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	Username   Password FM Forum Rules FM Forums | General Gear-talk | Join Upload & Sell    end    Archive 2011 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #1 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS I've been in the market for a GT3531S, but a fm member pm'd me about a GT3530LS they'd like to sell. Aside from being a taller tripod by 8 inches and only minor variations in weight, folded length, and minimum height, I can't see much difference in the two. The extra 8 inches would definitely be of help too, as I'm a tall guy, but I can't seem to find what the difference between the two is. Both lack center columns, but the GT3531S, the shorter of the two is slightly more expensive by about $50. I would think the taller GT3530LS would be the pricer of the two options. Is there something I'm missing here? is the GT3531S a better tripod? More stable, ect. I'm willing to have to bend quite a bit more for the GT3531S if it means it's the more stable platform. So what are the differences I seem to have missed? Thank you. Dec 09, 2011 at 09:23 PM

Bruce n Philly Offline • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #2 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS Hi, I just went through this decision and selected the L and am glad I did. I am 6' tall and use it with a new Wimberly II and a Canon 500 f/4 IS. Even with the Wimberly giving you a few more inches in height, I think the L is the way to go. I can't comment on these side by side but I like the extra height for a few reasons: 1) When you are on a slope, you will extend one or two legs 100% and shorten the other(s) to keep it level and you will appreciate the extra leg length. 2) With a big lens, up/down aiming means the camera swings up/down as the pivot point is out 12" or so from the back of the camera. The camera will drop down when aiming up and you will appreciate the additional inches For level shooting, I don't extend the legs by about 3-4" which is comfortable for me at 6'. Regarding stability, I don't believe the longer legs will impact wiggle much as I see the joints wiggling and not the legs sections bending. The carbon tubes are really stiff. The 'pod is real sturdy but not "rock solid" as I have read. When I read "rock solid" I assume just that and with my heavy 500mm, there is wiggle and slight settling. It is OK, and I am not unhappy at all, but if you will use a 500mm and require "rock solid" you may want to consider the bigger Gitzo tripod as I don't think the shorter version will buy you any more stability. After all, you don't have to extend the legs all the way and you have the extra length if you need it. Dec 09, 2011 at 09:45 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #3 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS I'm a tall guy myself and the extra height is definitely appealing, but I just can't see any reason why the LS would be less then the S, when it has an extra 8 inches and practically the same specifications. There must be something I'm missing. And the biggest lens I'll ever put on it is a 400 lol, so I probably won't have any issues. Dec 09, 2011 at 09:59 PM

plubbry Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #4 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS The GT3531S is a newer release than the GT3530LS which would likely explain the unexpected price difference. (The GT3530S preceded the GT3531S and the GT3530LS preceded the GT3531LS) If you looked I would expect the GT3531LS to be more expensive than the GT3531S. A couple of new features that have appeared are the "anti leg rotation" and the G-locks. I don't know if these features appear on the previous '0' relese of these tripods but somthing to look for as they really add to the user experience. If you're not familiar with the newer Gitzo naming/numbering convention G - Gitzo T - Product Family (T=Tripod, M=Monopod, H=Head, etc.) 3 - Series (range from 1-5 in increasing capacity) 5 - Material (3=Aluminum, 5=Carbon Fiber, 7=Magnesium, 8=Basalt) 3 - Number of Sections per Leg (3-5) 1 - Relese (aka generation with 1 being the latest) S - Extension (features such as S=Systematic, C=Compact, LVL=Leveller, L=Long, XL=Extra Long, etc.) -Bryan Dec 09, 2011 at 10:03 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #5 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS Ah. I had completely disregarded that particular tripod. I was looking at them on Adorama's and BH's websites, and both listed it as a tripod intended for video use. Didn't realize there was a photo one. Neither BH nor Adorama seem to sell it with the systematic flat plate, only with the bowl. And there isn't an option to buy it with neither. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:18 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #6 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS The GT3530LS also has the anti-rotation leg system and the g-lock design like the 3531LS as well. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:30 PM

plubbry Offline • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #7 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS Depending on your preferences you could also look at the GT3541LS which is pretty much identical except has 4 leg sections making it a little shorter when fully collapsed. I'm right at 6' and have the GT3541LS. With a ballhead and camera plate it places the viewfinder a smidge above eye level. There have only been a couple of times when a taller tripod would have been nice (uneven terrain can be a factor). Depending on size and weight tradeoffs you may also consider the GT3541XLS. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:41 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #8 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS I had considered the the 41LS, but it being 4 section automatically disqualifies it for me lol. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:43 PM

Bruce n Philly Offline • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #9 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS GT3531S GT3530LS - I contacted B&H regarding this and they said they are the exact same units except one is longer. Gitzo has confusing numbers. Why the price difference....? I have no idea except maybe a large inventory but that is only speculation. When I purchased mine, the price was the exact same for each. Contact B&H/Adorama for confirmation about the fact they are the exact same. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:49 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #10 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS Thanks Bruce, that's a good idea. Not sure why that didn't occur to me lol. I'll give Adorama a call. Dec 09, 2011 at 10:53 PM

EB-1 Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #11 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS I use the GT3530LS for just about everything. The "S" was too short for me on uneven ground and I'm not very tall. Price differences are often illogical. The GT35xx series mentioned use the same mechanics. EBH Dec 10, 2011 at 02:44 PM

Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #12 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS The difference between the newer systematic tripods that ens with 31 when replacing the 30 tripod. That's the new Top-plate. It has Safe Lock material that cuts vibrations and improves tripod-to-head lock. (not a big difference) A sand bag hook. And a locking screw to securely lock the head onto the plate. Dec 10, 2011 at 05:35 PM

EB-1 Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #13 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS But they all have that now. EBH Dec 10, 2011 at 05:38 PM

Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #14 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS EB-1 wrote: But they all have that now. EBH Yes today. But the 31 models didn't have it when they where 30 Dec 10, 2011 at 05:41 PM

EB-1 Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #15 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS What I meant was that some of the models have changed to the "1" and others perhaps came out later, but they are the same now. My 3530LS from 2008 has the newer plate with grub screw. I suppose it might be a problem when buying used. EBH Dec 10, 2011 at 05:50 PM

Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #16 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS EB-1 wrote: What I meant was that some of the models have changed to the "1" and others perhaps came out later, but they are the same now. My 3530LS from 2008 has the newer plate with grub screw. I suppose it might be a problem when buying used. EBH Yes some did the upgrade and change to the "1". A few others probably already had those "new changes" from the start. And they are the same as you wrote Dec 10, 2011 at 06:40 PM

Spencer145 Offline • Upload & Sell: Off p.1 #17 · Gitzo GT3531S vs. Gitzo GT3530LS Thanks for the responses everyone. I ended up going with the GT3530LS. Couldn't pass up the taller version. It would seem from the pictures it has the new upgraded top plate as well. Dec 10, 2011 at 07:18 PM

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