chbla wrote:
I have a Benro Travel Angel, it's not lighter though ..
And I'm not convinced by it's stability compared to Gitzo..
Coming from a Gitzo 5541 LS, I'd love to have a small compact option for a tripod---so am considering the Gitzo Travelers and the Benro Travel Angel.
Which Benro Travel Angel do you have?
I'm looking at CF only---the Benro CF C-168M8 or the C-268M8, which are probably closer in spec to the new 2 series Gitzo Traveler, but about 1/2 price. Only occasional use.
Could you comment further on quality/features about your Benro vs. the Gitzo? Do you regret the Benro purchase? vs. Gitzo travelers?
well Benros look quite nice from outside, but I read some horrible reviews about the inner workings. I'm not an expert to judge this though, from what I've read the stability of the Gitzos is much better, per weight, then there were some satisfied, some frustrated people.. the usual things. Just overall Gitzo convinced me more than the Benro reviews, especially the modularity.
After all, I don't think you're wrong with Benro.
But, back to topic please
GT0531 or GT0541, with a tendency to the 3 section tripod..
chbla wrote:
Alright, I think I'll go for the GT0531 and give it a try with the BH-25... anyone wanna comment this decision?
What kind of trekking are we talking about here? I purchased a GT1541T and a CT-3442 and found the extra size of the 3442 more than enough to make up for the difference in size/weight for my hiking.
I just got back from White Sands in New Mexico from a four day photo shoot - backpacking and sleeping out on the dunes. I took a Series 0 & 2 Gitzo - the 2 Series never got used - stayed in the truck.
I use landscape lenses in the 1 to 2 pound range including TS-E lenses & always manual focus. The advantage of the 0541 is of course it folds up smaller - if you don't need that go for the 31. I almost never extend the center post to use it high - I could see modifying and removing that post.
BTW - I've used the 0540 tripod extensively in desert and high mountains and never had a problem with it's operation. Four days of fine - fine sand - just wipe it down with a dry rag at the end. I have heard of one guy who left his CF tripod outside the tent overnight in the snow - and the CF broke, I assume from being frozen - might want to avoid that. Also always check to see that the G locks are tight when carrying the tripod (while strapped on a pack etc.) If the G locks are loose - they can vibrate / rotate open and allow to drop the leg section(s). Loosen the G lock fully open - pull out a leg section and you'll see what I'm saying.
Gitzo will probably be offering rebates on their tripods and ballheads soon - I think they do that once or twice a year - see if you're local dealer or B&H have information on this.
thanks a lot for your opinion, thats worth a lot!
I was about to buy the 0531 and now I'm sure I'll go for it and give it a try.
I'm favoring it to the 0541 because it should have the benefit to be slightly more stable since the first 2 sections are larger. At least thats what my logic says.
It's on the outside of my backpack, so I don't really mind the 5 cm
I've ordered the RRS BH-25 Pro, and unfortunately forgot to add the quick release plate.
Now I saw that their plates are made for a particular camera model.
Should I go for the B7D (quick release plate for 7D) or get some universal one somewhere?
Or even an L-Plate?
chbla wrote:
Does it make a huge difference? It seems the L-Plates are for the BG only?
Lots of people swear by them. I do a lot of vertical shots in which case the L plate would be extremely helpful. I'll certainly go that route next time.
I prefer an L-bracket, even though it's a bit heavier. It's even more important with a small tripod -- on a small tripod/head, a flopped camera is more unstable than the same setup on a larger rig.
+1 or +100 on the "L" plate - heavier but the extra camera body control is worth it.
For backcountry type conditions - the "L" bracket really helps protect the camera body quite well. I also use the 'L' bracket to aid in 3 frame shift panos with TS-E lenses - eliminates the need for the heavier pano rigs.
Smiert Spionam wrote:
I prefer an L-bracket, even though it's a bit heavier. It's even more important with a small tripod -- on a small tripod/head, a flopped camera is more unstable than the same setup on a larger rig.
Very true! +1
Anything you can do to center the load on the smaller pods is often very worth the added weight!
chbla wrote:
Ok I think the decision will be between the GT0531 (since I don't see a reason for the 4 segments if I don't use them) and the GT1550T - both with BH-25.
Interesting for me is that the first one, 0 series has a supported weight of 5kg, whereas the 1 series has a supported weight of 2kg...
Skip the BH-25. I used to have it and it's absolutely not strong enough
even for a 5D + 24-70L. Get one of the smallest Photo Clam ballheads, 100x better.
