I got a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 several months ago, and have been knocking it around almost daily since then. Very pleased.
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/17342?livid=68|69&idx=71
Rock-solid, very light, smooth and easy to set up... this is the tripod I'll use for many years to come. Sorry to offend others, but I don't understand the reverence for Gitzo.
The Manfrotto has 3-part legs rather than the 4-part legs of the Gitzo that everyone is recommending. That usually means it's a bit longer when closed up, but it's faster to set up and 3-part legs are often slightly stronger and more stable than 4-part legs. The leg releases are nice big flip-locks, very fast to use.
Mine is topped with a Manfrotto 3-handle head about 12cm in height. I'm 5'11''. When the tripod is fully extended WITHOUT extending the center column, I can't look into the D3's viewfinder, it's too high up.
However the Manfrotto HAS a center column for more height when needed. The center column is REASONABLY solid - not great - and it includes a clever system for setting the center column parallel to the ground for shooting off the side of the tripod. I may find a use for it one day!
Good luck making your choice.