Is there a chance you'll ever use a scope on it? That might influence the type
of head it should have, with most people seeming to prefer a video head. It
ought at least be removable so you can put a different one on later. Not sure
if cheap tripod heads can come off.
Lots of birders seem to use a Manfrotto 190 or 055 tripod with a 128RC head
with their scope. There are variations of those tripods, but I think the
cheapest are just a little over $300 with that head, on the web anyway. The
main difference between the two is the maximum height, so it depends how tall
you are. I got the 190 and I have to raise the column for it to be comfortable.
Those tripods let you splay the legs out wider if you need more stability,
which the cheapies probably can't do.
That head can't turn the camera sideways, which might be important to you. If
there's no possibility of using it with a scope then I'll leave it to the
photographers to advise you which head to get. It might be handy to at least
have one that uses the same sort of quick release mounting plate though, so you
can share tripods with other birders if necessary. (That said, I don't think
I've ever done that.)
Note that cheaper tripods might come with a mounting plate type that isn't
replaceable if you lose it or need a spare.
I'd avoid small tripods with legs in four telescopic sections. Three is much
faster to fold up.
Don't forget to check eBay. There are plenty of used ones out there.
Peter Shute
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