If you have a decent tripo

If you have a decent tripod you might consider putting the Bogen/Manfrotto 503HDV head on it — $359 at B&H. Add a ball leveler if you don’t already have one and you’re in for just over $400.

We’ve used 503 heads for several years and find them to be reliable and, if well maintained and adjusted, quite smooth in both pan and tilt.