What should I look for in a tripod?

[Angelshare1]

I've read over the tacked thread and found it to be kind of meandering and confusing. It doesn't have tutorials or tripod 101 articles like some of the other nice tacked threads on dvxuser.

I'm looking to buy an HPX-170 and would like that will give me nice smooth pans. Do I need to spend 1,500?

What is the difference between these two tripods that makes one far more expensive than the other? What makes a tripod good, versus cheap?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458963-REG/Libec_LS_22M_2A__LS22M2A_Tripod_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375089-REG/Cartoni_F103_F103_Tripod_System.html

 

[Huy Vu]

There are so many variables it's difficult to answer the question, but broadly a few variables apply

1) The quality of the head. Higher quality head has better fluid drag system so that you can easily perform complex moves (i.e smooth start and stop on full telephoto). There's also other features like adjustable counterbalance (so your camera won't automatically nove-dise if you forget to lock the head); weight limit, adjustable fluid drag etc.
2) The quality of the leg. Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum but more expensive. Type of leg locking system (rotation is not preferred). Ground spreader vs. midlevel spreader (mid level is usually preferred).