Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

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Savas K
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p.2 #1 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

I find the 1550T and it's prior years version perfect for special situations, not as an all around tripod. I have the older version. I will carry other tools and equipment with me while doing carefully framed survey shots in low light situations, usually indoors. I bring a small raw-capable point and shoot, rarely a DSLR. When the situation calls for it, I'll bring my heftier tripod and 5D and carry all my stuff like a pack horse.

The attactiveness of the diminutive packing 1550T is undeniable. so long as you have the bones to afford one and reconcile that it won't be your only tripod. I love it during times I travel light and no one is even aware I have close to a full height tripod in my valese. Eyes pop when I take it out and extend it. (sounds vaguely x-rated) ..

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 02:18 PM

JohnJ80
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p.2 #2 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

The 1550T comes with a built in head, correct?

Can that be replaced with which heads and still fold up properly?

J

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:30 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #3 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Yes the GT 1550T is the five sections tripod that comes with a ballhead.
And I can't understand if people are buying it to replace the ballhead

The 1540T comes without any head

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:51 PM

JohnJ80
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p.2 #4 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

But the 1540T isn't as small or as light as the 1550T.

J.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 03:57 PM

nickrh
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p.2 #5 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
Yes the GT 1550T is the five sections tripod that comes with a ballhead.
And I can't understand if people are buying it to replace the ballhead

The 1540T comes without any head

I didn't set out planning to change the head, but I knew it was a possibility and made sure I had budget for it. I needed a clamp and saw the BH-25. It looked beefier and I know RRS gear is always rated highly so I thought I'd give it a shot...

Just so we're clear... I agree completely with what everyone else that says the 1540T is the better all-around tripod. I specifically needed small and money was not a concern so I went with the 1550T.

Nick

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 05:47 PM

nickrh
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p.2 #6 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Savas K wrote:
The attactiveness of the diminutive packing 1550T is undeniable. so long as you have the bones to afford one and reconcile that it won't be your only tripod. I love it during times I travel light and no one is even aware I have close to a full height tripod in my valese. Eyes pop when I take it out and extend it. (sounds vaguely x-rated) ..

Agreed

. People have the same reaction with me too. I had one guy with the $59 Ritz special come over and tell me I needed to buy a professional tripod

.

One of my coworkers (who knew I liked photography) asked if I had a point and shoot with me so I handed him the SD800. Then he asked if I had any ideas for a makeshift tripod and I said no but then grabbed my 1550 out of my laptop bag

.

That's really the reason I bought the light-weight setup is so that on my way to/from the office (or at lunch) I can look for quick photo ops.

Nick

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 05:55 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.2 #7 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

JohnJ80 wrote:
But the 1540T isn't as small or as light as the 1550T.

J.

The 1540T have the same weight as the 1550T. And it's also 5 cm shorter when folded. (according to Gitzo's catalogue)

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 10, 2007 at 09:06 PM

henryng
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p.2 #8 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
JohnJ80 wrote:
But the 1540T isn't as small or as light as the 1550T.

J.

The 1540T have the same weight as the 1550T. And it's also 5 cm shorter when folded. (according to Gitzo's catalogue)

Hi Lars,

From the Gitzo website, 1540T is 15.4 in when folded and 1550T is 14.0 in. The 1540T is 0.2 lbs lighter only cause of the 1550T comes bundled with a ballhead.
There are quite a few typos on the Gitzo 2007 catalogue, especially about the traveler tripods.

I went to a local camera store and checked out some tripods, however, they don't have anything from Gitzo, many models from Induro and a couple of Manfrotto. I looked at the Induro C014 which is really small, folded to 18 inches and 2.3 lbs without head. I was very suprised and think it is very "carryable". The finish is not that great(but OK), but feel stable enough to support a few pounds of equipment. Anyone has some experience with Induro? I think it is made by Benro from China.

Edited on Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM

Nov 12, 2007 at 06:47 AM

Steph550
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p.2 #9 · Gitzo GT1540T tripod.. and what head?

nickrh wrote: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

It was at a wedding at a large church...I set it up in the choir loft with a remote shutter release. Got some awesome shots of the ring exchange.

I personally *love* this tripod. Yes, it comes with a head, but I'd have bought it without one...it's the 14" size that I really wanted...because 14 fits in way more bags that 15.4". Is the 1540T a better overall tripod? Probably...but I know the tripod I actually carry with me will be far more useful than the one I leave at home or in the car because it doesn't fit with what I'm carrying. I'm hardly ever without the 1550T.

Nov 13, 2007 at 07:16 PM


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