LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Just one more thought: the high weight rating does not necessarily mean your tripod will be vibration free, which is really what you are trying to avoid-- other than your expensive camera crashing on a rock....

Both carbon fiber and wood generally reduce vibration more than aluminum.

AzShooter1 Loc: Surprise, Az.

https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MKCOMPACTADV-BK-Compact-Advanced-Tripod/dp/B00L6F1J9Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1486295375&sr=8-2&keywords=manfrotto+tripod

Here's a nice Manfrotto tripod in your price range.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I like the Induro tripods but they range in price from $300 up Very sturdy

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

There are so many suggestions, this post will likely just be more unseen noise, but if anyone sees this, I'd throw out the challenge to beat this carbon-fiber, 44lb capacity, $200 deal for most bang-for-the-buck:

<https://www.amazon.com/Desmond-DCF-428-Traveller-Tripod-Section/dp/B0195PI214/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486303194&sr=8-1&keywords=desmond+tripod>

JasonC Loc: Houston, Texas

That tripod certainly looks like a viable alternative to me. I might add that when shooting with a tripod outdoors, often the ground rather than the tripod is the source of instability.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

At under $100, you'll be able to buy another "wobbly" tripod.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I suggest you save your money because you won't get a good enough tripod & head for $100. A ballhead will be fine. Just make sure you get one that is rated for double the weight of your camera and lenses. Weigh the largest lens/camera combo you have. I suggest you buy a Manfortto 190 tripod. You can get it with a head or without. At B&H you can get it with a ball head for about $250 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1060564-REG/manfrotto_190xpro3_aluminum_tripod_496rc2_ball.html I don't really like this ball head, but there are many to choose from so you don't have to go with the combo. The tripod is $200, but they make one for $170 called the 190Go for a little less money.

stevebein

There are some very good used older tripods which would work for you. I just bought an older Linhof one, which violates some principles with a center post that is wide and stiff. The range in used process for that one, which I found on Ebay, was from $45 to over $300. Same model. It can handle your system. This is just an example. If you look around and are willing to accept an older unit, which needs to be in good condition, then you might find one. Pawn shops , if you are aware of what you are looking for, may have low prices on some older and worn Aluminum ones. Though I sold them a while ago and went to carbon for lightness and strength, I owned some older Gitzo aluminum sturdy tripods. Some may need some servicing if you are handy, but perform very well, as do many other brands.
Also check some on ebay. I bought an as is Carbon fiber Induro tripod which was a customer return from Adorama on Ebay. It had a stuck leg and went for about $60. I took the chance, found out that the clutch pad on one leg had twisted and locked the leg. The tripod was over $400 new. I called Induro and they said the replacement was About $2. Then they just sent it to me. Such opportunities are available, but not frequently. I still have and use that tripod. So, bargains do exist. My items were just flukes of checking at the right time and not constantly looking.
Older heads are available and you will see the same items with a wide range of prices. There are some very cheap heads which can work, but I am not familiar with them. Many are copies of respected brands and some of the copies work well, but some do not. So, it may be a crap shoot, but quality is available for close to your budget if you are willing to and have the time to invest.

Silke Loc: Germany

I saw a Manifrotto 075B for sale, for €80 with a 222 head -- is that combo any good?
The reviews I saw for the 075B seem to suggest it's pretty good.
However, I am going to wait a while longer and do more research. :)
I had a feeling that I'm asking for the impossible. :)

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

If you are really intent on spending under $100, consider this one:

<https://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-APGL4-Professional-Tripod-Adjustable/dp/B003SQEAY0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486313798&sr=8-5&keywords=ravelli+tripod>

It's big, and heavy -- built like a tank. Definitely not something you'd want to go hiking with, but for use around the house or thrown in your car trunk, it'll work quite well. The pistol-grip ball head it the weak point. It is usable for camera-lens combos that are not too heavy and will get you by for now, but you'd want to replace the head with something better eventually.

I now have much better and much more expensive tripods, but I'm just as likely to use this one as any of them.

dduncan

I have a Tiltall tripod that I purchased in the early 1970's. It still functions perfectly. Supports over 40 lbs. Made in USA. They are often available used on eBay for around $100 or less. B&H sells them for $180 but I think they are made overseas now.

Pkfish Loc: Wilson Wy

Check out the NEST tripods at the camera cottage in Billings. More than 100$ but a great tripod for the $. Estate sales are also great bargains. I bought a great manfrotto and ball head for 200$ a while back. I still ended up with a much more spendy one later. That's how the progression goes usually until you end up with a really good setup.

Silke Loc: Germany

Bear in mind I'm in Germany. :)
Heavy isn't a problem, I'd mainly want it for those night skies we get here. As in -- right outside my front door. (Literally. Open front door, step outside -- Milky Way above my head.)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Yes, you can spend a $100.00 and get a tripod to hold your 300mm lens. It will not be much more stable than hand holding. Next to the camera and lens, a tripod is the next most important item. Try upping your budget and get something more substantial. On ebay there are sturdy tripods in very good condition for a good price. I tend to beat my tripods up because of how and where I use them, used works very well. Tripods are mechanical and should hardly ever go bad, please don't throw your money away.

Mundj Loc: Richmond TX

The Vanguard Altra Pro 263 series has received top ratings in several reviews and is available from Amazon for around $200 and includes a ball head. I have been extremely pleased with my Altra Pro 264 but it is not compact. A highly rated, compact, travel tripod is available from Mefoto. They have several models in the $150-$200 range at Amazon. The Mefoto can be converted to a monopod. You might want to check both company sites for additional info.