Roland W
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 p.1 #2 · Gitzo Traveler: Series 2 (GK2580TQR) vs Series 1 (1541T) | |
I recently purchased the GK2580TQR kit, with the included Gitzo head. No chance yet to use it yet in the field, but I do have a few comments.
First off, it really is bad that it is only available with the Gitzo head. I don't like the Gitzo quick release system, and I really don't like the action of the ball in the head either. So yes, I was also thinking of selling the head, but there is a catch. When you take the head off, it ends up with a 3/8 inch stud sticking down out of the bottom of the head, with no obvious way to remove the stud. I tried with a pair of jam nuts, and could not un screw the stud. So I need to either take the whole ball head apart to see what is in side, or consult with Gitzo to understand it. And there may be a different part or different base needed to make the head have a 3/8 inch tapped hole in the bottom to make it "normal". So yes, a big waste of money so far. I managed to get a discount on the tripod "kit", so that helps. Otherwise I think I would have waited until they sell the legs only.
Wtih the head off, the top of the column has a tapped hole and a recess for a nut, so it is easy to add a stud there. I use a 3/8 inch stainless set screw, and a self locking nut, and combine the two to put studs on any Gitzo columns that I need to do that to. The hex socket in the set screw allows you to tighten down the stud with the nut an make the stud stay put, but you can still easily take it off later.
I have a Really Right Stuff BH-30 on order that I want to use on this tripod. I decided to try the new BH-30 rather than the BH-40, and hope it works out ok. I looks like when the BH-30 is mounted on this tripod, that the quick release clamp will be "inside" the folded back legs by about a half an inch. That may be ok, but it may have made sense to have the clamp just stick out beyond the ends of the legs. I may try to make a spacer and use a longer threaded stud to get it to stick out.
The general stiffness and strength of the tripod seems good for what it is. I have never used a series 1 Traveler, but have always wanted a stiffer and slightly bigger tripod than the classic Traveler size. I expect this will be a nice compromise for light weight when I want that. And it will be nice to have a nice short folded length for travel and hiking. But I still have no field use with it yet to report on.
This tripod does of course have the new leg lock system, that makes the legs lock up well, and adds some rigidity compared to the old system. The earlier series 1 Travelers were the older style, and had lower load ratings because of it. The current series 1 Travelers are the new leg locks, but there are still lots of the earlier ones around, so watch out for that if you are considering one.
The supplied Gitzo head does allow the legs to fold back on to the head very closely. I do not know yet exactly how well the BH-30 is going to fit in there, and if the legs are going to hit the knobs on the head, or will just clear them and lay against the body of the head. The BH-40 is bigger, and so the legs would not lay as close together if you chose that head. It could also have issues with the legs hitting the tripod control knobs.
My BH-30 head should be delivered in about a week, and I will try to report on how it all fits together as soon as I can. But I do like the size and the “package” of this set of Gitzo legs, and expect to be using them for many years.
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