I'm looking to get a tripod that is reliable and easy to use. Preferably I want it to cost less than $100 and highten to my height which is 5.9 feet or 69 inches.

I like a nice tough lightweight tripod with big feet, a mid spreader, not floor spreader, quick release/tighten legs, quick release plate, a level with adjustable levelling fluid head, so you don't need to level it by adjusting the legs. It also needs to be made specifically for the weight of the camera I am putting on it. I also like to be able to slide the can forward or backward to get the balance right. Basically I think Miller Tripods are awesome!

For the most part I have the same wants/needs as chevy. The adjustable leveling head isn't a huge deal breaker for me, nor is it being made for the specific weight of the camera.

I had been researching tripods for a while and finally decided to just pull the trigger on one I found at Bestbuy. It's a Sunpak, so not the best, but you could certainly do worse. It has the quick release legs, quick release plate (with spare), a head that angles up to 90 degrees, and monopod capability. Overall I'm happy with it. It's very sturdy, has feet that switch between rubber and spikes and is a snap to set up. Obviously there are much better tripods out there, but they're not going to be less than $100.

BTW mine was $90.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8480636&type=product&id=1185268654383

My needs for a video tripod are very different than for a still photo tripod. For video I generally want it to be very light/convenient and to have a high reach, e.g., videoing over the audience at a school play. Still photo tripods need to be heavier/sturdier as I often use them to take long-exposure shots where steadiness is at a premium.

I have two tripods, and one monopod, none of which are "top end" and I've been very happy with them all.

My large tripod is a cheapie made by Velbon that I picked up for $30-40 at a local department store. It's fairly small and lightweight so it's easy to carry to a remote location, or stick in a suitcase for vacations. I has a quick release, tilt, pan, and cranks up and down. It's easy to adjust the three legs to fit uneven ground, and I've used it with a few different camcorders and digital cameras. I'm just an amateur, but I don't know what more I could want from a tripod.

My second tripod is an "Ultrapod II". It is small enough to fit in my camcorder bag, and I've been surprised at how useful and versatle it is. I probably use it more than my full size tripod. I can stand it on a table, a rock, in a chair, strap it to a tree or sign post, etc. It doesn't have the quick release or other fancy adjustments, but it's so small you can just pick the whole works up and move it around where you need it. I HIGHLY recommend the Ultrapod II, especially if you travel a lot.

My monopod is an Opteka MP100 that only cost me about $20 including shipping. I've only had this a few months, but have found it extremely handy when traveling and hiking. If we're on a road trip I can just grab the camcorder and monopod out of the car and start filming. No setup needed. It also works great for hiking, where I can just stop and film anywhere I want to. It even helps stabilize the camera a bit by extending the first two sections only so it adds weight below the camera without touching the ground. With practice and a high shutter speed, you can even make some decent walking shots.

The full size tripod works best if I'm filming a subject that is relatively stationary, the ultrapod works best when traveling, and the monopod offers the most mobility if I'm moving around a lot.

Anthony