[john0213]

if you don't want to spend that much on accessories first since you are starting out, velbon is a pretty good start out brand.

However, if you know you will be getting pretty involve into photography, then i suggest getting some bigger brand like manfrotto to start with since the cheaper tripod doesn't hold heavy lens that well.

velbon usually range from $30-70

for manfrotto, a good beginner one will be the 190XB with 486RC2 ball head. it will cost you around $170-200 but it's dead hard sturdy~