David,

Guess hindsight is 20/20, as usual... Anyway, if you do need a tripod, look at the Bogen/Manfrotto 3011 (Manfrotto #144), with the Bogen 3055 ball head. Both items can be found on e8@y for cheap. I've been pretty happy with mine. It's not very light or compact, though. But, it's very sturdy.

-J