I am in the market for a tripod. My primary use will be landscape photography. I have a 7D (may move to 5D Mk ?), key lenses being 16-35L and 70-200L. I intend taking long exposures (using ND10 and other filters). I was considering a Gitzo. I have been reading great things about Systematic. Is Systematic GT3542XLS too heavy/ bulky? I am 6' and Systematic GT3532LS seemed short. Is Mountaineer or Traveler a better idea? Also, any recommendations for a Head. Thanks!
I just picked up the Systematic 3532XL and I love it. I too am 6' and was a bit worried about it being short but it isn't at all. By the time you put your ballhead on and then the camera on top of that, it's the perfect height. I've been using the tripod extensively now for a few weeks and the results are absolutely noticeable in my shots. It's a rock solid platform.
I went with the three section instead of the four section for maximum stability. The tripod, when closed, is pretty long but hasn't been an issue for me. If you need to stuff the tripod in a small suitcase all the time I could see the preference for the four section, otherwise I think three is the way to go.
And the three section is cheaper as well . Do you mean you went for 3532LS? The XLS only comes in a four section. Which Head did you go for? Also, do you know if 3532LS is allowed as a Carry-on baggage?
TripodTrails wrote:
And the three section is cheaper as well . Do you mean you went for 3532LS? The XLS only comes in a four section. Which Head did you go for? Also, do you know if 3532LS is allowed as a Carry-on baggage?
Apologies. Yes, I meant the 3532LS.
I went with a Sirui head a while back. Very affordable and works well. If I were to upgrade today, I would look at Markins and Kirk.
With regards to carry-on, I don't think you'd have a problem.
VKM2F wrote:
By the time you put your ballhead on and then the camera on top of that, it's the perfect height.
Unless you shoot on uneven terrain. Then it can be rather inadequate for a 6ft+ frame.
If you need to stuff the tripod in a small suitcase all the time I could see the preference for the four section, otherwise I think three is the way to go.
Even a large suitcase will be problematic for a 3-section systemic, particularly with the rather bulky plate in place. However if you use the newer "duffel-bag like" designs for checked luggage you should be OK.
GroovyGeek wrote:
Unless you shoot on uneven terrain. Then it can be rather inadequate for a 6ft+ frame.
True, but I think it's wise to pick a tripod based on your most likely scenario. In my case, it makes sense to see how the tripod stacks up on a relatively level surface. In this case, the 3532LS is perfect for me, and I can quickly extend the legs to maximum and be set up in seconds. If I went with a taller tripod for the fewer times I was on uneven ground, I think I'd get annoyed when deploying the legs as extending them all the way would put the camera too high for most uses.
If I was often shooting wildlife up above me, for example, it'd be a totally different situation!
Do yourself a big favor and purchase your tripod once, unlike most photographers myself included that finally get it right with the second or even third purchase. I'm 6'4" and went with this tripod and ball head from Really Right Stuff. A little more expensive than some but unlike a camera body which one replaces with upgrades every few years, RRS will last you a lifetime and their quality/function is the best!
TripodTrails wrote:
I was considering a Gitzo. I have been reading great things about Systematic. Is Systematic GT3542XLS too heavy/ bulky? I am 6' and Systematic GT3532LS seemed short. Is Mountaineer or Traveler a better idea? Also, any recommendations for a Head.
Most folk of your height who have bought the 3541XLS really like it. Some even use it as a 3 section and use the bottom section for shooting on slopes. A Systematic is always going to be more stable than a Mountaineer or Travel tripod so I think the 3542XLS would be very suitable for you. I took my 3541LS (I'm only 5' 8" in height) on vacation last week instead of my travel tripod and it was great, heavier than a traveler but much more stable.
I use an Arca-Swiss Z1 ballhead with the RRS leveling base on the 3541LS. My selection was between the Z1 and a Markins Q20 and I've had no regrets about my choice. The Z1 is very stable, locks down with 1/4 turn of the main knob with no droop, has a tension indexing system, and is unbelievably smooth in operation. In addition it's the only ballhead with an elliptical ball that automatically adjusts tension for off-center loads. Below is a quick snap of the top of the tripod on a beach last week.
