Here's a little more help. The 190xdb by Manfrotto is pretty similar to the pro, but with INconvenient wingnuts instead of quick release leg-locks. Here it is:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...egs_Black.html
Right now you can get this tripod with a rebate for $81.77. Add the ball head Bob suggested above and you are under $150. There you go. You could almost upgrade to the bigger 055 series tripod and stay near $150, but you said you wanted portable, and the 190 series is a little more portable; however, not as sturdy as the 055 series. Here's the link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...egs_Black.html
Word of caution...you are going to notice the poor quality of the ball head before that of the tripod legs. Read this blog for fun (I followed, and I am still trying to find may way out of, the less efficient direction to purchase a nice tripod and head):
http://bythom.com/support.htm
p.s. I wouldn't buy any of that stuff from the ebay links. The things is...even though the links I provided above don't lead to top-of-the-line tripods, or even the top of the Manfrotto line, they lead to a trusted name-brand product. A brand that will back their product and can be purchased from a reliable dealer like B&H for a very competitive price.
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