Hi. I just bought a 2011 high-end HD consumer camcorder - around 1000 bucks. (Brand and model are not important, I think.) Could someone recommend a tripod that offers professional-like movement (- panning and tilting), please? The tripod should also extend to at least 150 cm (I believe that's around 60 inches, or so). I bought an Optex for around 60 dollars, that has all the functionality I want, except for smooth movement. It's jerky, it screeches when the head is moved oftentimes, and for really delicate panning it tends to move back a little too. (Suffice it to say, I'm not satisfied with that purchase.) Thank you very much.
Look at a Manfrotto tripod. I decent camera store will carry them and let you have a hands on. I use one for my telescope.
