Can any recommend a tripod for a Tamron 150-600mm lens? The weight is 2kgs and I'm on a tight budget. From what I've read the gimbal style is best. I have a friend coming from the US, so if they're cheaper there then I could get him to bring the head and buy the tripod locally.

Any info is much appreciated.

I can recommend the Manfrotto (Bogen in USA) 055 range, I;m not sure how sturdy the carbon fibre ones are but the aluminium 055CL is very sturdy even in high winds. Have a look on ebay US you can pick them up pretty cheap these days.

The specs say safety payload 7kg.

This is the pro version that has the option of mounting the extender horizontally, It ends in 2 hours.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MANFROTTO-055-PRO-BOGEN-3021PRO-TRIPOD-Mint-Condition-/301184066653?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item461ff8245d

Manfrotto 055 is a great suggestion. Manfrotto makes good quality products. You may also want to take a look at Slik 300DX, which is capable of supporting 5kg or Slik 700DX, which can handle 6.8kg. Both of those are well made and would be considerably cheaper than Manfrotto, although Manfrotto is the Cadillac of tripods.

Induro.

http://www.indurogear.com/

CT114

http://www.indurogear.com/products/induro-carbon-ct-series-8x-tripods-ct114.aspx#specifications

BHL1 head.

http://www.indurogear.com/products/induro-bhl-series-ballheads-bhl1.aspx#specifications

I use a CT414 with BHL-3 head. Highly recommended.

@ MJP...without knowledge of the OP's budget the 414 may be

a bit of a blower. Manfrotto's are less pricey and do a good job.

That said...so do 3 pieces of 2 inch diameter bamboo, some

rafia and a makeshift ball head from a couple tin cans...I know

this...I have tried it. Field expediency it is called!

To the OP...Without knowing your budget it's pretty difficult to

give you any idea. If you're really tight on $$$$ you should have

a look at Slik tripods/heads. No frills & they work.

@ MJP...without knowledge of the OP's budget the 414 may be

a bit of a blower. Manfrotto's are less pricey and do a good job.

That said...so do 3 pieces of 2 inch diameter bamboo, some

rafia and a makeshift ball head from a couple tin cans...I know

this...I have tried it. Field expediency it is called!

To the OP...Without knowing your budget it's pretty difficult to

give you any idea. If you're really tight on $$$$ you should have

a look at Slik tripods/heads. No frills & they work.

I linked the CT114 and BHL1 head. Much cheaper. Or go for aluminum instead of carbon. Really cheap.

Benro and Giottos are worth a look too.