tripod head

what's a good, solid tripod head for ~$200?

Depends on what type of head you want and how much weight you need it to hold.

For ball heads there are plenty of good options that come in under $200 (feisol, photo clam, benro, induro, cullmann, ect).

I persoanly use the feisol cb-40.

thanks. the Feisol looks perfect.

do i need to purchase a plate separately, or does it come w/ one?

The Feisol Heads are nice and solid, well priced and do come with a plate, Ive been using the CB-50DC carbon head for a few months, really pleased with it, rock solid.

awesome, thanks everyone.

thanks again! i got the Feisol carbon head (50, i think) and it's great. used it that very night, in fact.