I am looking for a tripod that is sturdy - gets as high as possible (e.g. no tabletop - would like at least 5 feet) and fits in a carry-on suitcase for travel.
Stills only (like ball-heads). Don't need a large load as I have a DX format Nikon DSLR.
The Manfrotto Befree Compact Travel Photo Tripod at $200 with ballhead seems a good option. Anyone have one of these? Any alternative other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for the help.

Manfrotto is a good name, their products are usually good.

An altermate might be the Benro travel angels it also fit your bill (not sure of your planned cash outlay)

Available in A- (aluminum) and C- (carbon Fiber) versions.
Arca-swiss compatible clamp, and on the ones marked trans-functional 1 leg cam detach so it can be used as a mono-pod
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...rch=yes&sts=ta

If money is no object the Gitzo Traveler series is very nice!
But they are expensive and you need to buy a separate head for it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search...op+Nav-Search=

Pete - thanks for the input - I had looked at Gitzo options as they are highest rated but have to send my kids to college soon
I like the Benro options but will try out the new Manfrotto (slightly cheaper and slightly smaller when completely folded; other Benro expands a bit higher so you don't need to stoop while shooting).

I have the giottos vetruvian I find great and it doubles as mono pod

If anyone is interested of still watching this old thread

Benros lineup of travel tripods is changing to newer versions

The new Benro model A1692TB0 transfunctional Travel Angel ii
Folded: 400mm(15.7in)
Max Height: 1565mm(61.6in)
Weight: 1.7Kg(3.8lbs)
Max Load: 8Kg(17.6lbs)

The new tripod version turns into a monopod or a walking stick.
http://www.benrousa.com/products_det...TB0.html#specs
Listing for around 230$us
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Outgoing model A1691TB Benro transfunctional Travel Angel

Folded: 435mm (17.1 in)
Max Height 1610mm (63.4 in)
Weight 1.7Kg (3.7 lbs)
Maximum Load 8Kg (17.6 lbs)

The old tripod version turns into a monopod
http://www.benrousa.com/products_details_A1691TB0#specs
Listing for 256$us but being cleared out for under 200$us in shops like b&H
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Model I am using for backpacking (appears to have disappeared from their current lineup
A2691TB Benro transfunctional Travel Angel

Folded: 450mm (17.7 in)
Max Height 1660mm (65.4 in)
Weight 2.1Kg (4.6 lbs)
Maximum Load 12Kg (26.4 lbs)

This old tripod version turns into a monopod
http://www.benrousa.com/products_details_A2691TB1#specs
Discontinued, now hard to find.