Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

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mholdef
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p.1 #1 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

I own a TVC-33 RRS tripod which is fantastic for use with my bigger lenses but I'm looking for a small, compact tripod for my D800E along with lenses weighing less than 1kg (24-120, 70-200 f4 and small primes).

I have an old Gitzo G1198 that is very short and compact at 40cm, but I'm looking to upgrade to something a bit more stable.

I just looked at the Systematic Series 2, and the shortest is 55cm. There is also the GT1542T which closes down to 41cm which would be ideal, only I'm wondering how stable this tripod would be with the lens kit mentioned above. (BTW I have a BH-55 ballhead from RRS).

Any help here would be most appreciated

Thanks

Mark

Feb 17, 2013 at 07:45 AM

Alex Nail
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p.1 #2 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

I sold my 1 series traveller because it just wasnt stable enough for my 5dmkII with 70-200f4. I suspect you will find the same. The GT2541 is a much better bet even if it is less compact.

Alex

Feb 17, 2013 at 10:05 AM

mholdef
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p.1 #3 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

Thanks

Doing a search I found good comments about the Feisol CT3442 (or 3441S, not so sure what difference is) as well as the Gitzo 1542T.

I like the Gitzo as it folds down more than the Feisol, but I'm not sure how sturdy it is with the type of center column that sticks out...plus a bit more money.

Feb 17, 2013 at 10:50 AM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #4 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

I have the CT3441S and also the Gitzo 1541. (not the T) Both tripods are nice. But I would not use the BH-55 head on any of these tripods (I have the BH-55 also) It's not really a good traveller combo to have a very small traveller tripod together with one of the largest and most heavy ballheads. The non traveller series 1 are a bit more stable than the traveller IMO. But you should use a smaller head

Feb 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM

mholdef
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p.1 #5 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

Thanks Lars. What is the difference between the 3441S, SB and T models ?

I think you are right and plan to go for a BH-30 or BH-40. Do you think the BH-30 along with the Feisol would be enough for a body and 70-200/4 ?

Mark

Feb 17, 2013 at 12:24 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #6 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

I have the S model. That's just the tripod. I belive one of the other come with a ballhead. The other I'm not sure.
I would belive the BH-30 will work. I use the Markins Q3

Feb 17, 2013 at 01:13 PM

DorkSterr
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p.1 #7 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

The GT1542T is actually very stable at full length, as long as you don't use the center column at its longest. I've used it on my d4 + 14-24, 24-70 and a 70-200 combo many time with no issues.

I assure you, you will be very happy with it!

Feb 17, 2013 at 01:31 PM

mholdef
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p.1 #8 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

Interesting feedback. I've now been introduced to Feisol which I didn't know too well but what about the Benro travel series ?

Anything that would be competitive with the Feisol 3442 or Gitzo 1541/42 ?

I'd like to find something in the range of 45cm folded and that weighs less than 1.3kg

Mark

Feb 17, 2013 at 02:57 PM

peter_n
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p.1 #9 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

mholdef wrote: Anything that would be competitive with the Feisol 3442 or Gitzo 1541/42 ?

Mark the current Gitzo traveler model is the 1544T, the 1542T is superseded and is selling at large discounts here in the US, maybe in Europe too. You ask about Benro and I'm in my 3rd year of use with a Benro traveler that replaced a 1541T that I was using. The tripod seems to now only come in kit form - the C2680TB1 - but you can sell the unused Benro ballhead and get a Markins Q3T which was specifically designed for the Gitzo 1541T. If you're interested in the details I reviewed the Benro here.

Feb 17, 2013 at 04:51 PM

mholdef
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p.1 #10 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

peter_n wrote:
mholdef wrote: Anything that would be competitive with the Feisol 3442 or Gitzo 1541/42 ?

Mark the current Gitzo traveler model is the 1544T, the 1542T is superseded and is selling at large discounts here in the US, maybe in Europe too. You ask about Benro and I'm in my 3rd year of use with a Benro traveler that replaced a 1541T that I was using. The tripod seems to now only come in kit form - the C2680TB1 - but you can sell the unused Benro ballhead and get a Markins Q3T which was specifically designed for the Gitzo 1541T. If you're interested in the details I reviewed the Benro here.

Thanks

This is a tempting offer as my wife needs a small ballhead to go with her Gitzo 1190 Basalt tripod... So the Benro may be a good combo to go for...just would need to see where could find at an attractive price here in Europe / France.

How is the B1 ballhead ? I was thinking of giving it to my wife for her to use with her Fuji XE1.

Feb 17, 2013 at 05:02 PM

peter_n
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p.1 #11 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

mholdef wrote: How is the B1 ballhead ?

I bought the tripod in 2010 when they were sold without the ballhead. I've read good reports on it from users though. It would be fine for an XE1.

Feb 18, 2013 at 01:15 PM

mholdef
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p.1 #12 · Best Gitzo traveler for my needs

Cool, thanks everyone for the feedback. Ordered a Benro C2680TB1 and RRS BH-30 which I am very excited about.

Should get the BH-30 this morning by UPS and the Benro shipped Monday from Hong Kong.

One thing I'm curious about is if I need to pay European Sales Tax given the price. On the French Customs website, they say goods brought in at a value below 430 euros is exempt from tax. I have bought stuff from B&H for instance at a value higher than this and paid sales tax to UPS on delivery.

I'm not sure how this works with stuff bought on the internet.

Will see this morning I guess.

Mark

Feb 20, 2013 at 06:33 AM

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