Carbon dampens vibrations better than aluminum. Is not cold to the touch as aluminum. Yes aluminum is fine, but I love my carbon legs. Over the years I have spent a lot of money on crummy tripods. Buy a good one once, it is cheaper in the long run.
Overall how do you guys rate the Manfrotto pate mounting vs Arca Swiss style? Pros/Cons?
I'll use my tripod mainly for portraits and outdoor night photography.
That Manfrotto would be ideal for your camera, along with the 496RC2 ball head. I use the 496RC2 on my Manfrotto 055 (older model) with my gripped D200, and it's rock solid.
I had a few tripods..among all is the beiki ..cant remember which model and it comes with ball head...for $60 its the best for my budget tripod..it is lightweight yet sturdy enough for my previous owned D80..18-105mm n sb600... took it on a few hiking trips.... the draw back is the unlocking n locking mechanism is not as smooth as that of other expensive brands..but it still fit the purpose..