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Recommended Tripods (overview)
Recommending a tripod really depends on usage.
The right solution is to own three tripods of varying sizes. Seriously. Or at least if your shooting varies, as mine does: too heavy and you won’t take it, too light and your images will suffer in some cases, etc. A reasonable bow to practicality is a medium size tripod.
I own five tripods of varying sizes, all Gitzos: the GT0531, G1228, G1325, GT3540XLS, G1548. See The Sharpest Image in DAP for my research on tripods and more.
Update July 2011: I no longer recommend Gitzo tripods for professional use. Besides falling apart with nearly a month to repair, and overpriced non-functional models, the Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripods are much superior in build.
Tripod head
A tripod head needs to be matched in size and weight to the tripod. Don’t buy one without knowing what the other will be.
Weight
Remember that what counts is total weight: the tripod and the ballhead. So saving a few hundred grams while compromising stability makes no sense if the overall rig is in the 1200+ gram range.
Useful height
When working in the field (mountains, creeks, steep slopes), I greatly prefer the Gitzo 3541XLS for its extra long legs which can solve problems on steep slopes or at creekside into a hole.
Worst feature (Gitzo)
The rubber feet have a strong tendency to rattle right off, leaving exposed carbon fiber, which is not a good match for granite, and can be quickly damaged. LocTite the feet, but not too tight— I occasionally switch to spiked feet from the stock rubber ones.
Non-rotating legs (Gitzo)
The legs do not rotate on newer Gitzo carbon fiber models, a huge plus when collapsing or extending the legs. This makes it possible to lock or unlock the legs in any order, leading to much faster setup and takedown of the legs. Setup/takedown is a time-waster with a tripod, hence it is a high priority for those who shoot-and-go. Try screwing with it as the sun dips right to the horizon and you’ll figure out the value quickly.
Flat plate
I studiously avoid tripods with center columns because they are never as sturdy, and they interfere with getting the tripod in a low-to-the-ground position.
The GT3540XLS has a flat top plate— no center column— perfect.
If you can’t get a flat top plate, avoid any gimmicks you can for better stability.