I just bought a Gitzo GT3531 today and having tried it at home tonight I think that this tripod with my RRS BH-55 ball-head, Canon 5D Mk II and a RRS L-bracket gets a bit too tall for me. I am only 5'6" or 7" and I have to reach up to be able to see the top of the dial on my camera. One quick fix is to not fully open the third set of the legs but that is cumbersome and inaccurate both.

I liked the fact that this tripod had a center column and the S model does not. Now I am wondering if I should forgo this feature and exchange this for a Gitzo 3135 Systemic which gives me a bit more stability, future expandability and costs $100 less.

Any advice you might have for me is much appreciated.

Best wishes.

I'm not very tall either, but I prefer the 3531LS, which has no center column. It goes a bit higher (L is longer) without extension and weighs less. I usually use it outdoors and the extra length helps on uneven terrain. BH-55 and Wimberley are interchanged.

EBH

Do you not fully open some of the legs then?

arnold1 wrote:
Do you not fully open some of the legs then?

Correct. On perfectly flat ground I do not. Make a small mark for reference.

EBH

It is common with both a center column tripod and an S model with a flat plate top to not open the legs all the way. If you are using a ball head, you really don't need the tripod to be perfectly level, because the ball head allows adjustment. If you do need a level tripod for a panorama, you can still level it as required. Except in a studio, it is rare that the ground is level enough to achieve level with the legs extended evenly. If you want the legs extended evenly but not to maximum, you can extend them without them spread, and set the length very close to even with each other, and then spread the legs.

The S series Gitzos have the most flexibility, because you can add a column to them if you want one. So exchanging for an S series that is a close match to your eye height may work out, and it is a little more rigid than having a column. But if you are just right for height on nearly level ground, remember that you will need to shorten one or more legs on a hill side, and may have a hard time getting the camera high enough to see through it well.

EB-1 wrote:
arnold1 wrote:
Do you not fully open some of the legs then?

Correct. On perfectly flat ground I do not. Make a small mark for reference.

EBH

That is a great idea. I'll mark it. This way when I need the extra height, I will have it. Thanks.

My tripod (3541LS) goes a bit above my eye level, but I can't see that as anything but a good thing, if it matters at al. This obsession with eye level shooting borders on the absurd. Unless you're parked behind the camera all day at a bird refuge or a football game, you should put the camera where the shot requires it, not where you happen to be standing. If the tripod goes a bit higher, all the better -- it gives you more flexibility, and can better accommodate a gimbal if that's your bag.

I hardly ever shoot at eye level, anyway -- the tripod is much lower than that nearly all the time.

if you're really intent on eye level shooting, get a white wax pencil, mark the legs at that point, and you're set.

Roland W wrote:
It is common with both a center column tripod and an S model with a flat plate top to not open the legs all the way. If you are using a ball head, you really don't need the tripod to be perfectly level, because the ball head allows adjustment. If you do need a level tripod for a panorama, you can still level it as required. Except in a studio, it is rare that the ground is level enough to achieve level with the legs extended evenly. If you want the legs extended evenly but not to maximum, you can extend them without them spread, and set the length very close to even with each other, and then spread the legs.

The S series Gitzos have the most flexibility, because you can add a column to them if you want one. So exchanging for an S series that is a close match to your eye height may work out, and it is a little more rigid than having a column. But if you are just right for height on nearly level ground, remember that you will need to shorten one or more legs on a hill side, and may have a hard time getting the camera high enough to see through it well.


I just tried adjusting the height of my tripod while the legs together as you suggested and it works so much better. The column is now kind of nice as it gives me a little more control in adjusting things. Will I regret it later if I did not switch this tripod for a Systemic one?

Smiert Spionam wrote:
My tripod (3541LS) goes a bit above my eye level, but I can't see that as anything but a good thing, if it matters at al. This obsession with eye level shooting borders on the absurd. Unless you're parked behind the camera all day at a bird refuge or a football game, you should put the camera where the shot requires it, not where you happen to be standing. If the tripod goes a bit higher, all the better -- it gives you more flexibility, and can better accommodate a gimbal if that's your bag.

I hardly ever shoot at eye level, anyway -- the tripod is much lower than that nearly all the time.

if you're really intent on eye level shooting, get a white wax pencil, mark the legs at that point, and you're set.

Thank you for your reply. I guess you guys convinced me already that the height of this if anything is a good thing as it adds to my flexibility. The only question remaining is should I stick with this and not bother with exchanging it for a systemic model.

arnold1 wrote:
I just bought a Gitzo GT3531 today and having tried it at home tonight I think that this tripod with my RRS BH-55 ball-head, Canon 5D Mk II and a RRS L-bracket gets a bit too tall for me. I am only 5'6" or 7" and I have to reach up to be able to see the top of the dial on my camera. One quick fix is to not fully open the third set of the legs but that is cumbersome and inaccurate both.

I liked the fact that this tripod had a center column and the S model does not. Now I am wondering if I should forgo this feature and exchange this for a Gitzo 3135 Systemic which gives me a bit more stability, future expandability and costs $100 less.

Any advice you might have for me is much appreciated.

Best wishes.

You may have gotten tripped up by Gitzo's overly complicated nomenclature. They only make a series called "systematic", not systemic (and there's no model number 3135.) Both the 3531 and 3531S are in the
systematic category (the S in 3531S simply stands for short, AFAIK.) So, in answer to your very last post (just above this one) about whether you should buy a "systematic" tripod, you already have one in the GT3531!

Paul B is wrong about the S designation on Gitzos. It is not for small.

The Gitzo GT3531S Systematic has no center column, and has a top plate that can be replaced with any of several different columns, or their leveling head, or a video bowl. Thus is is called Systematic, because it is a "system".

The Gitzo GT3531 tripod has a center column built in to the top of the tripod, and has no way to remove the mounting collar that grabs the column. Thus no way to mount any of the above listed accessories.

If you search either of the two different model numbers above on B&H, you can see the differences in the descriptions and in the pictures.

Roland W wrote:
Paul B is wrong about the S designation on Gitzos. It is not for small.

The Gitzo GT3531S Systematic has no center column, and has a top plate that can be replaced with any of several different columns, or their leveling head, or a video bowl. Thus is is called Systematic, because it is a "system".

The Gitzo GT3531 tripod has a center column built in to the top of the tripod, and has no way to remove the mounting collar that grabs the column. Thus no way to mount any of the above listed accessories.

If you search either of the two different model numbers above on B&H, you can see the differences in the descriptions and in the pictures.


That sounds right but why does Gitzo also make Systematic tripods where you can remove the center/rapid column? Doesn't that just duplicate something they already make?

From p. 56, 2009 Gtizo catalog:
"Systematic columns have been updated for an increased flexibility of use and better functioning. All columns are now longer and feature the latest components, such as retractable hook and aluminum power disc. The new aluminum power disc incorporates a number of advanced features. First of all it is provided with the new “safe lock” techno polymer plate that reduces vibrations and improves the locking performance between head and disc. Furthermore it now features two screws. One to securely lock the disc onto the column, the second one to lock the head onto the disc. These features allow to achieve a rock solid and secure connection among all the components of the system.

Systematic rapid columns are reversible. This feature is very useful to shoot top down with our tall tripods (GT3541XLS and GT5561SGT) combined to our off center ball heads. It is also possible to combine these columns with other accessories, like lateral arms, to create unique combinations and accomplish any
shooting task, both in studio and location..."

The S designation is for "standard". Which is standard height or standard level.

I also think that the letter S is designated to separate Systematic from Mountaineer models. For example GT3531LS is the long version of Systematic with a maximum height of 58.3 inches as opposed to GT5331S which is 50.8". If you look at Gitzo's 2009 catalog page 55 where they list all their Systematic tripods, you'll notice that every model has an "S" designation at the end where GT3531S is the only standard one. They categorize them as:

BS for compact level
S for standard level
LS or XLS for eye level and overhead level

So in a way you're right but S is for Systematic since the rest of the tripods that are non-standard have the same letter.

Now, should I stay with the GT3531 or exchange it for the GT3531S which does not have the center column but has more future expandability?

arnold1 wrote:
I also think that the letter S is designated to separate Systematic from Mountaineer models. For example GT3531LS is the long version of Systematic with a maximum height of 58.3 inches as opposed to GT5331S which is 50.8". If you look at Gitzo's 2009 catalog page 55 where they list all their Systematic tripods, you'll notice that every model has an "S" designation at the end where GT3531S is the only standard one. They categorize them as:

BS for compact level
S for standard level
LS or XLS for eye level and overhead level

So in a way you're right but S is for Systematic since the rest of the tripods that are non-standard have the same letter.

Now, should I stay with the GT3531 or exchange it for the GT3531S which does not have the center column but has more future expandability?

I'd go for future expandability although it depends somewhat on what lenses you have and what you may get in the future. For instance, with a removable plate you can install a levelling base to use with a heavy lense (that would presumably be mounted on a Wimberley.) But you may or may not be contemplating a heavy lense. You obviously can also choose to install a center column although most people would tell you using a center column (at least more than a few inches high) will begin to impact the image due to less stability. With lighter lenses and a series-3, however, I wouldn't worry too much about increased shake when using a center column (I've even mounted a 500 on a center column that's 3-4 inches high and with adequate shutter speeds--around 1/1500--shooting flying aircraft is no problem in terms of sharpness.) Center columns make last minute height adjustments a lot easier if the tripod is a little short but it doesn't sound like that's the issue for you..........

Paul B wrote:
arnold1 wrote:
I also think that the letter S is designated to separate Systematic from Mountaineer models. For example GT3531LS is the long version of Systematic with a maximum height of 58.3 inches as opposed to GT5331S which is 50.8". If you look at Gitzo's 2009 catalog page 55 where they list all their Systematic tripods, you'll notice that every model has an "S" designation at the end where GT3531S is the only standard one. They categorize them as:

BS for compact level
S for standard level
LS or XLS for eye level and overhead level

So in a way you're right but S is for Systematic since the rest of the tripods that are non-standard have the same letter.

Now, should I stay with the GT3531 or exchange it for the GT3531S which does not have the center column but has more future expandability?

I'd go for future expandability although it depends somewhat on what lenses you have and what you may get in the future. For instance, with a removable plate you can install a levelling base to use with a heavy lense (that would presumably be mounted on a Wimberley.) But you may or may not be contemplating a heavy lense. You obviously can also choose to install a center column although most people would tell you using a center column (at least more than a few inches high) will begin to impact the image due to less stability. With lighter lenses and a series-3, however, I wouldn't worry too much about increased shake when using a center column (I've even mounted a 500 on a center column that's 3-4 inches high and with adequate shutter speeds--around 1/1500--shooting flying aircraft is no problem in terms of sharpness.) Center columns make last minute height adjustments a lot easier if the tripod is a little short but it doesn't sound like that's the issue for you..........

Thank you, Paul for your advice. The biggest lens that I have is a 300 2.8 which I use with a 1.4X II. I already own a RRS BH-55 LR which is amazingly great and stable. Also since I am not that tall, I like the idea of a quick and easy last minute height adjustment (as you suggested already.)