Silke Loc: Germany

I feel the need to replace the very wobbly tripod I have. :)
It needs to be able to take my Canon EOS 550 and a 300mm lens.
In summer I want to try my hand at some star photos, but without the rotation stuff. (Can't afford that atm) Still, eventually I might.
I kinda don't know which head I'd like / need, and what the good makes are. I'm leaning toward a ball head, but I don't know why lol.
I don't want to spend a huge amount (preferably under $100, but that might not be feasible unless second hand -- which would be okay)
I want to be able to go low down, as well as my (eye) height (I'm 5'2). Doesn't have to split off into a mono pod, I got one of those too.

So...suggestions?

Al Freeedman

Velbon made a very nice carbon fiber tripod, model No. Carmagne 640. The legs unlocked to allow you to shoot close to the
ground. If I recall it came with the head. It was with-in your price requirement. (very light and stable).

Captain AL

Bamboo Loc: South Carolina

For the money, I love my Benbo tripod. It is very versatility including being able to get very low (ground level), uneven terrain and standing in water. There is of course a learning curve to it's operation. I defiantly prefer a ball head.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/248944-REG/Benbo_BEN107_Trekker_Mk3_Tripod_Legs.html

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I'm sorry, but with a budget of $100 you are going to end up with something that is no better than what you have. I don't know what the used market has, other than similar tripods that people have decided, as you have, are too unstable to use with a lens and camera combination that has an equivalent angle of view of 500mm.

I did a quick look at the first 300 or so used tripods and they are either really cheap junk or more expensive than you want to spend, older, really heavy professional support.

A ball head is a good, general purpose head, but it should be of reasonable quality - like a Sirui K30X, K40X (better) or Feisol CB-50D - both are under $200. The least costly stable tripod that would work for what you are looking to do might be the Feisol CT3442 - which may be stable enough to use with a 300mm lens on a crop sensor.

I am going to guess that your 300mm lens is likely the 70-300 or 75-300. Correctly if am wrong. But neither have a tripod collar, so a gimbal is out of the question, leaving you only two alternatives - a 3 way pan head (most are intended for studio use with shorter focal length lenses) and ball heads. When fully extended, the lens places a large off axis load on a tripod head, and only a good head will not "droop" under these circumstances.

Suggestion is to not bother spending $100 - save your money. With your intended goal, you need more stability than a $100 tripod and head will provide even used.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Sorry it can't be done unless you can find a gem at an estate sale. Otherwise, for your intended use (300 mm lens) you'll be wasting $100.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

http://bythom.com/support.htm

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Gene51 has always provided excellent advice about tripod purchase. I ended up with a Benro carbon tripod with a V3 ball head that suppors 32 lbs or so. Waited for a sale and spent a total of $359 from B&H. So $100 is just not enough. The Feisol CT3442 is another excellent tripod. Maybe you can catch one of these on sale. But in reality, you should try and save for a budget of at least $300 for this purchase. Don't take the chance of ruining your more expensive camera gear because of an inadequate tripod. Just some thoughts.

Silke Loc: Germany

Thank you guys for the excellent advice and explanations. :) That's why I asked. I have no clue about tripods, I just know the one I have...wobbles. Even with just the body and 35mm lens.
Sounds like I need to save up some more, as I also have my eye on a lens atm...
(I'm dithering, but will likely get it. It's a Canon EF85mm/1.8f with Dörr (323012) 13/21/31 Extension Tubes - for €300) Used 5 times....)
And you are correct on the 70-300mm (Tamron)
(Goes off to research tripod collars and what they are used for....)

olsonsview

A solid tripod and head for $100 is a tough order. Either of those two items can easily go over $100 used! If you are serious about wanting something solid then possibly look for a used Bogen/Manfrotto #3036 tripod with a #3047 head. I have seen that combination go for your price range in good used condition on E-Bay. Is that combo light? No, but it can handle what you want to do with ease. I have no idea of what kind of weight you can carry comfortably. I have used that exact combination to shoot with my 4X5 view cameras in the field, as well as my longer lens on a film or digi SLR, and get rock solid support. But I am maybe a bit beefier than most photographers? A lighter setup from the same company could be a #3041, 3021, etc for the tripod, and either the #3047 or a lighter head. Still adequate for your camera and lens. Again under $100. Those later tripods are more carry friendly. Carbon fiber tripods are great, light and strong,but usually cost 3X more. Ball heads are great, but solid ones are not cheap. I have owned all those things in the past. What I recommended are practical and I can attest they work well. Best of Luck!

Silke Loc: Germany

The one I have atm is an aluminium one, no cross struts, thin, spindly legs with twist fasteners that forever slip. It weighs next to nothing. I don't know where it came from, I think the other half liberated it somewhere when it was thrown out... Having used it (which I don't think he ever did) I can see why it was thrown out!!
If he *had* used it, it likely would have landed on a skip somewhere. (Him, being a pro camera man, who didn't tolerate shoddy gear.)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some useful links below. The first one is very good. I've used both ball heads and tilt & pan, and I prefer the tilt & pan. I can adjust one plane, lock it, and then adjust the other. It's also excellent for video. With the ball head, I didn't like having to get everything perfect before locking it. Just a matter of taste. The most important thing about buying a tripod is to spend more than you spent for your cameras and lenses. Just kidding, but tripods and accessories can get expensive.

http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
http://digital-photography-school.com/build-ideal-tripod/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/5-pros-and-5-cons-of-using-a-tripod/
http://www.lightstalking.com/tripod-heads/

Silke Loc: Germany

Great articles, thank you!
Lots more reading for me. :)

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Check your weight limitations on these tripods you are looking at. I have two Benro's that have 44 lb weight limits and they can handle just about anything. If you want to keep your cost down go to the Aluminum tripod (my taller Benro is aluminum). Or for a little more a carbon fiber but you can forget $100 limit for a decent tripod. The two Benro's that I have can handle just about anything I've thrown at them including a Sigma Sport 150-600 mounted on a 6lb Gimbal head and they don't budge. The aluminum unit is very tall and I use it inside most of the time so I have the ability to shoot down on a subject. My carbon fiber unit is my outdoor tripod.

My carbon fiber Benro: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157820-REG/benro_tma48cl_mach3_9x_carbon_fiber.html

My Aluminum: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157827-REG/benro_tma47axl_mach3_aluminum_series_4.html

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Reading is much less expensive than buying, changing your mind, and buying again.

Silke Loc: Germany

Jerryc41 - Yes, indeed.
WayneT - will check them out.