If you really need a tripod it will get expensive. You can start off cheap, but you will soon toss it and buy an expensive one.
I get by freehanded or with a monopod most of the time. I use a Manfrotto 681B monopod distributed in the US by Bogen.
For a tripod I use a Manfrotto 3221GN. It's solid and very heavy. If you need to carry it anywhere I would highly recommend a carbon fibre one even if it costs twice the price. I prefer lever locks on the legs vice twist locks because mine are exposed to beach sand often.
A tripod head can cost as much as legs. I prefer a ball head for flexibility. The standard to which all others are compared is the Arca-Swiss.
This was shot on a monopod.
