If you are not adverse to using Ebay, there are several good quality used ones there right now. I picked up a Manfrotto 681b a few years ago that has since been replaced by a carbon fiber Sirui. I may be willing to part with it. Send me a PM if you are interested.

Congratulations. It is well deserved. May you and your wife have a marvelous time as you enter this next chapter of life.

Is the second image a composit? If so, I like the placement of the moon. However, it could be tweaked a bit to make it stand out more. This is also shot that might look better in black and white.

Here are a few

Advice


Albino


Awning


Accident aftermath


Antelope ( technically a Pronghorn)

I like the subject. The first version is a little washed out and the second version is too oversaturated for my taste. If you could lighten or desaturate the background in the second image I feel it would be a stronger picture. And I would leave all the grass. It adds texture.

I don't normally do this, but you asked...
Overall, I like #1. If you zoom in closer, you see that # 2 is a little soft in the focus, especially the eyes. So # 1 is the best in my opinion. However, the colors seem to me to be over saturated, especially in the trees behind the animal. There is also a fair bit of color noise in the fur on the hind quarters. If the judges are looking for technically proficient images, I think you would lose points. If it were my image, I would desaturate it a little bit, especially in the yellows. I would remove as much color noise in the fur as possible. Or I would convert it to black and white and let the power of the image shine.

But what do I know? That's the reason I don't do contests. LOL

I saw this on the side of the road when I paid a visit to a local wildlife sanctuary. Don't view before breakfast. LOL
and yes...I could have posted this in the "Bird" subcategory, but I wanted to put it here.

One my favorites. Baker was such a talent. Hopefully your posts will create more interest in him.

Bravo! Made me laugh. Thank you

Now I am wanting some beef chow mein. Gotta look out for werewolfs.

Great capture. It pays to always be ready for anything when shooting wildlife.

Ferraris in red, Porshes in black, Corvettes in yellow has been my long standing mantra. When my wife finally buys a winning lottery ticket, I will see if it holds true. Lol

What a beautiful car in blue. I have always loved the lines of the D type. That color makes them even sexier.

That's one of the best eclipse pictures I have seen. Way to go!

Yes and no. When small, precise movements are needed a geared head is wonderful. I have a gimbal as well and chose the geared head instead for the eclipse. The Sunway Photo head looks like a really good economy choice.