Really, I don't know where to post this, I usually hand out more in the Birds Forums, so hopefully this will be the place...
I have a Flashpoint brand gimbal on a semi-cheap-o Slik tripod right now, I need to upgrade to a more sturdy tripod, and I would appreciate anyone that knows of a good combination.
The ONLY drawback is money, (that and ignorance) I can't spend hundreds of dollars, my limit will probably be 'around' $175., possibly $200., definitely not more.
Lately I've missed out on a few good buys like a Bogen-Manfrotto tripod more than a few times here in the Classifieds.
Today, and yesterday I saw some on Craigslist too, but I don't want to buy the wrong thing, even though the prices were right, it may not be as sturdy as I think...
I'm pretty sure most will say that probably isn't a good idea to go cheap, but I don't have a choice right now, so even though it may not be perfect, it'd definitely be a better one that I have now.
(I paid 'around' $65.00-75.00 for it 20 years ago for my video camera, if used with a gimbal, it wobbles some, if the tripod's neck is raised, it REALLY wobbles with the stuff I have on it)
My tripod now has the leg braces, I see that usually, the newer, more stronger tripods don't have these, so I am kind'a unsure as to why, but it doesn't matter really, if it'll hold up all of my stuff.
(I do know that one of the reasons for the ones without braces is so it can be lowered really close to the ground, which is something I would like)
My "stuff" is, a XSi, a Canon 100-400mm L lens, and the Flashpoint gimbal.
Lens, 3.0 lbs.
Camera, 3.2 lbs.
Gimbal, 2.2 lbs.
_______________
Total weight 8.4 lbs.
The gimbal where I bought it... http://www.adorama.com/FPGH.html
So my question is, what recommendations would you care to bring up?
What I need it 'STURDY', weight is not a thing I am really worried about, 'now' anyway, I don't hike a long way...
Thank you, I appreciate any and all thoughts, I'd like to have it by next week so I can play with it, I want to go and try my hand at some BIF eagles, "play" being the key word here. 
Randy
