I bought a Bogen Manfrotto 055X PRO B with an 804RC2 pan tilt head with quick release. The center column can be raised all the way up and then angled anywhere from straight up to horizontal. It is very heavty with foam grips on the legs. For me this is a huge upgrade from the typical tripod I purchased in the past. The tripod cost $167 and the head cost $69. At this point, that is enough for me.
Thanks for you comment...it pushed me enough to upgrade and I am sure I will be happy.
