A good tripod for around $200?

[smkoch]

That may be a stupid question, but really my tripod crapped out and I need to get a new one. There's so many things that I'd like to buy ( I.E. Ram, another hardrive, a jib, a dolly,.... ) so my budget isn't very much.

I'd like nothing more than to get a 503 combo, but budget restraints say no. . here's a couple that I saw at B&H .

A Bescor TH-560
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=92994&is=REG

A Smith- Victor Propod
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=329000&is=REG

or this Libec TH-M20
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=131444&is=REG

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

P.S. I have High speed net and tried the Search function several times, Each time it just hung in oblivion, so I'd appreciate not getting a ( try the search function) you guy's know who you are..

 

[Erik Olson]

Re: A good tripod for around $200?

SunPak 620-800 ProM 75mm Video Tripod

I have not used this tripod and don't know anyone who has!  That said, I have considered this one as a second / lightweight set of sticks to the Sachtler 18 I usually carry.  

I like that it has the double-riser legs and 75mm bowl - unlike the other options you've already seen.  If you hate the head, you could always drop a 503 on there for $250.  If you really don't like the sticks, that'd be another story! The head is purportedly of metal, not plastic - though I have not found any information on whether it depends heavily on friction for drag like the Bogen 501.

;D