I am after A Gitzo tripod but don't know what model to buy there are so many I want one that is very stable/stiff this to me is more important than weight but I would like one short enough to strap to a backpack carbon fibre or alloy price is not important any help please. Regards Snapper.
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Which Gitzo (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter snapper
- Start date
I use a GT3540LS Carbon 6X Systematic tripod. It weighs 4 pounds and is stiff as a brick. It has no center column for better rigidity. It has the fastest recovery from impacts to your tripod or scope (under 1 second in my experience). I tried a number of different tripods and found the 3 series systematic tripods to be considerably better than the competition but you pay the price for the performance. Everytime I use the tripod I am amazed at the stillness of the image even at 60X.
Doug Greenberg
Well-known member
An important question: what do you need to support with this tripod? If you are using a large, heavy telephoto lens you need something bigger and heavier than if you are using the tripod for a spotting scope or a smaller lens.
If you want maximal sturdiness then focus on carbon fiber models, period. Also, it's just my own experience, but I purchased a Gitzo 1325 with no center column and I soon regretted it. To make small adjustments without a center column was truly a pain. I purchased a center column and am now happy. I see absolutely no difference in sturdiness/support.
Finally: I know it's a little non-PC, but you might consider looking at the Chinese knock-off versions of Gitzos, the Benro tripods. They are well-made and way, way cheaper. I bought a travel Benro, justifying the support of product piracy because I had already bought two very expensive Gitzos previously. Also, curiously, Gitzo has not publicly condemned the Benros or done anything to stop their continued production.
There have been reports elsewhere on the web of these Benro tripods falling appart - I guess they are either no as well made as Gitzos or there are quality control issues, either way I'd not risk putting my camera on one.
Den
Well-known member
I use a Gitzo 5540LS to hold a 600mm f4 and a 1348 (33 series now) carbon tripods for macro and other work. I used to use the 1348 for long lens work but found it not to be stable enough. Both tripods are around 23" long and fit neatly against a backpack. You do not say what you need it for but as your name is Snapper, I assume bird photography. For any long lens you need as solid a tripod as you can get/afford.
Doug Greenberg
Well-known member
I wonder if these reports represent, in fact, Gitzo's response to this competition
? The feedback overall on Benro tripods has been overwhelmingly positive. B&H Photo in New York now carries them, and that's a real endorsement. I own a travel Benro and it's absolutely first-rate. The main negative info I have seen regarding Benro is that their attempt to produce a knock-off of an Arca-Swiss ball head had lots of problems. Still, the point is valid--if you don't have confidence in the equipment you purchase you will always experience a level of worry. Caveat emptor still applies. No one I know has ever regretted buying a Gitzo.
