Hey Kiddo,

I'm not sure i would buy a cheap tripod...A good tripod will probably outlast you and costs anywhere from 150-300.+ new - Try ebay for a good used one would be my suggestion.

A cheap tripod will probably cost you 30-40 dollars but they aren't sturdy enough(often aren't tall enough) and are a pain to use. Also you often can't replace the 'head' of the tripod which is a nice option to have and one that i have taken advantage of.

manfrotto
bogden
gitzo

all three are good makes. Mine is an older heavy manfrotto 055 with a #222 (joystick like head) i love it but it's heavy and one day I'll sell it and buy a lighter carbon fibre tripod.

Hope that helps

marko