Unless shooting in breezy locations such as the prairies, the GT2531 should work very well with your 100-400L. Two years back I notced vibration ( I could feel it and see it ) when using my GT2530 with my 400 f/5.6L in the steady breeze of the western prairies. Other than that occasion, the 2530 has been an excellent investment in stability and convenience of use.
Next trip to the praries I'll also take my old heavy legset or the new RRS offering.
I have a 2530 as well, but it is not the most stable in the wind at 400 mm. Under less challenging conditions it is fine, and a nice tripod. The 3 series tripods are better in that case. I usually use a 3 series with the fast, heavier tele lenses and simply handhold the 100-400.
That being said, the 2531 is more rigid than the 3021 and handles better.
pturton wrote:
Unless shooting in breezy locations such as the prairies, the GT2531 should work very well with your 100-400L. Two years back I notced vibration ( I could feel it and see it ) when using my GT2530 with my 400 f/5.6L in the steady breeze of the western prairies. Other than that occasion, the 2530 has been an excellent investment in stability and convenience of use.
Next trip to the praries I'll also take my old heavy legset or the new RRS offering.
In situations such as this (high wind), can you put weight on the hook and off set the wieght?
EB-1 wrote:
I have a 2530 as well, but it is not the most stable in the wind at 400 mm. Under less challenging conditions it is fine, and a nice tripod. The 3 series tripods are better in that case. I usually use a 3 series with the fast, heavier tele lenses and simply handhold the 100-400.
That being said, the 2531 is more rigid than the 3021 and handles better.
EBH
I've been moving away from hand holding and finding an increase in sharpness due to using a tripod.
The main reason to get a Carbon tripod is because of the weight. I don't use the bogan 3021 because it's too heavy to lug around. So a compromise is made between weight and ease of carrying and stablility.
My wife uses a Gitzo GT2531 (BH-40 head) with her 100-400L. I have a Gitzo Traveler (1541T) and Systematic (GT3540). I would say if your primary concerns are are tripod weight and stability, the 2531 is the best compromise. As others have said, 400mm and wind can cause a little vibration, but you will learn to work with it. Most of the time it is just going to function wonderfully. As far as the cost of a Gitzo, I think once you use the 2531 you will forget any other tripod you were considering.
tttanner wrote:
My wife uses a Gitzo GT2531 (BH-40 head) with her 100-400L. I have a Gitzo Traveler (1541T) and Systematic (GT3540). I would say if your primary concerns are are tripod weight and stability, the 2531 is the best compromise. As others have said, 400mm and wind can cause a little vibration, but you will learn to work with it. Most of the time it is just going to function wonderfully. As far as the cost of a Gitzo, I think once you use the 2531 you will forget any other tripod you were considering.
Thanks for the input! that's a confidence builder.
pturton wrote:
Hanging a weight such as my Lowepro mini treker aw did help somewhat but I found that laying my arm across the lens was a better solution.
I do usually lay my left hand on top of the lens. This seems to help me get better results even with the 3021. Thanks for your input!
Redtail wrote:
Really a question running through my mind. I could buy an Itouch with Ibird on it for the price difference.
Is the Gitzo worth the extra money? Every time I go cheap, I end up regreting it.
well personally i have resisted the iTouch as it is more a vertical marketing toy then an actual tool. every generation does start to get more interesting though but i can wait.
the feisol is well worth its money but is not quite as refined. but will give you equivelent service for as you said less $$$. if you have the cash go for it. just a little word of warning: RRS is coming out with a 25xx series equivelent this spring. it will be better made. it will be better designed and executed. it will be a little more then the gitzo. i have seen what they can do as i own a TVC-33. this tripod replaces two levels of gitzo models.
Redtail wrote:
Thanks for all the replies! I have made the order for the GT2531. Should get it on Wed! No regrets now.
Good choice. I have the 2530. I have no regrets. It is my general purpose tripod, and I don't think twice about carrying it. It replaced other more heavier tripods such as the 3021. The stability is great.
Redtail wrote:
I've been moving away from hand holding and finding an increase in sharpness due to using a tripod.
The main reason to get a Carbon tripod is because of the weight. I don't use the bogan 3021 because it's too heavy to lug around. So a compromise is made between weight and ease of carrying and stablility.
Is this compromise too much?
Of course the tripod will help. I meant that the 100-400 is a handheld lens for my purposes (mainly wildlife). I have other lenses to use when maximum IQ is needed across the frame.
sjms wrote:
...just a little word of warning: RRS is coming out with a 25xx series equivelent this spring. it will be better made. it will be better designed and executed. it will be a little more then the gitzo. i have seen what they can do as i own a TVC-33. this tripod replaces two levels of gitzo models.
Is that 25xx class tripod available in 4 sections as well as 3?
The Gitzo 2531 is not spec'ed to handle 400mm. It is good out to about 300mm (if memory serves). The best choice for that 400mm focal length is the 35xx series. This provides about double the support in terms of vibration damping at a very modest additional weight.
