I usually do not use a tripod.
I use monopod for telephotos (tripod is too heavy to carry around).
But if you want to buy a tripod, you want to make sure it is good. The first tripod that I used was not even as stable as my hands at 1/8 sec.
My current tripod is Bogen / Manfrotto 3021 with 3029 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=breadCrumb&A=FetchChildren&Q=&ci=8310
