and vibrate, I use the rubber feet.Is this a problem in the tripod world,I imagine it must be ,and is there a solution that is a little lighter and more portable than that for my enlarger?