In my experience, those $20 tripods are basically just expensive trash cans for your camera... ngl, I've seen too many Rebels hit the pavement because of flimsy plastic legs. Since you're heading to Chicago, you definitely want something that wont vibrate every time the wind blows off the lake. The $500 ones are usually for pros carrying 10-pound lenses or hikers who need carbon fiber to save weight. For your T7, you definitely dont need to go that high. Ive used plenty of gear over the years and for $60, you can actually get something decent that'll fit both your T7 and T6 perfectly since they use the same standard mount. Heres what I’d look at:

• Joilcan 80-inch Tripod Aluminum Professional Monopod is surprisingly sturdy for the price and it's tall enough so you arent hunching over.
• K&F Concept 64 inch Aluminum Camera Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head is a classic budget choice that feels way more expensive than it actually is. A ball head just means the camera sits on a ball joint so you can point it anywhere quickly instead of fiddling with three different knobs. Quick release just means there's a little plate you screw onto the camera once so you can snap it on and off the tripod in seconds. Basically makes life way easier. Pro tip: even with a tripod, the camera still shakes when you press the button. Use the 2-second self-timer mode. That way, the vibration from your finger is gone by the time the shutter actually clicks. Honestly makes a huge difference for those skyline shots. I'm around if you have more questions!

> Every time I try to press the button to take a picture the whole camera shakes and the photo is ruined. Honestly, I feel that frustration deep in my soul. I remember my first trip to Chicago with my old Rebel... trying to get a long exposure of the Sears Tower (I still refuse to call it Willis) and every single shot looked like a blurry ghost. One thing you gotta watch out for--even with a decent tripod--is that actual physical act of pressing the button. You might want to consider using the 2-second timer setting on your Rebel T7. It gives the camera a moment to stop vibrating after you touch it. I've used a bunch of budget gear over the years and for $60, you have to be careful not to buy a toy. Maybe look at the SmallRig Selection 78-inch Camera Tripod with 360 Degree Ball Head. It is way better than the generic stuff because the ball head--thats the round joint that lets you swivel the camera--is actually metal. It feels much more secure than the plastic flip-locks on the $20 ones. Another solid choice is the Joilcan 81-inch Aluminum Professional Tripod with 1/4 inch Quick Release Plate. The quick release is just a little plate that stays screwed into your T7 so you can snap it on and off the legs instantly. It is pretty sturdy, tho it can be a bit heavy if youre walking miles down Michigan Ave. Be careful to tighten everything twice because a breeze off the lake will definitely test those leg joints.

Wait, are you using the self-timer or a remote? Even on a tripod, pressing the button makes the Rebel shake... I would suggest K&F Concept 64-inch Lightweight Aluminum Tripod because it has a hook for your bag to add weight in the wind. TL;DR: Use the 2-second timer so your hands arent touching the camera when it fires, and get an aluminum stand that can actually handle some weight.