The ideal tripod will fit any task. Impossible, but this is my answer. Yardsales yield many inexpensive tripods. Combine two. Modify one short. Keep another long. What the photos show cost me 25$, maybe.
I have a gray market gitzo that is well built. The problem for me was getting it a foot off the ground. Hanging a camera is a problem. Cutting the center post? No. This is my answer. By the way ,the heavy duty gray market tripod supports my 225 lb friend. I was lucky. Bought it before I knew better.This is my wandering tripod.
Live and learn a lesson for a lifetime: I blew it back in 1973 and bought a Sunset 2000, but it did fit nicely on the side of my Schwinn. In my next life I will go with an Audi and a Gitzo.
I've got the Audi but can't afford the Gitzo...just about to head out to pick up the Audi from the tire store...32,500 miles starts my third set of new tires.
If you only want to buy one (1) tripod in one lifetime ---
Then buy a GITZO
Yes, or Manfrotto. I bought one of each in different sizes and different purposes. So far I have had only one issue with the Gitzo. One of the rubber feet unscrewed and I lost it. I should have used Lock-tite on it. I bought a replacement and I've been golden ever since. That's not a major issue as far as I'm concerned. Shit happens. The Manfrotto has been flawless.