MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

AND a cane might also work as a monopod... " a threaded bushing insert here and there does wonders for a cane/monopod hybrid.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

An additional thing I like about the Promaster XC528C is I can reverse the center column and using a smallrig to mount the D500 or d850 at ground level keeping the camera top up making it easier to use the controls. Thus that great shot of mushrooms or other shots of grass in the foreground is easier.
The Promaster has been overseas and out west about a dozen times and used for taking family portraits. It is robust and the head works well for most of my shots. I was birding i would get a new head.
Promaster makes many light tripods that have a column down working height of about 70" and a 20 to 26 pound working load.

photo318 Loc: South Indiana

Just bought same unit 4 weeks ago and have taken on trip to Fairbanks AK to photo northern lights. Other tripod is top of the line RSS with heavy ball head. Took both.

The Sirui performed perfectly when paired with D610 and 16-35mm nikon lens. Stars were pinpoint and round indicating solid platform. I use interval shooting options so was not depressing the shutter with my hand. I suspect landscape (full frame, wide angle to moderate zoom) this unit will meet expectations fully. Look forward to backpacking with this over my RSS. At -45F leg locks were smooth even when my RSS tripod leg collars wouldn't turn to let me close the tripod at end of very chilly night.

I would not expect this unit to hold up under full frame DSLR and 400mm to 800mm lens in the winds for wildlife shooting in yellowstone valleys, but for what you are looking for and your stated reason for getting one it will suit well. Lighter and far less expensive than RSS, Gitzo and other higher end brands mentioned on this site.

Even comes with a zip up nylon slightly padded case for the price and B&H have 30.00 rebate going to boot.

Enjoy

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

First of all, $350 is probably a decent price if it suits your needs. If you're liking the Sirui, I'd suggest the L-324F Landscape Carbon Fiber tripod at $229 and a used Acratech GV2 ballhead. As mentioned below, you can currently buy a used one at Keh.Com for $228. And fair warning, what I'm suggesting below blows through your $400 budget.

https://store.sirui.com/collections/traveler-tripod/products/l-324f-landscape-carbon-fiber-tripod
https://www.keh.com/shop/tripods-acratech-ballhead-gv2-715209.html

So, if you're further interested continue on.

I may not have the best.... but I've been totally satisfied with my tripods and heads. I have two of each. First, the tripods ... I've owned an aluminum Manfrotto-Bogen 3221w for over 20 years. It's about 6.5 lbs (not light) and is good for 13-14 lbs load. You could probably find one used in excellent condition for less than $100. I also have a Sirui T-2205X carbon fiber (used $150 or so, new maybe $225 if available) that has a 26.5 lb load limit. Sirui can tell you what is their current equivalent model. The Sirui is my current most used tripod.

IF you buy a new Sirui, make absolutely sure you are purchasing from an authorized dealer. Anything else and Sirui will not warranty the tripod. Read this:
https://www.siruiusa.com/warranty.html

For heads, I use two, both are Acratech, which I am sold on, but they aren't inexpensive. I have a GV2, which is discontinued, but their current line are the GXP series. They are pricy, but worth it. But... for landscape, I use a Acratech Panoramic/Long Lens Head, which can be gotten new for about $415-$420. I bought both heads from Acratech at substantial savings but asking if they had any seconds (cosmetic only) available. Also, they tend to occasionally show up on Ebay for less. For the pano head, I also bought a leveling base, which if your head is level isn't really necessary especially if not shooting a pano. Acratech will last a lifetime and photography recipients of your estate will thank you.

Sirui also makes a pan/tilt that people like... the L-20S for less than $130 on B&H that looks pretty good.
https://www.siruiusa.com/index/photographic/l.html?cid=4&id=21

Take a look at this video.... it's the Acratech Pano head
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK1SsxNrU1E

Acratechs on eBay...
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1311&_nkw=acratech+tripod+head&_sacat=0

Good luck!!

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

When shooting with a tripod, I never use the shutter button. I have both wired and wireless shutter releases, and almost always uses one of these. The only other approach I've used is the self-timer.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

You did not say what type of lenses you use. Heavy gear and long lenses requires better tripods and tripod heads. My experience with inexpensive tripod heads is that with a heavy camera and lens, they allow the camera/lens to droop slowly, making it impossible to maintain the subject correctly in the frame of view. With your budget, I think you might be better off buying good used equipment rather than inexpensive new equipment. If you decide to go with new gear, test it before buying or make sure you can return it.

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

I haven't seen anyone mention this, so I'll my two cents worth. I find it very helpful to have a tripod carrying strap attached to the tripod. Some come with one, but most don't. I like the Op/Tech wide neoprene ones that spread the load over a broad area and have that elastic stretch to enhance the comfort. If I need to walk in or out of a place, collapse the tripod legs, and snap the bottom strap loop around bottom of tripod legs. The top of strap stays connected to tripod at the head. The tripod strap then goes over head and one shoulder, and the camera goes over the other. Then I'm hands free and can still easily access the camera to take a shot.

This may not apply to the OP, but for others than may get benefit, I recently added a Wimberley Arca Sidekick. Although quite expensive, it gives nice gimbal functionality to a tripod with a ball head. Slips on and off easily so you can quickly choose between ball head or gimbal. I have a full gimbal head on one of my tripods, but it is so heavy and bulky that I only use it for specific shots that really need it. The Sidekick allows me to carry separately and use on two other large and smaller tripods and it works extremely well on my monopod as well. The curve of it makes a perfect handle to hold the rig on the monopod with the center of gravity over the monopod leg.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I don't have a strap for my tripod but then I don't take it on long treks. When I have to move it a significant distance I just put the camera on it (tightly) and sling it over my shoulder or for short distances just hold it around the center of gravity in one hand. It's usually in the truck so the most I might have to move it is on the order of 100'.

OldCADuser Loc: Irvine, CA

I carry my two tripods in Tamrac cases, which have shoulder straps as well as a pouch where I keep my wired/wireless shutter releases.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

A good tripod carry strap can be worth its weight in gold (not really, but you get my point). Here are couple from Amazon. One is an OpTech, the other an offbrand. Both are loop type, which I would recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-Tripod-Strap/dp/B00009MKCR/ref=sr_1_10?crid=2PSOFL7G5FGZ3&keywords=tripod%2Bshoulder%2Bcarrying%2Bstrap&qid=1707602162&sprefix=tripod%2Bshould%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-10&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Runshuangyu-Manfrotto-Adjustable-Quick-Release-Neoprene/dp/B07WR1HCMH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=28SA6YFU5QVRV&keywords=tripod+carrying+strap&qid=1707602307&sprefix=tripod+car%2Caps%2C137&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

MtManMD Loc: Beaverton, Oregon

A case came with one of my tripods but has never seen a tripod in it. It got repurposed for my spotting scope, red dot sight and iPhone adapter. I'm more of a wildlife photographer, so I want my tripod at the ready, either with me or extended in the backseat ready to grab and use.

I have a medium carabiner attached to the ring at each tripod head. My remote triggers, one paired to each of my two camera bodies, is clipped to the carabiner.

Mwilliamsphotography Loc: Royal Oak Michigan & Palm Harbor Florida

Just went through an extensive search for new tripods. I've also been a photographer for nearly 60 years, and have a issue with my knees ... one total replacement and another about to be repaired.

I spend 1/2 the year in Florida near the Gulf and really wild state parks, and the other 1/2 in Michigan and it's natural northern wonders and Great Lakes. Plus travel to other locations.

Like you, most of my work was candid street type ... in addition I did a lot of wedding photography, portraits and a LOT of commercial work in studio and on location ... so unlike you, I've used a tripod for nearly 45 years or more.

I have three Gitzo products ... a massive studio tripod, a smaller carbon fiber travel tripod and a carbon fiber Monopod. They cost me a fortune, BUT 40+ years later, they work like new and are still guaranteed!

Last year I decided to juice up my camera platforms so I wouldn't need to lug all it back and forth between two distant locations ... and had do it without a Gitzo budget ... LOL!

LOTs more choice these days and some very decent equipment available at reasonable prices. Most of them are relative new brand names, and it remains to be seen how well they hold up ... although I have used a smaller Benro tripod and flip lever Monopod for a number of years without fail.

I selected a Benro 3 series for trekking, plus a Leofoto LH40 Ball head both have a load capacity of 44lbs. The twist locks for the legs is swift to use. While the height without using the center column is 53" the ball head/QR plate adds 3". I've not experienced a height issue. Both only weigh 5.5 lbs total.

The second tripod I went with is over your budget, but represents a masterpiece of engineering ... it's so high you'd need a step ladder, and it is my designated ocean/beach tripod because it is sealed and protected against salt water. Big 55mm ball head for that one.

Mwilliamsphotography Loc: Royal Oak Michigan & Palm Harbor Florida

Here's the info on Benro kit above (from B&Hphotovideo):

(Download)

Mwilliamsphotography Loc: Royal Oak Michigan & Palm Harbor Florida

The Leophoto Kit version:

(Download)

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

BTW, you can put an RRS lever clamp on almost any ball head and significantly upgrade your system. Your mention of the Leofoto LH-40 reminded me the I have one modified with a lever clamp. Works well. I am a huge fan of RRS products, but not all uses require a premium RRS ball head.