Cheapshot Loc: California.

Place an ad in CraigsList, or similar community publication, asking for some kind soul to donate one for your photographic mission...who knows what you might come up with (a Gitzo?).

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Take a look at the Sirui, it holds my Canon 7D MK II with a Tamron 150-600 G2 with no problem, and it’s within your price range.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1156934-REG/sirui_bsrw1004_w_series_waterproof_tripod.html?ap=y&c3api=1876%2C91442438522%2C%2C&gclid=CjwKCAjwzoDXBRBbEiwAGZRIeFkkY3kUuC9qoQyZVwtnj_MywRRRc2IZE7ejJ_cv-6Lc5mCoiD152hoC6zwQAvD_BwE

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

About 8 years ago I broke down and spent the money on a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod and never looked back. It is very sturdy and lightweight and just keeps on working. It adjusts easily, breaks down easily and easy to use. Did I want to spend the money? No but.
It's overkill for a mirrorless camera but since I have gone back to heavier cameras and lenses (in addition to mirrorless) I am so glad I have it. It's the one piece of equipment I have not thought of selling. I pair it with an Acratech head. The two pieces together were around 900.00. You might invest only in the legs now and use the tripod head you have to spare the budget. And there other alternatives besides Gitzo now- there weren't when I bought.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I have a Manfrotto tripod with a grip ball head. It's sturdy, well made, convenient, and will hold whatever you put on it. I've put my D800 and 70-200mm on it and it holds steady. This puts you over your budget for tripod and head but if you use them enough they will serve you well.

https://www.manfrotto.us/grip-ball-head-ergonomic-handle-and-friction-control-wheel

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

If you buy a $200.00 tripod now,you will eventually need to buy a $400.00 tripod and you will have spent $600.00.

Capn_Dave

I tend toward Induro tripods. You have to get one that will be high enough for your eye level without using the center column. You stick that center column
up and you will get vibration. use the Induro c-313 good for 22 lbs and actually taller than I need. with the legs extended it goes to 67.5 inches.
They don't make this model anymore but something equivalent would be just the ticket.

pendennis

I don't know where you live in Mississippi, but Craig's list probably has several, depending on your exact location. You could also try a few antique shops, as photo equipment shows up at those a lot. You might also try the local camera shops. They occasionally have decent used tripods taken in as trades.

I just found a really nice Gitzo G1320 with a Gitzo G1375M ball head, at a local used shop, for the grand sum of $125. It will hold anything up to, and including 4x5 cameras.

Madchemist Loc: Nesbit, MS

I want to thank everyone for all the great advice. This is helping me a great deal to say the least. But here is a new question. Somewhere on this thread someone suggested a carbon fiber tripod that had a price between 400 and 500 dollars. I found another brand on amazon for $135. Comparing the specifications side by side, I saw no difference. Is this just a name brand difference or is there something I am missing?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015K59F6Y/?coliid=I624VYFC05Y4O&colid=3RARNFBNVDEPK&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I'm not sure about a $135 Zomei, but here's a Manfrotto carbon fiber that's considered a good tripod and also comes with a head for $268.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M8RQKS4/?tag=shutterfeetnew-20

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The listing buries the weight supported, identifying the ability to hold 30 lbs, if one reads closely. That should be a feature, not buried text. So already, something seems fishy and / or the priorities of what a tripod needs to do, and do well, are mixed up.

I'd also be concerned about the mount. You can screw the tripod to a camera, but for ease of use, you need a quick-release system, preferably using a vendor neutral specification such as Arca-Swiss compatible. Using a quick release system, you have a plate mounted to the camera that locks off and on to the tripod and there's no screws except to mount the QR plate to the camera, preferably permanently.

You might want to look too at the content of the 1- and 2-star reviews as this tripod seems more shiny metallic blue rather than a professional-grade tripod.

pendennis

The adage, "You get what you pay for" is apropos.

The noted tripod has four-section legs. The more sections, the less stable, generally. To gain stability, you have to have weight; no substitute for it. Carbon fiber comes in all strengths, depending on the manufacturing method, carbon formula, etc. The ball head, while it looks as though it has the Arca-Swiss type mounting plate, doesn't appear to have very high quality. If you insist on buying this model or one like it, you should also plan to hang your camera bag on it to gain weight and stability.

My experience with low-price carbon fiber tripods was with a "Pro Master" brand, which cost over 300, including the ball head. I inspected it, and it seemed to be a winner. However, in a stiff wind, it acted like the mast of a sailboat. My Nikon D500, and the 80-400 zoom vibrated all over the place, and the legs just wouldn't lock down like I thought they should. It was a 3-section tripod.

I ended up buying a Manfrotto MT055 legs for around $380. It's light years ahead in quality and stability. However, for absolute stability, I still like aluminum tripods like the older Bogens, and Gitzos.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

There a various grades and quality of carbon fiber. Also, it is generally recommended that not using a center column or post results in a more sturdy tripod. Some tripods can change from center post to no center post in a couple minutes. My RRS can.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Spiney Loc: Reading, PA

You can get a good tripod for your budget or less. I’ve been watching Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. At least 20-30 tripods on there. Most are cheap junk but several Bogen / Manfrotto, Tilt All, & Sunpack. Right now there’s a mid level Bogen with a ball head for $50! Place a search in both places and save the search. Every day you’ll get a report of all new posts that fit your criteria. Good luck.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Have you considered a monopod? If you can't afford a decent tripod, a monopod may be a good compromise.

texex Loc: San Antonio, TX

Try this very capable and affordable tripod! https://www.adorama.com/vgaltap263at.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInYH2mM_V2gIVCYZpCh2TbgdIEAQYAiABEgJuhPD_BwE