I traded up to a Manfrotto tripod after moving from 35mm to medium format cameras. I had previously used a £35.99 type Jessops tripod which was just about OK if I hung my camera bag from the centre column to give it extra stability!
The Manfrotto 055C is their best selling mid sized model. It costs around £80 for the tripod with the "head" extra. This is because certain heads are made for different applications. Some photographers also prefer ball heads, some tilt and pan and then there are video heads and Panoramic (nodal point) heads etc. The tripod weighs around 4kg and I chose the 2kg "029" head which is rated for medium-format and smaller large-format cameras. This head has a silky smooth panning feel and locking handles in 3 axis. A bit heavy to carry around but strapped to the back of a Lowepro rucksack you soon get used to it (and fit!!). The legs extend to around my head height (I'm 6ft) and have positive 90 degree quick locking levers. The solid robust construction means no more swaying around in the breeze and no more movement from mirror-slap on MF cameras (TIP: if you're using a tripod and your camera has this facility, ALWAYS lock up the mirror before releasing the shutter).
The Manfrotto is a professional camera support system that you will never grow out of. The legs spread to almost ground level and the centre column can be reversed to get the camera mounted even lower. Money well spent!
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