Suggestions for Tripod/Gymbal around $500-700

I'd like to try to find a decent and stable tripod (preferably with no center column) and a smooth gimbal for around $500 to use for birding with my 7D II and S150-600C. I could go up to about $750.

I know good solid support comes at a price but I'm wondering if there are any budget options out there.

Right now I'm looking at the Benro COM48C and Benro GH2 which would run about $750 new. They both seem to have good reviews but I have no experience with this company.

I used to own an Opteka GH1 gimbal which is about $100 new and from what I remember it worked well, although looking at recent reviews it looks hit or miss.

Any suggestions in this price range? I'm willing to buy used which is probably my best bet.

Thanks everyone.

I have the same Sigma lens, and I just purchased a variety of things to help me with birding. As for gimbal for a tripod use, I can highly recommend Promediagear GT1 Tomahawk Sidekick gimbal. You might also want to compare it with Wimberley Sidekick. ($269.10 Tomahawk vs. $250 Wimberley.) For the lens, either would be plenty strong while keeping the overall weight down compared to heavier full gimbal. They're still not cheap, but one thing I learned over the years is that you're very likely to end up paying more in the long run by going cheaper route. Between the two, I decided on Tomahawk because it can mount directly on monopod (on tripod, too, but you'd need a panning base or a ballhead) whereas Wimberley needs a ball head regardless of monopod or tripod use.

Another option is to use Sirui L-20S tilt head with the panning base instead of a gimbal. After playing around with both Sirui and Tomahawk, I really like how Sirui works just like gimbal. Although I've been playing around with it mostly on my monopod, it works well on tripod, as well. L-20S is $169.99, and it's load capacity is more than plenty at 55.1 lbs for the lens. I really saw no difference between L-20S and Tomahawk, both silky smooth and adjustable tension without any restrictive feel. L-20S is now permanently mounted on my monopod while Tomahawk on my tripod. The only reason for keeping both is so that I don't have to switch things out.

I have the 7D2 and tamron 150-600

I use the Jobu junior mounted on a manfroto 055 aluminum 3 section. The tripod has a center column but I don't use it. this will come close to your max budget and you will still need a lens plate.

I am pleased with my outfit but wouldn't want to carry it far.

Rod