I have a Manfrotto 190xPROB. It's a heavy beast, but is very stable. Part of its weight is due to its aluminum construction. There is a carbon fiber model (costs more, of course) that is lighter. I highly recommend Manfrotto. Adorama and B&H photo are both reputable online sources for any photography supplies. Don't forget to check Craigslist for used equipment too.
I *always* suggest looking at a local camera shop that sells used equipment. The one by me currently has a ton of used tripods and they do have an online presence as well. You can get a nice tripod and save a lot of $$$. Good luck.
Believe it or not sometimes you can find some decent camera equipment (tripods, lenes, bags, etc.) at your local pawn shop. These are hard times and even shutterbugs need cash in a flash and have to let go of a few essentials.
@5unflow3r - We have that exact tripod at work and I agree it's a good one. However, I'd never put my D300 with 300mm lens on it as it isn't nearly as sturdy as my Manfrotto. I know the ball head that comes with the Dolica would have a hard time supporting that camera and lens combo.
That Dolica works perfectly for the p&s (Nikon L120) we have at work, though. @kiwi - It's good to think about how you would use your tripod before buying one.
@mikehamm I've put an Nikon F5 with 80-200mm f2.8 on mine (probably a good 7-8lb combo) and it was fine. Yes, not AS sturdy as a Manfrotto, but it'll support the weight. It claims up to 13 lbs. For $38, I couldn't resist, as I rarely use a tripod, and spending $200+ to get something else would've been kind of silly.
@hmgphotos - makes sense for you as you rarely use yours. Wouldn't work for me. I suppose any mfr can make any weight claim they like, but I've had less expensive products that didn't support my rig for very long. And it's no fun having that tripod, or head, fail right when you have the shot set up. That's why I suggested to Kiwi to decide how he intends to use his.
And, as has been mentioned, one can find used ones for a better price than new.
I have the Manfrotto 190XPROB too, with the 804RC2 head which is 3 way ... absolutely love it, solid as a rock but heavy. I do sometimes take it out but I have to un-screw the handles on the head to get into the tripod bag, pain in the ass but not a huge deal.
I have just ordered the Manfrotto 682B Self Standing Monopod which has feet so I can take it where tripods are not allowed!
@kiwi Make sure you test out any tripod you're interested in. One of my first tripods was way too light even with the kit lens and the shutter flipping up was enough to cause camera shake in the final image.
Of course I didnt' figure it out till after I'd spent a day photographing a waterfall.
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That Dolica works perfectly for the p&s (Nikon L120) we have at work, though.
@kiwi - It's good to think about how you would use your tripod before buying one.
And, as has been mentioned, one can find used ones for a better price than new.
I have just ordered the Manfrotto 682B Self Standing Monopod which has feet so I can take it where tripods are not allowed!
Of course I didnt' figure it out till after I'd spent a day photographing a waterfall.