Tripod and head

Any suggestions on a tripod and head? I have been looking at the Manfrotto, but I am undecided on the head. I will be mostly spotting from the truck or atv with 18x binoculars so weight is not a huge factor. I would like to keep the cost under $450.

The carbon fiber Manfrotto with the fluid is a great set up. If you want to go the the aluminum legs and save a few bucks you can. Even when spotting from my truck taking phonescope footage of animals. I prefer to get out and set up my tripod. You are limited to much with a window mount. The carbon fiber one I pack and it's better on a windy ridge. My smaller back packing tripod is not stead in wind. So i prefer the bigger one in most cases. I also pack it in my four wheeler box.

I was in the same boat. The guys at cameralandny.com have always taken care of me!

Manfrotto 055 with the big fluid head.

You will not be disappointed!