I use a RRS TVC-34L and RRS BH55 LR ballhead. However this is very expensive for a first tripod. (think ~$2000). In saying that, I will never need another tripod... EVER.

If I was in your position, I'd probably look at induro tripods. The traveller series tripods are nice and compact and the carbon fibre pods also look really nice. I did a lot of research into tripods prior to purchasing the RRS and I actually pulled the trigger on an induro ct414 however they didn't have stock in Australia at the time. While researching the Induros I couldn't find a bad review on them.