I have used, and still use, Bogen/Manfrotto and Gitzo tripods and monopods. I bought the Gitzo 5543XLS off of ebay, and got a great deal (~60% of new price) on a sturdy, tall tripod without a center column that was like new. In addition, I purchased a folding camp chair and a modular infant stroller at about the same time. I use the stroller to carry the tripod and the rest of my gear around when I can. The chair enables me to use the tripod/camera on elevated subjects, as Steve is doing, as well as those on the same level as I am with less leg extension for better stability, by lowering my eye-level. The chair also allows me to sit and rest my beat up bones when I want to, and makes photography patience much more comfortable.
There are so many trade-offs when buying any photo equipment, but the one thing I've learned over the years is if you initially go cheap or skimp on features, it will cost you more in the long run, because you'll eventually reach the point where your gear is holding you back and you have to pay again to get better gear. Or you just live with the limits that your gear is imposing upon you.
Remember that 80% of photography is three-inches behind the viewfinder. What you use for the other 20% does matter!