I'm hoping some of you who are very familiar with Gitzo can offer me some advice on the purchase of my next tripod.
I'm seeking a new Gitzo/Carbon Fiber that is more substantial than my tiny travel 1550, and can withstand more windy conditions (I live near San Francisco).
I'm a smaller girl, so the height of the tripod doesn't really matter, I'm more focused on this new one being very stable, yet portable and on the light side.
My camera: Canon 5Dmk2, longest lens 200mm.
So, from my understanding, I can get more stability from a 3 or 4 segment tripod, and am considering a GT 1541or 2541 though I'm not sure if 1541 will be stable enough for my camera, and worth the size upgrade from the 1550T. Would I need a series 2 for the 5D? I need ballhead advice too...so far I like the RRS bh-40. I'm so confused.....would appreciate any advice, thank you! Lisa
If your largest lens is going to be a 200, then I would recommend a 2 series Gitzo and a Markins M10 or RRS BH40. You can even use a Markins Q3 if you want to save some additional weight. The setup will easily handle your gear. I've been using a 2530 with M10 and love it. It is a great general purpose legset at 4lbs.
Jim
Here is the 2530 with M10, RRS lever clamp and Markins tripod base:
I'd agree -- 2541 is the place to go for more stability than what you've got. A 1541 would be a bit better than but 5-segment traveler, but there's still no substitute for an upgrade in tube size. That means going to the 2-series.
Q3, M10, or Bh-40 -- all good, with individual merits.
Thank you! Very helpful advice....I think you sold me on the 2 series.
Jim thanks for the great pictures! Do you find the markins tripod base makes a difference in stability?
Lisa
LFiedler wrote:
Thank you! Very helpful advice....I think you sold me on the 2 series.
Jim thanks for the great pictures! Do you find the markins tripod base makes a difference in stability?
Lisa
According to the Markins vibration study, the tripod base substantially reduces vibration. I've noticed some differences when I use my 300 with 1.4x TC. But, it is less noticeable to the naked eye when I have a shorter focal length lens mounted. For me the TB gives me a perception of greater stability than the native Gitzo setup with the center column wing nut and ballhead on top. You might want to read the Markins study to see for yourself. But of course, you should take the study with a grain of salt because of who authored the study.
GT2531 or 2541, depending on the folded length you want. It will not require full extension for shorter people.
I have a 2530 around somewhere, and the G Locks make it easy to tighten without a lot of force. RRS 40 is good, but also check Markins M10. I use the Arca-Swiss B1 on the 2530. The current Z1 might be more than you need.
For $75.00 more, the Gitzo GT2542L has a maximum height of 59.4" without column extended, weighs in at 3.1 pounds, 4 sections like the GT2541; 2" more folded length to carry. The additional height might be welcome some day. Like when needing a higher vantage point, or shooting subjects located high up without having to crouch down.
A 2540 and M10 are my standard setup, but I'll be using my Gitzo 1158T and Q3 head today (about 3 lbs. total).
Anyway, question for all on the new "power disc" on the 2541/2531 et. al.. Does anyone use this and can you compare it to the regular disk?
What changes are there (pos/neg) other than a new marketing thing? I've only read one report so far, and it was negative, but I'm allowing for pilot error in that case.
I'd offer slightly different advice. I'd step up to a Series 3 (3540S) or so. That would be a terrific complement to the Series one you already have. Then you would have a good travel tripod for "load and go" and an extremely stable one for the rest of the time.
I own a 1258 (pretty much precursor to 2540) and a 3540LS. I find that I use the 3540 most of the time and that I really would like a 15xx for travel. So my plan is to sell the 1258 and then to replace that. I think a series 1 and a series 3 is just about the perfect two tripod set.
For what it's worth, the 3540 will damp out about twice the vibration amplitude as the 1258/2540 - a not insignificant difference and noticeable at 200mm.
LFiedler wrote:
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to help me weed through all of these choices.
I just ordered the GT2541 and Markins M10.
Good choice, you'll love that setup. Mine is pretty much similar, a G1257(same as GT2530) and the M10. I also live in San Francisco and I carry it with me everywhere I go. I was also thinking of replacing the M10 with an RRS AS II clamp, but when I got an MH-01 with B2 AS II for my monopod I feel that the locking knob is more secure than the quick release clamp. Not saying it actually is, just not used to it yet I guess.
