The prices you qoute are cheap for a tripod. For cheaper tripods, I would make sure to look them over in person, or at least get feedback from those that have actually used them before buying, as you get what you pay for. Personally, I would not want to sit in a flimsey tripod or any other flimsey stand for that matter. I like the Apex tripods. Cabelas sells them, but they are about $300, but look very well built.