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Archive 2013 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

chbla
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p.4 #1 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

I made a list of options for me (and maybe others), comparing Gitzo and RRS:

Tripod Comparison

Surprisingly (as opposed to reviews etc) both recommend a series 2 for my 5D iii, landscape/nature with max 300mm lens
Now I somehow have to rule them out

Oct 12, 2014 at 11:37 AM

moosehead222
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p.4 #2 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

chbla wrote:
I made a list of options for me (and maybe others), comparing Gitzo and RRS:

Tripod Comparison

Surprisingly (as opposed to reviews etc) both recommend a series 2 for my 5D iii, landscape/nature with max 300mm lens
Now I somehow have to rule them out

The first question for me is do I really need eye level or not. I didn't know the systematic gitzo models before, they seem to be quite nice though

Seems as if quite a lot of people are using the 2-series, so right now I tend towards the GT2532S or TVC-23 for non-eyelevel.

Eyelevel I probably would go for...Show more →

Obviously everyone's needs and priorities are different. I recently selected the Gitzo GT3542LS. $679 at B&H with the rebate now. I definitely could have gone with the 2-series as far as my gear was concerned. I analyzed the weight difference to death. And every other spec since I could not see any of the legs I was considering. I decided a lot of items were 1-2 pounds that I could leave behind so I went with the 3 series.

On a recent vacation, I hiked about 6-7 miles with it, body and WA lens were about 4 pounds and another lens of a pound+, light backpack, jacket, etc. I was stopping often to take landscape photos. But the weight was no problem at all and I was very happy with the legs. I wanted the height as I have had many other great legs that I often wish I had the height. I had another Gitzo with center column but when I used it, the legs became unstable. Other uses on the trip were much less demanding and legs were light and stable, set up was fast.

I am sure you will be happy in whatever you select.

Oct 12, 2014 at 07:16 PM

chbla
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p.4 #3 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

Another benefit of the 3-series (GT3532LS, TVC-33) would be that I could use a 500/f4 on it as well. Not sure if I ever need this but if it's possible I might find some ocassions..

Gitzo seems to be a lot cheaper for me, especially since I'm in europe..

@moosehead222 what ballhead are you using on yours?

Oct 13, 2014 at 02:42 AM

sjms
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p.4 #4 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

In the long run you are correct. The gitzo would be the less expensive of the two overall in your particular situation.

Oct 13, 2014 at 05:12 AM

chbla
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p.4 #5 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

what bothers me a bit is the complaints about the magnesium used, that you can read in various posts/forums.. but I'm no expert on that topic

Oct 13, 2014 at 06:07 AM

sjms
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p.4 #6 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

it is like any other tool, you need to take care of it. i had 3 different models and they survived my usage. i am a tech by trade so i look over gear before during and after usage. i try not to assume my gear is going to be indestructible so i treat it with respect under "normal" usage, a gitzo will last a lifetime. that does not mean a lifetime in a closet. but if you are among the less caring you can do harm to anything you own. everything is a balance

Oct 13, 2014 at 06:18 AM

chbla
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p.4 #7 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

yeah of course, I also have a Gitzo that never failed so far

what I mean is, if I think of it, magnesium vs aluminium, from my experience with Magnesium it is more fragile than aluminium.. on the other hand that probably was a completely different compound than what they are using

Oct 13, 2014 at 06:22 AM

sjms
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p.4 #8 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

in various alloys and forms it can be. its a matter a balance between the design, manufacturing vs the end user.

Oct 13, 2014 at 06:26 AM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #9 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

Just want to add a voice of support for the new Jobu Algonquin:

http://jobu-design.3dcartstores.com/Algonquin-Carbon-Tripod-With-Foam-Grips_p_122.html

I think this is an amazingly sturdy and light tripod. Does not have quite the long history chops of Gitzo, and the cult-like reverence of RRS, but in every objective performance criteria it would seem to hold up toe-to-toe. And, IMHO, much better craftsmanship than the Gitzos.

Oct 13, 2014 at 08:30 AM

sjms
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p.4 #10 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

as one product in one size it is a basic and most likely well made product. at 27" folding length it is an inch longer and somewhat less versatile. this time around i would wait to see the product flesh out a bit.

Edited on Oct 13, 2014 at 12:13 PM · View previous versions

Oct 13, 2014 at 09:25 AM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #11 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

sjms wrote:
the product flash out a bit.

Yes, I it does have one quirk that might annoy some folks: the leg collars are not rubberized, and bare aluminum. Apart from making cold-handling more problematical, they also have a tendency to make a *very* loud "clack" as they knock together when folded.

Both problems are easily solved with application of camo wrap like this:

https://www.mcnett.com/tactical/camoform

And this is one fix that actually makes the fixed product better than if it was not deficient in the first place: the wraps make for a really nice, comfortable grip, better than any rubberized/plastic collars, and look good too! Going to actually apply them on my Gitzo leg collars as well!

And yes, the 27" folded length makes this thing pretty big, especially with ballhead and leveling base. Cannot pack it with the head on. But it is incredibly light and sturdy, and, at almost half-price for the equivalent RRS.

The biggest problem with the Algonquin that I cannot fix is it makes my poor old Gitzo feel and look like a crude, clumsy unfinished product in comparison!

Oct 13, 2014 at 11:47 AM

sjms
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p.4 #12 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

actually that didn't even enter my thoughts about it. like i previously said there will be a revision to come or version. it is as i said a basic product. a v1.0

as far as cult like reverence not in play here either with RRS. RRS simply makes products that are more versatile. they comprise of smart designs with less compromise and there is no need to wax poetically.

pricing in the long run has relevance but less so due in the end to what you get. yes the Algonquin is less in price but it is somewhat less in versatility.

what you did is you got what you paid for, no more no less and that cannot be denied

v1.0 is currently at $560C or ~$500.00US SALE
v1.1 is currently at $780C or ~$696.00US

Oct 13, 2014 at 12:25 PM

moosehead222
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p.4 #13 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

chbla wrote:
Another benefit of the 3-series (GT3532LS, TVC-33) would be that I could use a 500/f4 on it as well. Not sure if I ever need this but if it's possible I might find some ocassions..

Gitzo seems to be a lot cheaper for me, especially since I'm in europe..

@moosehead222 what ballhead are you using on yours?

It had been on my wish list for many years and love it. I like the numbered tension scale. It found it hard to understand when reviewing descriptions on the web but in practice setting custom zero and using is very easy and functional.
Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469077-REG/Arca_Swiss_801103_Monoball_Z1_sp_with.html

Oct 14, 2014 at 04:58 AM

chbla
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p.4 #14 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

very nice, thanks!

Oct 14, 2014 at 01:16 PM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #15 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

sjms wrote:
actually that didn't even enter my thoughts about it. like i previously said there will be a revision to come or version. it is as i said a basic product. a v1.0

as far as cult like reverence not in play here either with RRS. RRS simply makes products that are more versatile. they comprise of smart designs with less compromise and there is no need to wax poetically.

pricing in the long run has relevance but less so due in the end to what you get. yes the Algonquin is less in price but it is somewhat less in versatility.

what you...Show more →

I am sorry, sjms, either I am not understanding exactly what you are saying, or we disagree.

I am asserting that, with the Algonquin, we have essentially (I) the strength and rigidity of a Gitzo 5-series tripod, (II) in a Gitzo 3-series size and package, (III) at a Gitzo 2-series price.

Given that, than either with the Jobu you are getting more than you pay for, if the price for a Gitzo 5 series is "fair", or, conversely, the Gitzo 5 series is way overpriced.

So, it is not a simple case of "you are getting what you paid for", unless you are saying that the Jobu somehow or other revolutionizes market pricing. Now, I like the Jobu, but even I am not going to go that far!!

Of couse, while the basis of (II) and (III) or objectively verifiable. (I) is a little more tricky without doing extensive empirical experiments that neither of us has the time or money to do (I am assuming that a good experiment will involve, ultimately, breaking multiple tripods!), so I am relying on manufacturer's claims backed up by somewhat reliable objective proxies, such as upper leg diameter etc. We may debate this latter inference bit till the cows come home, so if you disagree without any additional evidence (that the Jobu's strength == Gitzo 5 series), feel free to amend the above description to "as strong as the Gitzo 4". Or, even, for that matter, "as strong as the Gitzo 3": you are still getting a lot of good legs for a much lower price.

Oct 15, 2014 at 01:17 PM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #16 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

sjms wrote:
actually that didn't even enter my thoughts about it. like i previously said there will be a revision to come or version. it is as i said a basic product. a v1.0

as far as cult like reverence not in play here either with RRS. RRS simply makes products that are more versatile. they comprise of smart designs with less compromise and there is no need to wax poetically.

pricing in the long run has relevance but less so due in the end to what you get. yes the Algonquin is less in price but it is somewhat less in versatility.

what you...Show more →

My previous did not address "versatility". The term is specific, but, unfortunately, there is not much information there.

For example, out-of-the-box, I would consider a Benbo/Uniloc to blow away any other tripod in terms of flexibility and versatility in positioning. I would also consider the Gitzo Explorer-style of tripod (similar styles put out by Manfrotto etc.), to also offer much more versatility than a straight-leg tripod. If this is what you meant, then, absolutely. But then, the RRS tripods also do not offer such versatility. And, the case can be made that, much as I love the Gitzo Explorer, then it is not that versatile in that it cannot take a big gun like the 800 f/5.6, for example.

Now, if you mean versatility in terms of modifications and add-ons, then yes, up to a point. For example, integrated leveling bases. Yes, this is definitely one area that the Jobu does not have, and, given the platform design, I don't think you can use anything designed for the RRS or the Gitzo tripods on it, and, furthermore, as Jobu is relatively much smaller company, I doubt any third-party company will accommodate. On the other hand, RRS, FLM, etc. do make universal leveling bases that can be used. So, I would consider the "versatility gap" really minimal, both in the relative specialization of the need as well as the fact that it can be dealt with in alternate ways (and with no extra financial cost, though perhaps a size [height] penalty).

Have I captured what you meant by "versatility" with some of the above?

Oct 15, 2014 at 01:28 PM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #17 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

Incidentally, just talked to Ian of Jobu about differences between V1.1 and 1:

- Silicone rubber bumpers
- Camouflage dust bag
- Printed warranty/spare parts card
- Improved leg locks
- New retail packaging (which helps with resale down the road, of course)
- Foam rubber leg covers

The silicone rubber bumpers and foam rubber leg covers etc. will all be available for those who purchased the older version separately (I am getting mine in a couple of weeks). As far as the leg locks go, the only difference is the threading, which allows the legs to be locked faster in the new model (1/4 turn as opposed to 1/2 turn). I honestly do not think it makes a huge practical difference. Which means that for those who can live with a 1/2 turn vs. 1/4 turn to open the legs, the old version 1 models offer, in my opinion, as much tripod (with the caveats I mention above) as a Gitzo 5 series, at USD 500. That, folks, I think is a great option. For what its worth, I was offered the choice to upgrade for the difference, and I declined, so Jobu (Ian) offered to refund me the difference instead. And that, folks, is great customer service!

Oct 15, 2014 at 02:15 PM

chbla
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p.4 #18 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

But I assume a valid point for Gitzo, RRS etc is that they have been out for quite a while, and proven to be what they are advertised as, don't you think? I didn't see many reviews for the Jobu tripods.

I'm not against them, just from the perspective of myself trying to find a suitable tripod

Oct 15, 2014 at 02:23 PM

sjms
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p.4 #19 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

jeetsukumaran wrote:
Incidentally, just talked to Ian of Jobu about differences between V1.1 and 1:

- Silicone rubber bumpers
- Camouflage dust bag
- Printed warranty/spare parts card
- Improved leg locks
- New retail packaging (which helps with resale down the road, of course)
- Foam rubber leg covers

The silicone rubber bumpers and foam rubber leg covers etc. will all be available for those who purchased the older version separately (I am getting mine in a couple of weeks). As far as the leg locks go, the only difference is the threading, which allows the legs to be locked faster in the new model (1/4 turn...Show more →

they are far from done.

Oct 15, 2014 at 02:31 PM

jeetsukumaran
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p.4 #20 · Gitzo vs. RRS tripod

chbla wrote:
But I assume a valid point for Gitzo, RRS etc is that they have been out for quite a while, and proven to be what they are advertised as, don't you think?

Absolutely. The "long history" chops, I mentioned above. Of course, RRS tripods are relatively new compared to Gitzo's, though the company has a widely-acknowledged stellar reputation, both amongst the user base as well as others in tripod/ballhead/support/etc. industry. So all you can rely on is early-adopters opinions. Or, if you have the luxury of time, order it and try it out --- like almost anyone else, they have a full-refund return policy. Even better, if you can afford it, get both the RRS and the Jobu and try them out side-by-side, and send back the one you do not like or do not think is worth the price. [Given what I have seen from RRS and Jobu, I honestly cannot in good faith advocate going the Gitzo route over either the RRS or the Jobu unless you need one of their specialized ones, such as the Explorer, etc.]

In any case, as one of those early-adopters referenced above, while I have yet to do a full review, I can heartily and good faith, recommend the Jobu!

Oct 15, 2014 at 02:36 PM

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