Tripods -- Upper end Manfrotto vs. upper end Gitzo

I know this site probably tends toward action photography, but I'm looking at tripods for a 5D Mark II. I'm trying to decide if a CF 4 section Gitzo is worth $250 more than CF 4 section Manfrotto.

I know at this level of equipment, $250 may not seem like a lot, but that gets me a pretty nice start on a RRS ball head, plates, remote release, etc. Is the stability/reliability/ease-of-use going to be really noticable?

Primary use will be boat interiors (lower light = needs tri) and shooting boats underway with longer lens from land.

Matt - check out the Benro CF pods on either Ebay or now B&H is selling them too. It's a gitzo knockoff made in China except in this case it's as good or even better. I've owned a couple different Gitzo CFs and now the Benro and for my use the Benro is just fine.

x2 on Benro. Two of my buddies shoot with them. They definitely get the job done!

Are you shooting video or stills with 5DII?

I have the 190CX3 Carbon Fiber Tripod and use it primarily for video (Bogen 503 head for the HVX200), but I also have the 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead for taking still.

Overall I'm very happy with my setup! Especially for the fact that it's light weight and I can carry it on when flying.

I have never been happy with Gitzo legs. I like manfrotto stuff because it is fairly standard and easy to get replacement parts. I THINK I have used the Benro legs before and they were a huge improvement on the Gitzos.