I hate to just ask, but there are so many choices I can't seem to make any headway.

I'm in the market for a tripod. I don't want to spend much more than 300-350 tops. Less is better I suppose.

Most of the time I will be shooting using:
Sony HC85
Sony TRV840
Canon Optura 300
(All light Cameras)

But I also use a couple of times a month the Canon XL1s so the tripod must be able to handle it fairly smoothly as well.

I hear alot about the Bogen 501. Would this be a good choice?

I'm also unsure about which legs to get. I really don't mind weight. As long as they aren't extremely heavy they should be fine.

Any help in this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Just searching on Bogen/Manfrotto's site just stresses me out. ;)

I bought a Velbon Super Ace tripod recently (sorry, that's all the information the box says :-)) for my XL1S and it's very good, and very stable.
It costed me 220 euro's, new.

Good luck.

How smooth is the panning on it?

Fluid Head?

Hi Brandon
I also have the xl1s and wanted a reasonably priced tripod,
I managed to get a Velbon DV 7000 for 80 GBP it is fluid head
and does the job nicely I am not sure of your location but if
converted to American money, it would be 154 USD

hope that helps you

Thanks for the info. It looks like I would have to order it from the uk and have it shipped here though.

I really would like to go the bogen/manfrotto route, but am unsure if I can get a cheap head/leg setup that will allow me to use both my super light MiniDV cams and my XL1s.