Hi all, reading through the thread search is getting me confused so I'm just going to ask for help. I'm thinking of getting my GF a mini tripod or monopod for her D40x. She does mainly closeup nature shots, distant scenery shots, and random touristy shots all in the same outings. Just the stock lenses; no large ones.

So what could I get her that's light weight, has a quick release for the camera and legs, and would suit most of her detail/stability shots? What kind of head should I be looking for? Would a carbon fiber mono work for this stuff? Something quality that only takes a moment to setup or release since she switches from each shooting style constantly, and maybe for $150 or less. Thanks for helping a clueless BF. :idea:

Weight shouldn't be a problem with stock lenses and a D40, but the price range might be a problem.
For close up nature shots you need a tripod that has legs that have multiple stops to allow the tripod to get close to the ground and that usually costs more. For a quick release, in my opinon you can't beat a ball head, but they are costly.
Honestly, I hope I'm wrong, but I cannot think of a good tripod with a quick release head that has multiple stops for the legs to allow the head to get close to the ground that would be under $150.00
I might make a suggestion for two tripods that should keep you under your max. Go to a Ritz or Wolf or a local camera store and see about getting a decent inexpensive tripod like a Velbon that will hold her gear for the landscape shots.
Then for her closeup work, look at a Gorilapod.
http://www.joby.com/images/gorillapod-family-small.jpg

Someone else will probably have a better idea.