I'm looking for a new tripod which is lighter than my Uniloc (3kg) and which doesn't require a centre column. As usual, I've been seduced into the top end of the market, and am thinking about the Gitzo Systematic range. I'll be using it mainly for holding my spotting scope, but often for photography with up to a 500mm lens, and for the sake of versatility I'll be sticking with a ball head, so there's no need for levelling.
So I'm looking at the 3542LS (2kg, 146cm), 4542LS (2.3kg, 156cm), and 5542LS (2.8kg, 153cm). The 5542 looks like a beast with *really* fat legs, but it's still lighter than my current Uniloc, it's by far the strongest and apparently the most rigid/stable, AND it's also the cheapest of the three (on special offer at the moment). I suspect it's overkill for most of my applications - almost like a studio tripod, but given the price I'm tempted!
If price wasn't a factor, which would you buy? If you already have one of the above Gitzos, could you measure the top leg section diameter or circumference and let me know? (I can't find that specification anywhere on Gitzo's website). If you have a 5-series, is it far too big for lugging around a reserve?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers,
Al
So I'm looking at the 3542LS (2kg, 146cm), 4542LS (2.3kg, 156cm), and 5542LS (2.8kg, 153cm). The 5542 looks like a beast with *really* fat legs, but it's still lighter than my current Uniloc, it's by far the strongest and apparently the most rigid/stable, AND it's also the cheapest of the three (on special offer at the moment). I suspect it's overkill for most of my applications - almost like a studio tripod, but given the price I'm tempted!
If price wasn't a factor, which would you buy? If you already have one of the above Gitzos, could you measure the top leg section diameter or circumference and let me know? (I can't find that specification anywhere on Gitzo's website). If you have a 5-series, is it far too big for lugging around a reserve?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers,
Al