I use my tripod when I shoot at home without light, for water drops. I didn't try to take a tripod outside. I got a good tripod before but it cannot support the weight of my reflex + lens. Now I got a neewer tripod with ball joint cost arround 50-60€ , very good !
Tripod is my good friend, but quite often I I shoot just hand helding, but quite often tripod are with me, because I never know when I'll need them
Nowaday I use my new expensive tripod that cost 170€ on promotions.. but are lovely, very light and easy get with me, much better as any ,cheap tripod I used before.. everything mush easier with my new tripod T
I bought my tripod directly from Manfrotto, a bit expensive around 200€, I used it only in house when shooting jewellery. Unfortunately i haven't had chance to take it outside, I think will look a bit odd.
I know tripod is the most important tool in photography, but everyone use it differently and not as often as others. Same a me, I think I been used my tripod couple of times in 2 years.