Looking to buy my first real tripod.

I am looking to buy my first real tripod (if you don't count the $20 walmart special from 15 years ago). I have a budget of $300ish and I am 5' 9". I have a 7dII with a 24-105 now but hope to add some bigger (100-400) lens later on but I think a stable tripod should be next on the list of gear to buy. Here is what I was looking at Induro AT214 with Sirui K-30x. What do you think? Thanks for helping a newbie make a decision.

I have the Induro CT214 with the K-30x and it works well for me. It holds the 5D3 with 70-200 2.8 fine. I went with the carbon fiber for a little less weight so I can take it hiking.

No experience with Induro, but I've had the K-30x for ~6 months or so. It's a very solid ballhead and I think it's wearing the price/performance crown right now. Highly recommended by myself and many others in this forum.

Without knowing what you'll use it for the most, I'll just say that I have light ones & heavy ones, but the one that I've taken all over the US is the Tiltall. I bought it in 1965 & it's never given up. I do suggest that you get a quick release for the camera.
http://tiltalltripod.c​om/TEO.html
http://tiltallsupport.​blogspot.com/p/tiltall​-support.html

The Sirui K-30X is great value for money and the Induro AT214 is essentially a gussied-up Benro A2580T selling for less that the Benro sells for. I have a feeling Benro are phasing out their aluminum tripods so the Induro ones may disappear soon too. The Benro & Induro aluminum tripods are not that much heavier than their carbon fiber equivalents so you have an advantage over other manufacturers in the weight department. I say go for it!

That's a solid kit. If you can afford it step up to CF.

I remember being a young photographer wanting a Tiltall tripod and thinking they were very professional.

Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately the budget won't allow for the carbon fiber version FarmerTed. So I went for it. It should be here mid week. I will try to reply with an update after it comes in. Thanks again

I had the same budget, and I chose a long time choosing
My choice - Manfrotto 055XPROB (now MT055XPRO3) + head 808RC4
Perfect for my Nikon D800E + tilt / shift 85PC (old heavy version - 850g), for 7D + 100-400, he also is perfect.
The tripod has a very important function - "horizontal column"
On B&H this kit is available for $ 369

That is the exact setup I opted for. I was looking for quality vs. value and after reading countless reviews on gear, I felt that the Induro and Sirui combo gave me the best bang for the buck for my needs.
I'm very pleased with both. Enjoy your new gear!

softboxgrid wrote in post #17623424
I had the same budget, and I chose a long time choosing
My choice - Manfrotto 055XPROB (now MT055XPRO3) + head 808RC4
Perfect for my Nikon D800E + tilt / shift 85PC (old heavy version - 850g), for 7D + 100-400, he also is perfect.
The tripod has a very important function - "horizontal column"
On B&H this kit is available for $ 369

I am not a fan of Manfrotto's quick release system for their heads. The Arca Swiss system is more solid and easier to use, IMO. My first tripod was a Manfrotto, and I quickly grew to dislike the QR system.

I know it has been a little while, but I have had a chance to use the set up now. Wow, this is so much better than anything I have used in the past. The tripod (Induro AT214) is very stable and big. I am 5'9" and have no trouble setting it up high enough to be above head high for shots like fireworks. The Sirui K-30X is a great ball head. I am still trying to get use to using it, but it is very smooth and locks solid. All in all it is a great set-up for under $300. These are a couple of low light shots for reference. Thanks again for the replies.

Great! That rig should last you a long time - glad you're enjoying it.