Spec me a tripod

[mejinks]

Im looking for a nice tripod for my new dslr and am bewildered by the range out there. Im not looking to spend £6 on a super cheap, but conversely I dont want to spend silly money either.

I like the look of the manfrottos, but find them very costly, not to mention there seems to be 40 models with subtle variations.

Ideally I would like something which is tall enough I don't get back ache using it.

Ideas please?

 

[mejinks]

Wow, thank you for taking the time to reply. I didn't really think about what I would use it for. I quite like studio work, and also wildlife photography, so an all round tripod would be most use. I've gone and looked at some tripods at a local shop and even the heavier ones don't seem a burden, although how that plays out after a 3 mile hike, who knows.

With regards to heads, are there any disadvantages/advantages to particular ones?

Someone I know is looking to sell a Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod with a 804RC2 Head. It seems to get good reviews although doesn't have spiked feet (are there any real advantages to having them?) so do you think that would be a good place to start?