XTR,
Just like they tell you in sports, ‘it’s all in your head’. You can’t expect movement or controls to be any better than they are with a tripod for less than $40 bucks. For a good half-ball fluid head you’ll have to start in the neighborhood of $200+ just for the head. Though it’s more than your $30 range, take a look at this set up from Bogen Manfrotto with a 501 fluid head which I have used since `02.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=3909&N=4291074044+4291348219
Your posts strike me as someone who is looking to move up but your gear is falling below your growing skill level. Maybe it’s time to start making ‘bark tea’ while you save up for some better gear.
