Sooo i've been there with the 6DII—it’s a total beast. Since you're hitting the Southwest, wind stability is basically everything. Here’s how I see the best budget options for under $180: Manfrotto Element Traveler Big Aluminum Tripod vs Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod vs Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip S Aluminum Travel Tripod. The Manfrotto is the sturdiest but slightly heavier. The Vanguard is way more compact for hiking, but honestly, those 5-section thin leg segments make me nervous with a heavy L-series lens. The Benro is a nice middle ground but the ball head feels a bit less precise iirc. Best choice? Id go with the Manfrotto Element Traveler Big Aluminum Tripod. It supports up to 17.6 lbs so it wont buckle under your setup. I’ve used it in windy spots and it’s realy solid... just make sure to hang ur bag on the hook for extra stability!! peace

> "I’ve seen some cheap, ultra-light tripods that look like they’d buckle under the weight of a 6DII..." This^ Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I nearly dropped mine in Zion once cuz of a cheap mount... so scary. If ur looking for a REAL steal, check out the K&F Concept 62 inch DSLR Tripod T254A4. It's usually only like $80-90 and holds way more than u'd think without feeling flimsy. Highkey a great budget option for those Southwest winds!! gl!

I am in the exact same boat with my 6D Mark II and honestly its been a total letdown trying to find a match. That 24-105mm glass is just too heavy for most travel gear even if the weight ratings claim otherwise. Its really disappointing how many tripods say they can handle a full-frame kit but then fail the second you actually get into the field. A few things I've learned the hard way to watch out for:

• Twist locks that grit up and jam when you get even a little desert sand in them
• Center columns that vibrate like crazy if there is even a tiny breeze
• Quick release plates that constantly wiggle because the materials are so cheap I am kinda losing hope finding something under $180 that actually stays still for landscape work. Most of these budget options are basically just glorified selfie sticks for a body this heavy...

To add to the point above: technosapien is totally right about weight ratings. They're basically fiction half the time. Especially with a 6DII and that 24-105mm glass... it's a chunky setup and the center of gravity is always a bit wonky. I'd be really careful with anything too spindly if you're gonna be out in the wind. I would suggest looking at the Sirui Traveler 7A Aluminum Tripod instead of the super cheap ones. It usually runs around $130 and feels way more stable than the K&F stuff. The leg locks are super snappy and it doesn't feel like it's gonna snap. Another one to check out is the SmallRig AP-01 Lightweight Travel Tripod. It's compact but surprisingly stiff. Just make sure to always hang your camera bag from the center column hook when you're in the desert... those gusts can be nasty and it'd be a total nightmare to see your 6DII hit the rocks tho.

^ This. Also, you might want to consider being really careful with some of those ultra-compact suggestions. I spent a week shooting in Arches with my 6DII and learned the hard way that many aluminum travel tripods are basically tuning forks when the desert wind kicks up. I once had a leg lock slip on a cheaper setup while I was trying to capture a sunset at Delicate Arch... nearly gave me a heart attack watching my gear tilt toward the red rocks. I actually have to disagree about the K&F or the basic Element series for a kit this heavy. They just dont have the leg diameter to stay stiff under that 24-105mm glass. I would suggest looking into the Benro Bat 15A Aluminum Tripod with VX20 Head instead. Its slightly beefier than the RoadTrip series but way more stable for full-frame setups without breaking the bank. Quick tips for the Southwest:

• Never extend the center column in the wind.
• Hang your camera bag from the center hook for ballast, but let it touch the ground so it doesnt swing.