I've used Gitzo tripods for years, but haven't purchased a new one in quite some time. I was considering a G1228, but wanted to get some feedback on how it performs as a lightweight tripod for travel.
I like the 1228 and have taken it to Europe several times. The reason I selected the 1228 was it will fit inside a carry on size suitcase. The 3 leg section version will not. I have other tripods that I use for other reasons. For me the 1228 is perfect for lightweight travel. If lightweight travel is not you use you might consider one of the larger heaver versions. I think the largest, heaviest, and stiffest tripod for the intended use is always the best.
I bought the G1228 for about the same reason. I use it together with an acratech balhead. The combo weighs under 4lbs and can carry a lot of weight. Depending on the weight of your gear you can perhaps decide to buy the G1127/8.
I also have the G1228 with the Acratech ballhead. Just came back from Myanmar and Thailand. I am very happy, fits in checked luggage, and easy to carry-on, too. Fairly easy to flip the center post to shoot very low macro shots (if you have a L bracket on the camera).
Sometimes I wish the twistlocks were a little faster, but that is the nature of the beast. Always extend by loosening from the top first, compact from the bottom.
I love mine for hiking--it's so light, it's almost like I'm not carrying a tripod. It's not anywhere as nice to use as my Manfrotto 3021--not quite tall enough to use without stooping (especially since I don't like extending the center post), and the twist locks can be a pain. But I love that I can take it pretty much anywhere I want to shoot, and am amazed that something so light can support my MkII. I guess the question would be, "Would I buy it again?" Absolutely.
I like my 1228 (with a Markins head) and likely will not trade it for anything else. For my purposes (landscapes) it is lightweight but stable. I do NOT like the twistlocks because often as I am loosening legs (in order to retract them), the upper legs will also rotate, so I have to retighten the upper legs and go back to the leg I am trying to retract and continue to loosen. One solution is to really tighten the twistlocks in the first place, but that may damage the resin-impregnated sleeves inside the legs (the sleeves are what grasp the actual leg and lock the leg in place).
