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David Iliff
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p.1 #1 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I originally posted this one on dpreview.com's forums but they suggested I might get a better response here so here goes.

I'm looking at buying a Gitzo GT1540T tripod and I'm not sure what sort of ball head to get for it. Given that this tripod's legs fold back onto the head, I'm wary about the width of the head causing the legs to not close properly. Can anyone suggest any known good combinations? I'm going to be working with a Canon 5D and UP TO (but quite rarely) a 70-200mm f/2.8L lens on the tripod collar mount. I believe the total weight of that camera/lens would be about 2kg, significantly less than the 4kg rating of the tripod, but I suppose I'd like for the ball head to be rated to around 4kg too, just for the extra peace of mind. The dpreview guys also mentioned that its a rule of thumb to only place on the tripod/head one third of the rated weight which seemed overly conservative. What do you think?

Budget is quite variable, as I'd rather go for a quality head that is ideal for the job rather than shop by price, but a ballpark figure is about $150-200. Ideally the lighter the better as this is a travel tripod, but only to the extent that it still supports the weight sufficiently.

Any advice on that set up? Preferably from those who actually have this tripod and an appropriate head, but any advice is better than none at all. ;-)

Thanks,
Dave

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 07, 2007 at 09:39 PM

Todd Warnke
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p.1 #2 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Markins Q3. The price is a bit more than you are looking at but it fits very well on that pod and can handle your gear just fine.

Peace,

Todd

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 07, 2007 at 09:46 PM

mrladewig
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p.1 #3 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Also, are you completely set on the 1540T? The regular 1540 will fit in a 22" standard suitcase and has a much higher load capacity.

Markins Q3 or Acratech Ultimate or V2 would all be good candidates for full feature lightweight ballheads. Both of these heads are rated to 25 lbs or 13kg and both weigh less than 1 pound.

Mel-

Edited by mrladewig on Nov 07, 2007 at 03:02 PM GMT

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 07, 2007 at 10:00 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #4 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I would buy the GT1540 instead of the 1540T. Only if you need a really really small tripod for very small camera & lenses I would go for the 1540T.
The 1540T is rated for 4kg without any ballhead. With ballhead it's rating is 2kg. And in portrait position only 1,2kg.
The 1540 is alo a very light and small tripod but the rating is 8kg. And remember that all rating is too high for real use also.

A very good head is the Markins Q3 ballhead. It cost $270. You don't find many descent ballhead between $150-200. There is the RRS BH-25 for about $150 but it's not as good as the Markins.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 07, 2007 at 10:02 PM

BeeMan458
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p.1 #5 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

"Can anyone suggest any known good combinations?"

The ReallyRightStuff BH-25Pro is designed to work with the 1540T and the legs folding back over the top of the tripod.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=BH%2D25%2DPro&eq=

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 12:27 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #6 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I agree with what Lars said. The 1540 is sturdier and no heavier than the 1540T, so unless you need it to fold real smaller the 1540 is a better buy. I also think that Markins Q3 is a great ballhead for this tripod. I hope this helps.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 12:55 AM

JohnJ80
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p.1 #7 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Me too - get the 1540 (non T). I'd also go with the Q3 from Markins.

J

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 02:35 AM

dcains
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p.1 #8 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

How about the Gitzo G1277M head with an appropriate RRS or Kirk clamp? It's what I use on my G1097 tripod and that's a great combination.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 02:57 AM

henryng
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p.1 #9 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I have been researching compact tripods for travelling recently. I was almost set on 1550T but then I realized it cannot hold much and the max load listed on BH is wrong comparing to what is listed on Gitzo website, I don't know the max load 4.4 lbs is actually max load for the G1077M or also for the legs, however you have to buy both together. So, now I am back to square one and looking at 1540T and even 0540 from Gitzo.

I found this guy tried this 1540T traveler tripod and wrote comment about it. I think he probably overloading too much on this baby and that is why he had a slipping leg problem. He was using it with a D2X + 70-200 VR.

Link here:
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2007/archives/470
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2007/archives/473

I think one of the missing features of these traveler tripods from Gitzo is the G-Lock, which is probably why they don't hold as much and legs might slip with weight is close or exceed max load. However, I have never used one myself, this is just what I read from the Internet.

A couple of people left review on BH about 1550T, which are very positive. One guy was using it with 5D + 24-70 f/2.8 L with no issue whatsoever.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475899-REG/Gitzo_GT1550T_GT_1550T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 03:57 AM

plasticmoz
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p.1 #10 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

For a 5D w/ 70-200 2.8L IS, I would do a BH-40 over a 25 I think.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 05:37 AM

nickrh
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p.1 #11 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

My setup 1550T + BH-25... I find it's ok for 5D + 70-200 f4, but it struggles a bit at 200mm. I try to keep it at or under 135mm unless it's a calm day. The legs themselves are plenty sturdy and while most of you will probably call me crazy, I've even hung a couple pounds of weight from the center column hook to make sure it's firmly planted (cause it is so light).

I'm not really a fan of either head, but the BH-25 feels more solid than the one Gitzo provides. Overall, I think the BH-25 will support a bigger load, but you really have to crank it down to eliminate droop/slipping, whereas the Gitzo seems grittier and less prone to slipping.

You can argue all day about whether it's the most stable or not, but it's the tripod I'm willing to carry day-to-day and that makes the most difference to me.

Nick

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 06:28 AM

shinew7911
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p.1 #12 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

another vote for the Gitzo G1277M. It's smooth as butter and light 1.1(support 12bls or so...) and it's within your budget, just screw on a Arca Swiss style clamp then you have a very nice ballhead.
I think Gitzo heads are really under rated. I also tried the Acratech ultimate ballhead & RRS BH-40, returned all of them and kept the g1277m, cost was not an issue.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 09:32 AM

DLP
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p.1 #13 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I would always go with the 1540 unless you must have something very compact for climbing or serious hiking. The Markins Q3 or RRS BH-40 would be my first choice but based on the price range the of $150-200 then the BH-25 would be my default.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 12:00 PM

dcains
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p.1 #14 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

shinew7911 wrote:
another vote for the Gitzo G1277M. It's smooth as butter and light 1.1(support 12bls or so...) and it's within your budget, just screw on a Arca Swiss style clamp then you have a very nice ballhead.
I think Gitzo heads are really under rated. I also tried the Acratech ultimate ballhead & RRS BH-40, returned all of them and kept the g1277m, cost was not an issue.

Agreed. I sold the first one I had (mounted on a Velbon 530) to a fellow FM'er, but recently bought another G1227M for my "new" Gitzo G1097 tripod, and the second one is just as nice as the first (total weight of the tripod and head with a 2" Kirk clamp is only 2 pounds). The panning base is smooth and solid, the single knob offers very precise friction control and locking with no slipping, and the Teflon-coated ball action is super-smooth. I've got a BH-40 on my larger tripod for heavier loads, but the G1277M gives up very little in performance to any ballhead I've ever used.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 07:59 PM

Savas K
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p.1 #15 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Be aware of BH-25's lack of independent panning and tension adjustment. There is a price to pay for small size and weight in that ball head. I sold mine and bought the Markins Q3 and have been delighted since. I use a traveler series with it and yes, the legs don't close all the way up. But it's close enough. It's more important that I'm free of frustration when trying to frame something precisely.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 08:00 PM

Savas K
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p.1 #16 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

henryng wrote:

A couple of people left review on BH about 1550T, which are very positive. One guy was using it with 5D + 24-70 f/2.8 L with no issue whatsoever.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475899-REG/Gitzo_GT1550T_GT_1550T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html

Take those reviews with a grain of salt. One man stated extensive experience, then describes how he would like a longer center column so that he can use the tripod while standing on a ladder. An extended center column of any length can induce sufficient shimmy to become noticeable in the pictures.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 08, 2007 at 08:10 PM

dcains
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p.1 #17 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Savas K wrote:
Be aware of BH-25's lack of independent panning and tension adjustment. There is a price to pay for small size and weight in that ball head. I sold mine and bought the Markins Q3 and have been delighted since. I use a traveler series with it and yes, the legs don't close all the way up. But it's close enough. It's more important that I'm free of frustration when trying to frame something precisely.

I tried a BH-25, for one very frustrating day. I could never get the camera position exactly right, which drove me nuts. User error

I don't know, but it's surely better for a monopod than a tripod.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 02:27 AM

pjbishop
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p.1 #18 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

The 1540G 'Mountaineer' has a load rating of 17.6 lbs, weighs 2.7 lbs. compared with the 1540T's weight of 2.2 lbs. Mates well with the RRS BH40 head, which weighs 15.5 oz, for a total tripod weight of 3 lbs, 10.7 oz. You would regret getting the smaller BH25 unless as an extra for really stripped-down carry.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 10:37 AM

henryng
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p.1 #19 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

nickrh wrote:
My setup 1550T + BH-25... I find it's ok for 5D + 70-200 f4, but it struggles a bit at 200mm. I try to keep it at or under 135mm unless it's a calm day. The legs themselves are plenty sturdy and while most of you will probably call me crazy, I've even hung a couple pounds of weight from the center column hook to make sure it's firmly planted (cause it is so light).

I'm not really a fan of either head, but the BH-25 feels more solid than the one Gitzo provides. Overall, I think the BH-25 will support a bigger load, but you really have to crank it down to eliminate droop/slipping, whereas the Gitzo seems grittier and less prone to slipping.

You can argue all day about whether it's the most stable or not, but it's the tripod I'm willing to carry day-to-day and that makes the most difference to me.

Nick

Hi Nick,

I am still thinking the 1550T since I really need a very compact tripod to travel with. My heaviest setup is 20D+70-200 f/4 + tripod collar, which is around 4 lbs. I think the tripod collar will help cause I don't need the ball head to go side way with it.
Did u even use your 1550T with the bundled G1077M? how does that hold up with 4 lbs or maybe just a regular zoom like a 17-50ish zoom? which I think is about 3 lbs max with a 20D. Have u ever try that? did u ever have leg slip problem with 1550T?

1550T with G1077M bundle has a max load of 4.4 lbs, but I am guessing that is the max load of the ball head not the legs. I wonder if 1550T legs has the same max load as the 1540T, which is 8.8 lbs. Anyone knows? I sent Gitzo an email last nite, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 08:27 PM

JohnJ80
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p.1 #20 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Those legs on the 1550T get pretty spindly. If you were resigned to often shoot with it at less than full extension, it would probably be ok. Wind? No.

I'd go with a 1540 first.

Either that or the small gitzo ones that (0540) and then just kneel.

J

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 09:39 PM

Steph550
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p.1 #21 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I am still thinking the 1550T since I really need a very compact tripod to travel with. My heaviest setup is 20D+70-200 f/4 + tripod collar, which is around 4 lbs. I think the tripod collar will help cause I don't need the ball head to go side way with it.
Did u even use your 1550T with the bundled G1077M? how does that hold up with 4 lbs or maybe just a regular zoom like a 17-50ish zoom? which I think is about 3 lbs max with a 20D. Have u ever try that? did u ever have leg slip problem with 1550T?

1550T with G1077M bundle has a max load of 4.4 lbs, but I am guessing that is the max load of the ball head not the legs. I wonder if 1550T legs has the same max load as the 1540T, which is 8.8 lbs. Anyone knows? I sent Gitzo an email last nite, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.

I have the 1550T with the G1077M. I just put a new Bogen 484 mini-ballhead on, and I prefer that combination. The Bogen ballhead is just a bit sturdier feeling, and it's rated up to 8.8 lbs. You are correct that the 1550T legs are rated up to 8.8lbs, it's the G1077M that has the 4lb rating. I haven't encountered any leg-slip problems, and I've used the 1550T/Bogen ballhead combination with the 30D and a 200 f/1.8 (the 6 pound monster) without any problems.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 09, 2007 at 10:32 PM

nickrh
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p.1 #22 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

henryng wrote:
I am still thinking the 1550T ... My heaviest setup is 20D+70-200 f/4 + tripod collar, which is around 4 lbs. I think the tripod collar will help cause I don't need the ball head to go side way with it.

Agreed - also consider the tripod collar balances the load better front to back. Be prepared that it will be touchy at 200mm. Plan to use mirror lock up and timer-mode.

henryng wrote:
Did u even use your 1550T with the bundled G1077M?

I did for about a month (screwing into the base of the camera) but all my other gear is wimberly plates/clamps so I wanted a quick clamp. The RRS clamps are known as the best levers so I went for the BH-25 instead of screwing a clamp to the Gitzo head. I now use the gitzo head with my P&S (which this tripod is awesome for!)

henryng wrote:
how does that hold up with 4 lbs or maybe just a regular zoom like a 17-50ish zoom?

I thought it was ok for that load. In fact, I really think the gitzo "felt" better to operate than the RRS. It tends to hold tighter with less force, you really have to crank hard on the RRS to keep it from slipping.

henryng wrote:
which I think is about 3 lbs max with a 20D. Have u ever try that?

No, but have frequently used a 5D + 16-35 II which is similar. IMHO the tripod has no problem with weight. It's really a question of stability vs focal length.

henryng wrote:
Did u ever have leg slip problem with 1550T?

I've seen symptoms of it on one or two occasions but I loosen/tighten and it's fine. My theory is that it has to do with ALR and something getting jammed as you tighten the leg. With ALR this tripod is *VERY* fast to set up.

henryng wrote:
I wonder if 1550T legs has the same max load as the 1540T, which is 8.8 lbs.

I think I read that somewhere, but you have to remember that max load is somewhat irrelivant here. The concern is stability. How much does it wiggle? How much flex/bounce is there in the legs under stress? How much wiggle is there between the legs and the spider? How much play is in the center column even when retracted? I've used it at airshows as a stand for my 5D + 400 5.6L between events and it has no problem with that load (though it's worthless as a tripod at that focal length).

The 1550T is about as far as you can get form an "all-purpose" tripod. There's a market for it (or Gitzo wouldn't make it), but it's a very specialized tool. It's the only one I know of in their carbon series that's rated for "135mm and occasionally up to 200mm" in their documentation. That means on a windy day at 200mm you might not be much better off than if you were handholding.

I am a huge fan of this tripod and I have no regrets. It goes everywhere with me, fits in a laptop-bag/briefcase (one of my key factors) and meets my needs.

Nick

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 01:48 AM

nickrh
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p.1 #23 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Steph550 wrote:
I haven't encountered any leg-slip problems, and I've used the 1550T/Bogen ballhead combination with the 30D and a 200 f/1.8 (the 6 pound monster) without any problems.

Wow and I thought I was daring

... Can I ask what type of photos you were taking with that combo?

I can imagine that it would be sufficient as a framing aide in good light (posed portraits/landscapes/etc.) but I can't imagine trying to use this setup for anything with slower shutter speeds (long night-exposures, waterfalls,etc.)

Nick

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 02:05 AM

henryng
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p.1 #24 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Thanks Nick and Steph550 for your replies. Looks like the 1550T is enough for my setup. I really need to get a compact tripod, as I own a Manfrotto 055 CL with 488RC2 with the intent of doing some serious macro with a micro plate, however they are just either sitting at home or resting in the car trunk most of time. Just a bit too heavy to carry around all day. They are great for drive and stop trip, not walk around trip.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 04:42 AM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #25 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

A few things about the 1550T tripod.
It's not an "all-purpose tripod". It's an traveler tripod and the T stands for traveler. That's why it has those tiny legs in 5 sections, to make it really small for travelling.
It don't has the same max load specs as the 1540T (according to the Gitzo catalogue)
And if you don't gonna use it for travelling with very small equipment, the GT1540 will be a much better choice. It's very stable and strong compared to to 1550T and only weights 120 gram more. Even the very small GT0540 that weight a lot less than the 1550T is more stable and has higher max-load.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 07:42 AM


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