My brother went with a Slik Lite AL-420, a lightweight tripod with a ball head (thanks, ahalpert, for reminding me of that head). It is normally $140 but on sale for $60.
In the '90s I had a Slik that lasted forever, but I think it was made in Japan. This one is made in Thailand or Hong Kong, according to reviewers. Well, at least it has a 3-year warranty. I hope it works out for him. He said when it arrived, "Way nicer than I was expecting!"
