pbradin Loc: Florida

I was using inexpensive tripods with a 400mm Canon lens and a Canon 7D and I used a remote release. I still didn't get perfectly sharp shots. I finally bit the bullet and bought a $900 tripod and a $375 head. I could have easily spent more if I had gone with a Really Right Stuff tripod and gimbal head, but I wanted to continue eating. Your 150-600 is the problematic part of the equation. You need a heavy-duty tripod for that thing. A remote release will help. You can buy an off brand one for just over $20. Whatever you can afford is the thing. The tripod head is more critical than the legs. You can make the legs more stable by hanging a camera bag off the legs (remember to by a tripod with a hook so you can do that. Get the absolute strongest head you can. If the type of head isn't an issue, you get more stability for the buck out of a 3-way adjustable head (the ones that have a couple of long twist-grip handles sticking out). Ball heads require more precise machining, so they are more expensive for the same weight capacity. Go to one of the big online retailers to look at what is available for a given price range. That will weed out things that you don't want. The real camera businesses in NYC (I am trying not to name names) have very knowledgeable people to talk with. All of them are photographers who have probably been where you are right now. Use them. Don't feel guilty about taking up their time. Good luck.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

I have the Tamron 16-300mm. What an exceptional piece of glass. Great choice.

Shaun Loc: Tucson, AZ

After a photo seminar with George Lepp that I won from Canon, I got rid of my flimsy tripod and bought a Bogen 3221. It was what George used back then (1996) I have had it ever since and except for the heaviness of it, have found it be very sturdy. On one of my vacations, a stupid idiot with a pickup backed over the tripod and bent one of the legs. I wrote to Bogen (and after confessing I was the stupid idiot who backed over it, asked if it could be repaired) They gave me an address to send it to and a few weeks later I got it back in serviceable condition and NO CHARGE! I don't know if this is still available but you sure can't beat product support like that.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

Zomei is well built either in alum or carbon at a budget price.

This one is aluminium, an Amazon's Choice(sometimes cheaper at Ebay); it is tall with ball head and can be used as mono-pod.
https://www.amazon.com/ZOMEI-lightweight-Travel-Folding-Release/dp/B01KLLW046/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1524685465&sr=1-4&keywords=zomei
Most taller ones have a stabilizer hook; make sure it is tall enough if you don't want to bend down too much; I guess the turn-release is stronger but the snap-release is faster.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Manfrotto or Gitzo. Get one that is rated for at least double the weight of your equipment. Don't forget to include the weight of the head.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The thing I liked about it is 45 days to return it if not satisfied. Can't beat that.

JHS Loc: Carmichael, CA

Madchemist,

Take a look at Thom Hogan's article on buying a new tripod, here is the URL:

http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/camera-accessories/tripod-101.html

Mr. Hogan makes some very good points. Incidentally, some time ago I purchased a
Zomei tripod from Amazon and after trying it out I am in the market for a much more
stable one. With just the top i.e., the thickest,(most stable configuration) leg extended,
I can put my hand on the ball and vibrate it with very little effort on my part. True it is
well made, but does not have the rigidity to be super stable, it is stable for its price.

Good luck, John

D850 Lover

I use a heavy duty aluminum Manfrotto for all my shots. I want something that is not going to move. To me light weight tripods can be a bit flimsy.
Take a look at the Manfrotto website.

Gundersnipe

Tiltall eBay best for the buck.

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Weight all you loaded on your tripod when it broke, double that total and start looking for a tripod in that capacity range, than check with your finance minister and buy the very best u can,

TonyBot

If you want a heavy duty tripod, it is probably going to be heavy. The one I like - basic, screw-in 3-way pan head, supports 44 pounds it says (I figure really only 25), goes to six feet extended and about 4.5 unextended - is the Tiltall original series. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1237245-REG/tiltall_tripod_te_01b_te_original_series_tripod.html Its a bear, weighs in at over seven pounds, is c-o-l-d metal (protect it and your hands with pipe insulatation from the hardware store). About $180 from the Big Three. Add the ball head, QR, or gimbal head later, and you'll end up spending probably another two hundred or more, but in the mean time, you can let your gym membership lapse.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Yard sales

trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg

I have a Zomei 688. It is really a budget tripod. Good one.

trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg

I have a Zomei. It is really good . Good choice.

Greatographer

No need to spend big $$$!!!

Slik PRO 330 DX AMT Black - Kit $89.95
https://slikusa.com/products/pro-330dx-black-amt-compete-w-sh705e-head?guidelines=77575

PRO 500 DX AMT - Kit $129.95.
https://slikusa.com/products/pro-500-dx-amt-kit?guidelines=77575

Be sure to check the SLIK Pro 500... as rock solid as Mt. Whitney and reasonably priced!

Happy photoing! Bob