h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

+1 for MeFoto by Benro, sturdy, folds very compact, lightweight and very flexible, and can convert to a monopod with an Arca Swiss mounting plate, ballhead, carrying case and built in level There are several YouTube videos about the different models, starting at about $120. One nice review is:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kev_B9xSPkc

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

Before recommending anything there are several questions that you can answer so you get a meaningful response, based on the approach that you need to match the tripod you get to the task at hand.

What camera?
What lens?
What subject material?

The key is image magnification - if you are using a 90 mm macro at close to 1:1, you will need the same stability in a tripod as you would a 400mm F2.8 at its closest focal distance.

You might want to take a look at this thread - the OP is a backpacker and asked the same question.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-275102-1.html

While the suggestion to look at a Manfrotto 190XPROB might fit your budget, once you add a head this will weigh close to 6 lbs, and is not that stable with anything over 75-100mm, and not a great choice for macro. If landscape is your thing, it should be ok.

In the UHH thread, I provided links to the Gitzo catalog, and the RRS guide to tripod selection - both dismiss load capacity as a meaningful criteria, and specifically call out top tube diameter - as a better predictor of stability - and how all this relates to focal length/effective field of view/image magnification.

Take a look at Sirui.

This one collapses to 14.6" and has a 28mm top tube which should be good for up to a 300mm lens. It only weighs 2.6 lbs. Adding a G10 ball head will add just 2/3 lb, and a G20 ball head would add 7/8 lb. The Sirui ball heads are one of the few value priced ball heads that I have used/reviewed that do not creep when locked down, yet remain relatively smooth to move when the friction is adjusted correctly. You'll be over you budget, but you won't need to buy another tripod unless you start using 600mm lenses.

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

I'd avoid it - not very stable.

Rowls1 Loc: Florida

Manfrotto befree would be under your budget, it runs around $200.00 but they have a rebate of about $100.00 on them.

George II Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Griff Loc: Warwick U.K.

Sorry, with regard to 'Benbo', my error.
I was not aware of 'Benro' tripods.
I wonder who chose which name first?

LeoB Loc: Miami, FL

Costco stores have the manfrotto befree aluminum for $140

Davethehiker Loc: South West Pennsylvania

Here is the way I do it. I call it my zero gravity tripod because it weighs practically nothing.

If your interested and understand what you are seeing, I can get you in touch with a the machinist who made the parts in the top photo for me. For everything else you are on your own. He makes it out of scrap aluminum and did not charge me very much at all. The photo trekking poles can be found on line. Hanging your backpack adds mass/stability. I carry trekking poles anyway, so that weight does not count.

Fullframe Loc: Bucks County, Pennsylvania

I have this one. I got it for my vortex binoculars, and it works great with my dslr & 70-200mm lens. Has quick disconnect, ball head, twist out legs, weights less than 2 lbs, and is only $129. Probably not for the professional, but works for me on the go.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1032438-REG/vortex_st_5_summit_ss_p_tripod_kit.html/?m=Y&gclid=CjwKEAiA_s2lBRCe1YPXxtSe-DcSJACCIh3L61jxREm_DFJCqXvsnr3lPUXiShfQw_eubQemQGfAcxoCE6fw_wcB

blairt Loc: Utah

I hike a lot and have used several different tripods. My carbon fiber tripod is great, but it is too large and gets hung up on tree branches on those off the trail shots. I recently bought the Manfrotto BeFree aluminum tripod and have been very pleased with it. Its compact and can hold up to 8.8 lbs. Only 16" inches folded up, and still is pretty tall at 56" at maximum height.

houdel Loc: Chase, Michigan USA

I was in the market for a lightweight travel/hiking tripod and just bought an Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Tripod With BE-113T Ball Head from B&H. It list for $479.95, but is on sale for $110 off, plus I got an educational discount which brought my final price down to $341.95. It has a couple inches more height than comparable models I was considering, weighs 2.5 lbs, supports 13+ lbs, folds down to 17", has a panning ball head and converts to a monopod. Sounds pretty awesome, I can't wait for it to get here!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864559-REG/oben_ct_3451_be_113t_4_section_foldable_carbon.html/mode/edu

Larwbuck Loc: Seattle, Washington

I got "The Three Legged Thing-Dave", from Kenmore Camera in Seattle. It folds over onto itself so it gets very short, is lightweight and study, comes with a cool ball head and quick release bra key for the camera, should check it out. It was recommended over the more expensive Monfrotto's. B&H has the base model for $220, I believe I paid about that for the one I have.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Shop-by-Brand-3-Legged-Thing/ci/4/phd/4185058479/N/4294255798

troutbum Loc: north central pennsylvania

I sure am satisfied with my gitzo 2228 explorer carbon fiber, with a gitzo 1276 ball head. Mighty strong and u can configure the tripod like an octopus if needed, it will place the camera where it is needed even at ground level in combination with ball head it is pretty darn versatile. They can be had fairly reasonable off ebay which is where I purchased mine used.

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

Obens and Three Legged Things are impressive for the value and quality - no disagreement with either, particularly for small and light and rigid. A backpackable tripod should really not exceed 3.5 lbs with head, and should be able to stabilize a 300 mm on a crop sensor. Most under $300 tripods will fall short.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I have two Dolicas. They are well made, light weight and much cheaper and they will hold any DSLR and most lenses. (If you have a 500, f2.8, maybe not. LOL)