jacob_lush

I've used an Ultrapod II ($12) for great shots with a 200mm lens. It has a strap on it so you can attach it to whatever's close, or the legs fold out for surfaces and it's small enough to leave on the camera without being too obtrusive (or in your hip pocket if it is in your way.)

LowePro Micro Trekker isn't bad. The hipbelt is useless as a belt so you can take it off to save weight or use it to attach to a larger pack. The outside pouch is big enough for a water bottle, a book and smaller items. It has straps for a tripod on the bottom but unless you have a fairly compact tripod you will be banging it into every doorway and bus entry you go through in this configuration. I take a lot of night and early moring shots so leaving the tripod isn't an option for me. When that's not easy I use an Ultrapod II. It's not enough for a heavy tele-zoom but I've gotten great shots using it with a 200mm all over Europe.