I'm still new at this and want to buy my first tripod. Tried to do some research here but there is so much to choose from I don't know where to start. I have a D3100, Tamron 18-270mm and Nikon 50mm lenses. All of my pictures are family and landscape for my own pleasure. I can spend around $200. What would you recommend? Thanks.

I was very reluctant to use and carry a tripod for a long time and remain so as far as 'pro' stuff is concerned. However I saw a friend using a Velbon Ultrek and thought 'eureka!". It is rated for 2kg and you might just squeeze in. However it has a twin brother Rexi L rated for 4kg which I now have. A touch larger and less nifty than Ultrek, but really tall & sturdy for a 'travel' grade. Velbon - REXi L Should be within budget your side. I have the same QHD-53D Ball & Socket Head & it is far less fiddly than previous 3 way one I had

The big mistake for first tripod purchase is buying a cheap one, you know the $39 model that looks good but is never quite tall or sturdy enough. Many including myself made this mistake, not once but several times. If you want to take it on a hike the carbon fiber ones are pretty nice and light and expensive, if more for stationary use check ebay and look for a good manfrotto, I picked mine up for around $200 (probably a $500 tripod new). I love the stability and since I'm over 6' the hieght is great.

Thanks for the information. Do tripods come with ballheads or is that a seperate purchase?

It is always best to include your height. Do you plan on doing macro photography? Around $300 to $400 will get you better selection.

Originally Posted by cbgold

Thanks for the information. Do tripods come with ball heads or is that a separate purchase?

Depends which tripod you get. Some (cheaper) ones come with a built in head, some come with a ball head (package deal), and some require that you pick your own ball head, such as a Manfrotto or a Gitzo tripod.

I am 5ft 10 in. I dont want to out cheap myself but i have no intention of ever being a pro. I think I might like to try my hand someday at macro. I could up the ante to around $400 for a tripod and ball head that would last for a while. Any recommendations around there for both tripod and ballhead? Thanks for your time.

You don't have to have intentions of being a pro to want a good tripod. The reason for a good tripod is stability for your camera, to eliminate (as much as possible) camera shake. Even the movement of your shutter will cause some camera shake.
My personal preference for a good tripod is a Manfrotto. I own a $400 Manfrotto 055 (picked it up used for $75 from a guy that didn't know how to change the head on it ) Look for bargains in your local newspaper, on Craigslist, on Kijiji (if you have it in your area). Believe me, you will NEVER regret having the best tripod you can afford. It will show in your pictures.
Let us know what you finally end up with.

Naturally, I'd recommend a Manfrotto ball head for the tripod, such as the 496 or 498 RC2. Absolutely great ball heads in their own right.

A Manfrotto 190BX & a Manfrotto 494cr2 ball head will run you about $280-300 great combination - I can use this combo with my D700 & 300f4 lens and a cable release - no problems with stability

Originally Posted by cbgold

I am 5ft 10 in. I dont want to out cheap myself but i have no intention of ever being a pro. I think I might like to try my hand someday at macro. I could up the ante to around $400 for a tripod and ball head that would last for a while. Any recommendations around there for both tripod and ballhead? Thanks for your time.

I'm not a pro either but I have spent more on my support system and made it future proof. Meaning it can handle the heaviest lenses around. For a mid level carbon fiber tripod that are also good for traveling are the: induro, feisol, benro and manfrotto as suggested. It is important to get a stronger ballhead which plays a more important role in keeping your camera and lens steady.

Just search their website and decide which one will work best for you. I've spent over $1k with mine so I won't bother suggesting it.

NEW FEISOL Traveler Tripod CT-3441SB Rapid with CB-30C Ball Head

INDURO | Products | Tripods | Carbon CT Series 8X Tripods

Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Tripod and MH054MO-Q2 Ball 190CXPRO4-M0Q2B