Tripod Suggestions

my work gave me some pearstone tripod that is the biggest piece of dog poo. the pans is jerky as hell and the pan/tilt lock don't lock. Don't buy it! Manfrotto is a well known name but over your budget.

edit - this is the one i have...as stated I don't recommend it
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ne_VT2000_VT_2000_Consumer_Tripod_System.html

I'm not aware of a decent fluid head/tripod combo for less than $100 new.

If you can go closer to $200, I'd consider either the Matthews M25 or Libec TH-650DV from B&H or Markertek. I haven't used either of these exactly, but the Libec TH-M20 (previous, discontinued model) works OK for the price, around $180. You might find one used on eBay for around $100 if you're patient (I did).

Good luck.

Take a look at Velbon (for example). I tried one recently (can't remember the model, sorry) and was very surprised at both it's weight (solid, not flimsy) and the smoothness of the head's action. I would say it was as good as the Manfrotto 190 with 128RC head I have at home. The Velbon was under A$100, too. Not too many Manfrottos are...