Sirui T-1204x or T-1205x

I chose the T-1205X to minimize bulk/weight.

Yes, I can setup quickly and easily. The locking collars require very little twisting. I grab them all, twist a bit, pull out the legs, and then of course lock each collar individually. Obviously, the last phase would require slightly less time with four sections than with five, but the difference is truly marginal.

As far as I can tell, the G-10 is a good ballhead. However, I am used since way back when to a three-way head and I still have some trouble getting comfortable with a ball-head when I need to do fine adjustments. In this case, I'd still prefer a solution where I can adjust one dimension at the time. Possibly, I'll get a three-way head later on and use that at least sometimes. The G-10 has the advantage of being small.

I haven't carried it around a whole lot yet. I bought it only half a year ago. But when I have, as I did for example when shooting for our joint waterfall experiments, I carried it in the bag that comes with it. It's a nice bag and it felt very comfortable. If I'd go for a long hike with a back-pack, I might try to find a way to tie it to the pack though.

Yes. It's a very nice tripod and I am happy with my decision.

I guess you have already seen this hard-to-beat deal. That's how I bought mine.