Best ballhead/tripod combo for under $100 ??

[AdamZx3]

I am looking at a better tripod to upgrade to, preferably something with a removable head so I can upgrade to a premium head later if I need to.

I really wanted a ball head because my "fluid like" 3 way head is just a pain and stinks if you use have to frequently re adjust it. I narrowed it down to these, but if there's a better option please let me know

My setup is a D80 and the longest/heaviest lens is the 70-300VR


$60 Sunpak 4300 PRO

$79 Sunpak 3300 PRO Tripod (holds 11 lbs)

$112 Manfrotto 725B Digi-Tripod A bit over budget but do-able

I am leaning towards the last one, more so because of brand name, is it worth the 40 extra bucks over the sunpak?

 

[jwkwd]

You will probably find out that the ball heads on lower cost tripod's will either stick, move while you adjust them, or just fail. It ( IMHO ) does not make sense to put a higher end ball head on low cost legs. Try to save a little longer for a better set-up, it will pay off later.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

go with the bogen, I have the sunpak 3300, and it's absolute junk. I use it as a light stand for my SB-600 because the head can't hold up a camera. I doubt the other one is really that much better.

 

[table1349]

Before you buy a tripod you might want to give this article a read.
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

You do not need to spend as much as the article. However IMHO I believe you would be better off saving your money now and getting something that will serve you better for a long time. Something like this is very popular and quite stable.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/353322-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__3021BPRO_Tripod_Black_with.html

By the way, you might want to read the specs for the tripod you choose.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/428998-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_725B_725B_Digi_Black_Tripod.html

Ball head is not removable.

 

[AdamZx3]

Ahh, thank you, I did not check out BH photos specs....shame on me

While I was looking I saw for about 170 you can get the Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod Legs with 486RC2 Compact Ballhead. Some reviews on amazon say that its very stable with a 30d and a 400mm lens. This tripod seems to have pretty good reviews, and the ballhead is a lot sturdier (holds 13.2 lbs)

I realize that I will have to get a better one if I go pro, then I wouldn't mind spending $300 on a ballhead, and I do like that one in your link but I can't afford 270 right now...the 170 is really pushing it, I just got a sb-600 this weekend. All and all I can imagine it will serve its purpose for a hobbyist and it should be miles ahead of my $35 sunpak pod. Like switch said it makes a decent lightstand lol.

I'm pretty sure I have my heart set on this one...seems to be a decent value.