Since it is the only one I own, I will tout the benefits of the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod. It is lightweight, very sturdy, easy to set up, can do "aerial view" or overhead macro work with the horizontal-capable center post, and is tall enough for my 190 cm frame that I had to tip toe when shooting fireworks this past 4th of July after I set it up to get above the crowd. On B & H it is a few dollars more than your target price, but I think it is the kind of thing that is worth the slight extra investment.