OK, a couple of more things, then I'm out of this before I buy something too.

I have an older Manfrotto tripod, and have been very happy with it. I think it was around $150 when I bought it.

TJ, cameras and lens are a very personal thing, and sometimes you just need to put your hands on them to get a feel for what you're getting. I might hit the local camera shops and get some recommendations from them also. Non chains may be more help, and prices pretty much have to be competitive to stay in business.

I shop at Competitive Camera in Dallas, and love going in there. They clean the sensor on my Nikon D80 for free, and that's a big plus when buying local. Building a rapport with a local camera shop ain't a bad option at all.

AL