tripod Q + reco

i tried to read the sticky, but its just too much info out there

first, let me ask the most basic and obvious question.... do i need a head? i thought tripods come with heads, but i see stuff about 3d, panning, joysticks, pistols, balls, quick release, etc....

i want a relatively inexpensive tripod that i can use every once in a while to take some scenery shots such as the brooklyn bridge. since this will be an accessory seldom used, i dont really think spending more than $200-300 is warranted.

i am 5'7"

the heaviest i can see my gear being is a T2i+24-105+430EXII, which is a bit under 4lb using the specs from canon site.

just a quick look at B&H site for sub-$250 tripods... how are these:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …90_Travel_Angel​_Alum.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …91_Travel_Angel​_Alum.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …tion_Aluminum_T​ripod.html

I currently own 1541 with q3t and rrs clamps. i also have the benro travel angel in your first link. if you don't mind aluminum, i would with either benros. the 3rd link-i've never heard of that brand before.
if you decide to go with one of the benros, upgrade the head to a b1 at least.

i am still thinkng about getting a tripod in general, but ive been looking more closely at the manfrotto - either the 55xpro or 190xpro legs, and a 494RC2 or 496RC2 head.

looks like i can get it for sub-200 on amazon. i dont need panning, as i dont really do landscape, so 498rc2 head is overkill.

then again, if i dont do landscape, why do i need a tripod in the first place? hmmmm

ekinnyc wrote in post #12427853
i am still thinkng about getting a tripod in general, but ive been looking more closely at the manfrotto - either the 55xpro or 190xpro legs, and a 494RC2 or 496RC2 head.

looks like i can get it for sub-200 on amazon. i dont need panning, as i dont really do landscape, so 498rc2 head is overkill.

then again, if i dont do landscape, why do i need a tripod in the first place? hmmmm

Have you had a look at the used market? Very recently I picked up a well used Gitzo G1329 Mk2. Yes it has a few marks and a little missing paint but for £100 (UK) what do you expect! It is a functionally perfect 3 series Carbon Studex that came with an additional adjustable center column! Without the legs extended it will support me (100 Kilo). On top of this I put a flyweight Triopo RS3 ball head with an arca type QR clamp. This setup is quite adequate for my heaviest combo, namely a 600 F4 + 1 D body - not bad for £150 (in total). This is probably borderline on price (in US Dollars) but you will have to spend $1000+++ to get anything better.
P.S. the head and QR clamp were new - only the tripod was second hand.

i see some deals in the FS section here.... i am just still not sure if i absolutely need a tripod now, considering i have alot of expenses coming up. not to the point of selling any gear, but definitely not a good time to buy anything new.

went with a bogen/manfrotto 3021bpro with 486RC2 head from ebay..... love it so far!!
thanks for the help everyone