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I have the GT1542T and the GT2542T. Both are about 17" with the legs spun around. Here's the skinny:
-- 1542 is a tiny bit shorter than the 2542 with the legs flipped around
-- 1542 is about 3.5" wide & 2542 is 1/4" wider -- in a backpack, it's noticeable
-- 1542 is noticeably lighter than the 2542, but both are light
-- 2542 is much beefier and stiffer
-- Due to the size differences, the 1542 is easier to transport
-- Both can fit inside a med-sized backpack (e.g., North Face Recon), but 1542 is easier due to the width
-- Legs fully extended with neck down, both are the same height
-- Legs fully extended, neck all the way up, 1542 is 3.5" taller than the 2542
-- Both are fairly unstable with the neck fully extended (I would imagine this is the case with all tripods)
-- Neither tripod has failed me, so I haven't had to call customer service (that goes for all 3 of my Gitzos)
-- Both have premium build quality and have held up well despite use over several years; Gitzos are top notch
I have shot both with super-telephotos (Canon 100-400 and Canon 400/5.6 on the 1542, and both versions of the Canon 500/4 on the 2542) and I have gotten great shots with both tripods. That said, the 2542 is a better platform for big lenses due to the additional stiffness (I use the Wimberley Head II).
Ultimately, it depends on what you want. If you want the most stable Gitzo travel tripod below 20" compressed, the 2542 (or 2545) is the one you want. If you want max lightness and portability, the 1542 (or 1545) is a really good tripod. I once shot the 1542 in strong winds and it was worthless. That said, my 3-series Gitzo Systematic was worthless in heavy Icelandic winds, so YMMV. In my recent trip to Paris and London, I was seeking to go small and light, I brought the 1542 with a light weight Markins head and it was the right call.
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