Look for a good quality, but cheap tripod for my Nikon d5100?

I'd like it to be under $30. Honestly, I don't know if I'm asking for the impossible for a really good tripod, but I'm not willing to spend $200.So yeah, thanks for your info, and just what you use(d), and what works with my budget.

With a $30 budget I think you can cross "good" off the list of expectations. Bump it up to about $90, and you could get a Slik Sprint Pro II. This will save you $30 by having not squandered it on junk.

Don't waste your money. If you can't afford a decent tripod you are better off saving and waiting until you can afford a decent tripod. Look into Bogen tripods as they offer a good tripod for the money. Gitzo is the brand I prefer but they are pricey.

Put money in the bank and return in a few months. The only good tripods I know for that money are table tripods, you know those cute little ones for your compact camera. And with good I mean that you might find a Gorilla pod.

What you desire is something that goes up at least 5 feet right. Three sturdy legs and hopefully not to big and heavy either. Those cost a bit of money yes, but see it this way just like a good lens a good tripod goes a long way and many many years. I bought one for about $150 probably yeah… A bit on the heavy and big side but if I need sturdy I'm certain I have a nice sturdy base for my photography.

There are smaller lighter models that cost a bit less think $90. As long as the clamping is good and sturdy and the legs are strong [no thin models that will move when you blow at it] then it is a decent tripod.

Photography isn't cheap, some things are yes a small investment. But think of it this way in 10 years you still can use that one good tripod. In 20 years. The good tripod still is standing.

In 2 years a cheap tripod with bad clamps is.something in the corner broken and all. Waiting to be set out with the trash.

How expensive is your D5100, at least $500 right. So why only give it a $30 "sturdy" tripod And with "sturdy" I mean a big fall waiting to happen.