Tripod - need help deciding (sub $300)

[HotConductor]

This has been discussed to death but I am having a very difficult time deciding what to purchase. Let me state that my budget is very minimal (just had a new baby) but that I am willing to spend a bit extra if needed. I have two HMC150s and so ultimately I will need two tripods, but will be starting with one. Here's what I'm looking at

Matthews M25 tripod - $170 - Link

VariZoom VZ-TK75A - $170 - Link

Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 - $190 - Link

The adjustable bowl (if thats the correct description/term) is extremely appealing to me. I got my start running broadcast cams on deluxe Sachtler tripods. The adjustable bowl (to be able to bubble the camera regardless of the situation) is a very big deal to me.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time, and yes I did search the forums first! I've been reading everything I can...

 

[westgate]

I'm in the same situation...just need something light. I was at Samy's camera yesterday and from all I saw there, I liked only Manfrotto 547B. More less light and sturdy:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/591107-REG/Manfrotto_547B_547B_Professional_Tripod_Legs.html
BUT I will buy Benro A2691TB1:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/738078-REG/Benro_A2691TB1_A_2691_Travel_Angel_Alum.html
probably not good for you, but load capacity better than your choice and muuuch lighter/smaller. Will start from there and will see if it will work...if not I will use it for traveling only. Basically, as I see, I'll need 2 tripods anyway.

 

[westgate]

Some correction on Benro A2691TB1. Great tripod, but it turned out that one can't take off Benro's head from it , so it's impossible to mount Manfrotto or any other head. I was mislead by sale-assistant. Still thinking to keep Benro, but will need to buy another tripod to put video head.