New DSLR... my very first SLR

[tropterrarium]

Without knowing about that article, I am a happy Gitzo CF legs owner (a 1200 and a 1300 series), with one Linhof Profi II (with Locktite, funny really), and an Arca B1, both with Arca QR. RRS L-plate on camera. Linhof is sufficient for most plant photography. Only when I use the 5DmkII with battery holder, MPE 65 mm, on two axis macrofocusing stage and MX 24 twin flash, then it gets a tad heavy. My first Gitzo legs with Linhof I bought about 15 years ago, been around the globe several times, in saltwater, mud, sand, still works like a charm. The 1300 with Arca head I've had for about 6 years. Even more charmed.

Treat yourself once, never look back. Unlike a camera, a tripod is not going out of date.

Proper technique (mirror lock up, self-timer, cable release) is a must. The suggestion that looking at the front of the lens can sufficiently identify vibrations seems a bit overly confident. If you can see it, you certainly have a problem. However, consider that resolution of your image is cut in half if the image moves by one pixel. Pixels are in the 4-8 micrometer size range! Even with generous leverage amplification, do you think you can see with the naked eye movements on the 50-100 micron = 0.05-0.1 mm side?
Look at fine image detail at high magnification.