How much are your tripods?

You mentioned you were in Vancouver, and I assume you are talking B.C. Canada. I have family that lives there, and they are into photography. There is a great camera store there, and I wish I could remember the name. It has a lot of scrap booking stuff as well. I know that my brother in law trusts them and he says they are excellent at giving advice. I would imagine that there are plenty of other camera shops in Vancouver, I would start there. They are going to be able to give you great advice. Even if you end up buying on the net, I would still check them out first at a store. Then you will at least know what you are looking for and will be able to find the best deal you can. Of course, when you buy camera equipment online and not from a camera store, often you are missing out on the knowledge they can give you, which can sometimes make up for the difference in price!

IF you need a tripod, how are you going to use it? For sports, wildlife, nature, people or buildings? Once you have selected a tripod you will have to buy a tripod head. I would suggest that you talk to some people from a store that deals in cameras only.