A bit more than what you were hoping to spend, but a Gitzo Series 2 Systematic would meet your needs very well.
The GT2542LS leg set, for example:
Weighs 3.9 lbs.
Min. height 3.7 inches Max. height 59.1 inches
Length folded: 23.7 inches
Note: a head adds about 4" to min. & max. heights, as well as to folded length.
The "LS" is the "Long" or taller version.
There is also an "S" or "Standard" version:
Weighs 3.8 lbs.
Min. height 3.6"
Max. height 51.2"
Folded length 21.9"
...and costs a little less.
Both do not come with a center column (one is available separately), have 4-section legs, and are rated to support 55 lbs. Unfortunately both sell for over $900, without any head.
Gitzo Series 3 Systematic are a little larger, heavier and slightly more expensive. There are more choices of Series 3 models: either 3-section or 4-section legs, standard, long or extra-long sizes. There are more accessories available for the Series 3 models, too. Several other manufacturers closely copy Gitzo Series 3 Systematics (ahem... rrs).
Would you consider used? In the past couple years I've bought two older (but "like new" and perfectly usable) Gitzo Series 3 Systematics for under $400, including shipping. One also included a $250 accessory center column, the other also included a $190 accessory leveling platform. One is a GT1325 Mark II (3-section legs) and the other is a GT1348 Mark II (4-section legs). The older Series 3 are rated to 35 lbs. capacity. Quite good, although not as high rating as the latest models. It's not hard to find these excellent older Gitzo tripods for under $500... Might even find one that includes a good head, too.
There are lots of other good tripods around, I'm sure some other folks will have some recommendations. I'm just most familiar with Gitzo.
Not all center columns are removable. For example, Gitzo Reporter and Mountaineer models both have permanently installed center columns.
To convert a Manfrotto head to be Arca-Swiss compatible, I used one of these:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/Universal-Quick-Release-Clamps.html. I think it was the 2" model. It is not an adapter. It completely replaces whatever type of platform is on the tripod head (check that yours has a removable platform... not all do).