Mandy,
I use a Manfroto 501 for digiscoping but I believe it is no longer produced. As for tripods, I selected a carbon fibre tripod which when collapsed would fit inside my suitcase when traveling.
Strength and weight of tripods is important, it is no use having a tripod which is too heavy to carry around Mai Po all day, but again you don't want a very light tripod which will easily fall over.
Personally the tripod head is the most important part of the setup, you want something that will pan and tilt smoothly. Both Manfroto and Gitzo are reliable brands so it then depends on your budget.
Check the weight of your camera setup and then see if this is within the specified limits of the tripod heads, otherwise you may never be able to balance your camera/lens combo.
Bob
