Like most other things in life, making a tripod selection represent a tradeoff in features...
If you want lightest weight, you sacrifice rigidity and maximum height. Lightest weight coupled with best rigidity for size is always going to cost more. Less expensive and still rigid enough for practical use, usually means heavier and/or lower overall operating height.
Personally, I think the tripod is an essential accessory, so it pays not to scrimp on quality, so...
1) If you can increase your budget and weight limitations, the Gitzo 1325 may serve you very well.
2) If you can deal with shorter, perhaps the Feizol or Gitzo 1228 will work.
3) If you can handle more weight, then for sure you look at the 2 and 3 series Gitzo aluminum pods.
4) I know it's not what you want to hear, but if your budget is truly set at $300 for quality pod and head, then I would consider a small quality pod and do your macro work on your knees...
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