Sunpak 620-020 2001UT Travel Tripod with Extra Quick-Release Mounting Plate

We ordered this tripod to use with our Nikon D-80. It performs very well. The aluminum frame has a solid feel (not terribly heavy). The various joints and locks are well constructed (no wiggling) and intuitive to use. The quick release camera base is a very nice feature. The tripod easily supports the weight of a D-80, attached 18-135 lens and speedlight flash. For the price we couldn't have been happier.

This lightweight but sturdy tripod is well suited to the gamut of digital video cameras.

It's easy to use, light weight to carry in and out with kids'.
My 3-year old can help me to bring it into the car.
He even help me to set the tripod up.

Just so everyone knows where I'm coming from, I'm not a professional. I simply wanted a tripod to hold my camcorder steady while taking videos, especially ones that I want to be in. I don't need anything fancy or any interesting features, and for me this tripod has been great. I've given it plenty of abuse and it hasn't so much as scratched. It compacts down to a fairly small size (which is good since I've been traveling a lot lately), and can still extend fairly high when needed. It expands and contracts with very minimal effort (I literally open the leg clamp and tap it to extend the leg), and when I put it in a given position, it stays put. For an amateur like me, this is really the perfect tripod.

Solid tripod for the money -- good value -- good product. Not the best but can't be beat for the price I paid.