Travel Photography - Travel Tripod Recommendation?

The short story is that I'm looking for a new tripod to use with my Nikon D90 and the Tamron 18-270 lens. I'm hoping to find something that that I can bring on business trips that will fit into my rollabaord without taking up too much space (I'm shooting for less than 18" when closed). Ideally it would have a ball head and "quick release" legs but I'm somewhat flexible with that. What does everyone use? What would you recommend? I'm hoping to keep the price under $200 but depending on what it offers, I would go over that. Thanks in advance.

You have plenty of budget for a travel tripod.
I have a heavy duty semi pro tripod for use at home. Recently I bought a light weight tripod strictly for travel (light & small). I found it in amazon, cheap. Forgot the model despite I am looking at it now, but here are some examples:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sony+tripod&x=0&y=0

I test drove the tripod on a recent 3-week roam-about in EuropeI also use a D90. Found it terrific and serves my purpose. On occasion, I wish it can be extended higher by another 9 t 12 inches. I think this one extends to about 40" high. It fit well into a 22" bag. It comes with a carrying cloth-bag, to hang on shoulder. Quite nice.

Aside, I used it for night photo alot on that trip. A "remote release controller" is a definite MUST.

Just a quick follow-up. I found the Travel Angel (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584275-REG/Benro_458_069_A_069M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html) and was curious if anyone uses one? If so, what do you think?

Just a quick follow-up. I found the Travel Angel (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584275-REG/Benro_458_069_A_069M8_Travel_Angel_Aluminum.html) and was curious if anyone uses one? If so, what do you think?

I have the carbon version of the same tripod (C-069M8) without the ball head. I bought it in HK for about $1800 (~220 US). It is a pretty good tripod, small enough to fit in my rollerboard and sturdy enough for my 5D w/ RRS BH40 head and 70-200 2.8. But you know this is no Gitzo Traveller GT-1550T, the fit and finish is just not as nice as the real thing. But then again, I don't think the quality is worth $450 price difference either. Overall I am satisfy with this tripod, but I would suggest skip the ball head and get a decent one like RRS or Kirk.

I have the Gitzo Traveler and G-1228. The traveler is small enough to pack anywhere but it is not stable when mounted with a Canon 1series body and a decent lens. You will have to weight it down. It is however suitable for a smaller body (Canon rebel series; 40-50D; Nikon counterparts) and a small lens 28mm 1.8 or etc. The G-1228 is bigger but much for stable.

Have you also consider using a bean bag?

Carbon fiber is amazing if you can afford it. I replaced a Tiltall tripod last year with a Gitzo carbon fiber one of similar size. It's a lot lighter and seems like it flexes less. The downside is that with head, I think it was close to $1200. I'm sure there are other models or brands that cost a lot less. I'm a photographer and I carry the darn thing every day, so the weight and specs were important.

Have you also consider using a bean bag?

I've thought about using a bean bag but its uses are very limited. Without something to set it on that's of a good height, it's about useless. A tripod just offers a lot more versatility.

A travel photographer for the Times of London has these 6 recs.

Anyone had any experience with them? I have a new setup which is very heavy unfortunately.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/travel_images/article6866692.ece?token=null&print=yes&randnum=1257203900608

A travel photographer for the Times of London has these 6 recs.

Anyone had any experience with them? I have a new setup which is very heavy unfortunately.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/travel_images/article6866692.ece?token=null&print=yes&randnum=1257203900608

I had the Slik but it can get a bit heavy. I've done a lot of research lately for a replacement and had almost settled on the Gitzo until I read more and more about Feisol. Now I am pretty much decided on Feisol.

I have a velbon tripod that I use while travelling. It's really very lightweight and folds nice and small.

I have tripods at home and in our Italian house but when travelling I just take a Gorillapod