p.1 #1 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Hey all!
I'm looking to buy my first "real" tripod, and I've pretty much decided on a (lightly used) Gitzo. At the most, I may be doing 5-mile hikes with it, so nothing crazy long. Worst-case load would be a Canon 6D, BH-40 ballhead and 100/2.8.
I'm thinking about Series 2 'pods, but can't decide between the Mountaineer or Systematic. Getting low to the ground is something I'd be interested in, but I wonder how much I'd miss not having a center column at all in the Systematic. Likewise, between 4 and 3-segment tripods, I'm not exactly sure which way to go...I was looking at a 2542LS Systematic, but it's more or less huge for my 5'8" frame. Although I could always keep the 4th leg retracted, I guess.
p.1 #2 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
I have always gone for the systematic with 3 leg sections. If your tripod is tall enough you don't need a center column, and like extra leg joints, center columns are another joint that can flex. Of course there's the compactness to consider, but I've always chosen to endure bulk and weight in the interest of more solid construction. YMMV
edit: I'm 5'8" also and I've been most recently using the RRS TVC-33 basically everywhere I go, including hikes farther than the distance you describe. Before that I was using a Gitzo 3 series systematic. In the 2 series I think you'd want to go with 4 leg sections because otherwise the tripod may be too short. I'm no longer familiar with all of the Gitzo specifications, but if there's a 2-series that's around 59 inches tall it'd be the one to get, IMO.
p.1 #3 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
why just Gitzo?
and with the current state of joint design the flex issue is no longer just that. I use a TVC24. there is no, nada, (0) extra flex. and with that legset you can have it all modularly.
I travel with a TQC14. yet another example of no flex it its class.
and yes I have a TVC33.quite old for its time. I wish it were a TVC34 but this one has sentimental value.
p.1 #4 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
dmcphoto wrote:
I have always gone for the systematic with 3 leg sections. If your tripod is tall enough you don't need a center column, and like extra leg joints, center columns are another joint that can flex. Of course there's the compactness to consider, but I've always chosen to endure bulk and weight in the interest of more solid construction. YMMV
edit: I'm 5'8" also and I've been most recently using the RRS TVC-33 basically everywhere I go, including hikes farther than the distance you describe. Before that I was using a Gitzo 3 series systematic. In the 2 series I think you'd want to go with 4 leg sections because otherwise the tripod may be too short. I'm no longer familiar with all of the Gitzo specifications, but if there's a 2-series that's around 59 inches tall it'd be the one to get, IMO. ...Show more →
The "LS" version of the 2 is right at 59", IIRC.
And as far as why Gitzo...I wanted to get something a step up from Induro/Sirui, but RRS is way out of my budget
p.1 #5 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
a series 2 systematic tripod is actually about the same if not more money then the RRS 24 series tripod rough equivalent new. hope its a really good difference.
p.1 #9 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Hi Jim,
I'm a landscape photographer who shoots mostly in the Blueridge mountains.
I carry a Nikon D810 and use a Gitzo 1542 and a RRS BH40.
I like having the center colum,it can be reversed or removed.
I Love the Gitzo!
You an buy the 1542 at B&H now for $595
Greg
p.1 #10 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
hiepphotog wrote:
Well, wait for the new Systematic, I think they would release them this year. And Gitzo Series 2 is the same as RRS series 1, silly numbering really.
well, with the current G 2 systematic you do get the spikes.
in addition I have to say the 2 to 1 comparison no longer holds true as they did beef up their systematic product. it is now 2 to 2. but they are currently bulkier and slightly heavier.
p.1 #11 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Anyone have experience with Systematic 3 Series vs Mountaineer Series 2 for stability? They both have the same maximum leg diameter though the latter has a bit lower load rating. Looking to replace Series 4 Systematic aluminum. I've read the carbon 3 is more stable that an aluminum 4. The weight is why I'm replacing but I want to maintain at least equal stability.
p.1 #12 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
if you are going to pack this thing in for 5 or so miles a 3 series sys you might find it a wee bit on the bulky side. the sys 3 is a more robust tripod vs a series 2 mountaineer. a series 2 sys is more robust than a series 2 mountaineer. the series 2 mountaineer has a built-in centerpost a series 2 sys has a modular capability.
p.1 #13 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
I'm also 68" in height and had a series-3 Gitzo systematic 3541LS for years but changed it out for the RRS 2 series TVC-24 that Steve mentions. My sense is that they were very close, but the major difference is in the volume they take up as the RRS has a much smaller apex. I also bought the center column with the TVC-24 but haven't used it yet. The difference in volume of the RRS product is you have extra space for food/clothing, and to top it off its a bit shorter than my old travel tripod.
p.1 #14 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Sorry to continue the off-topic discussion of Gitzo vs. RRS, but the other thing to consider is that Gitzos seem to have much better damping than RRS, according to tests done at https://thecentercolumn.com. This means that vibrations take longer to die out on RRS tripods. It's to the point that I'm seriously considering a 5-series Systematic Gitzo instead of a 4-series RRS, and I'm a pretty dedicated user of RRS stuff. The only holdback is Gitzo's notoriously bad service in the US. Anyone have recent experience with that?
p.1 #15 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Andre, what are you doing that needs a Series 5? I've used up to Canon's EF800 + 1D Mark IV on my Series 3 Systematic with a ball head without any problems. I've also used it with a heavy macro setup (MP-E65 + StackShot + X-Y slide + 5DsR + CamRanger) without tripod problems (the RRS BH-55 I had at the time tended to creep a little, but that's the head and not the tripod).
As for Gitzo's service: I've owned 4 Gitzo tripods and a monopod over the last 2 decades and never needed servicing or had any problems with them. In fact, I've never had a tripod need servicing in the decades I've been shooting. I don't baby my gear, either. The only Gitzo issue I've encountered is that they don't stock replacement parts very long after a model's discontinued. I discovered that when I tried to buy some spares for my Systematic. (Note: I just wanted some spares on-hand; nothing on the tripod had broken.) When I disassembled my Mountaineer before buying it, it looks like their current design is more robust than the old one (which was also very good), so unless one seriously abuses the tripod, I'd be surprised if service is needed.
I've read a couple of comments about Gitzo service, and I've read comments about other brands' having service problems (not necessarily photo gear—I've seen it with various electronics and other things), but I've only ever had to service a couple of things and the only service problem I've encountered was a warranty issue B+W, and it's been very easy to eliminate their stuff from my bag. I have a lot more problems with buggy software than physical gear.
I have both a Series 3 Systematic (3541XLS) and a new Series 3 Mountaineer (GT3542L). While I love my Systematic, I was impressed by the info about the new Mountaineers' removable center column. Some of the work I do is much easier with a center column's easy height adjustments, some work benefits from having no center column, and some really needs the 3541XLS's height. And sometimes I just need 2 tripods, which is why I'm keeping both (I just sold a Series 2 Mountaineer and put the funds toward the Series 3).
What swayed me was handling the new Mountaineer at a *real* brick-and-mortar store in Seattle. The column comes out easily, getting me almost as close to the ground as the Systematic does, without needing to reverse the column (which is still possible). I think Gitzo's design is wonderful and I've been enjoying the tripod for a month.
The Systematic's beefier spider is still a little stiffer than the Mountaineer's, but both work superbly even with my heaviest gear (various cameras + 500 (II) + either Canon Extender, and sometimes with a flash attached). I've been using the Mountaineer with both a current Gitzo head and a ProMediaGear Katana Jr, and all of the setups I've used so far have worked like dreams.
I seriously considered a couple of RRS tripods, and local camera club members let me handle theirs. I really prefer Gitzo's leg locks and after a bit over a decade using Gitzo tripods, I really don't have any complaints with them, and the current Mountaineer design is pretty sweet. The only thing I did was ordered a set of Gitzo's combination rubber/spike feet. While I've read some comments about RRS machined Al spider vs Gitzo's cast one, I've never had a problem with any high-quality casting (Gitzo or others, tripod or other gear), so spider material isn't an issue for me at this point.
p.1 #16 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
The three basic issues on the glitzo are as follows
- the metal material used is a magnesium alloy.
- the surface paint used to protect the magnesium alloy from corrosive sources.
- the spider design
If you are not so kind to your tripod and you manage to chip your paint it exposes the Mg material to possible corrosion. Mg is more reactive by a long shot vs Al alloy that is either anodized or bare. There is history of corrosion failure under heavy use. The spider ring on the glitzo is a split design vs a solid ring on the RRS.
The “ring” factor (vibration) of the tripod overall is rather minuscule in comparison and in real world use irrelevant. Read the entire reviews.
I have previously owned glitzo tripods and feisol. Haven’t looked at anything since RRS. I have 3 leg sets and two of them have seen lots of travel around the continents
p.1 #17 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Thanks Abbott. I have a TVC-34 and wanted something heavier-duty to deal with a fully-kitted out video setup with slider, monitor, etc. Also it would be nice to have something taller.
I've had 3 service incidents with my RRS tripods (4 if you include L-plates):
1. one of the aluminum endcaps that the rubber feet screws into unglued itself. This was covered without incident under warranty.
2. The locking collar on my 3-series center column became stuck, so I couldn't unlock it. No excess force was used to tighten it as it takes less than 1 complete turn to secure it. This was sent back and they unstuck it, also covered under warranty.
Currently, two of my rubber feet on the tripod are stuck on. RRS suggested using a hairdryer. I haven't tried that yet, but will also try running it under hot water.
The L-plate incident is the D850 UL plate whose portrait mode center marking is off. RRS issued a recall for it in March, and I immediately filled out the form for it, and I have yet to receive a replacement L-plate since they've been out of stock.
So I've had enough incidents with them to consider service quality as part of my purchase. I've been completely satisfied with the two tripod incidents for which I've had to send things back to them, and I'm neutral on the remaining two items.
sjms wrote:
The “ring” factor (vibration) of the tripod overall is rather minuscule in comparison and in real world use irrelevant. Read the entire reviews.
Which review would that be and miniscule compared to what? I just looked over on Dave's site and searched for damping, and didn't see anything that says anything about magnitude comparisons. Dave does make a good point that damping becomes more important when longer focal lengths are used.
p.1 #18 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
to the rest of the pack. I've been using one of the original TVC-33 since it came out. I have a TVC-24 w/cp (of which was purchased used and works well) which has been doing a outstanding job and I also have a TFC/TQC-14 which is my travel setup. and absolutely damping has a greater factor at longer focal lengths. I don't see too many people doing much complaining about it. my TFC did a nice job last November in Hakodate doing a 25 second cityscape from the summit of Mt Hakodate 3km away along with a few hundred or so other people vying for position to snapping the same image with their
phones. I like mine a bit better. https://sjms.smugmug.com/Places/Trips/2017-11-01-15-Japan-Again/i-nNGsqpk/5K
gitzo- loss of paint and resulting corrosion is not covered under their warranty of excellence.
on the stuck feet. how did they get stuck on? was there any adhesive involved? I've had those feet on and off in sand, mud, snow and ice. I actually use the Gitzo short spikes on all of them as needed.
I have had all my tripods apart multiple times and I know the assorted mechanisms inside and out. they are a part of my work.
i'll stick with mine.
on the point about you L plate. I suggest you give them a call as they are showing in stock. they have been through a problematic change in location and such. I tend to stay on top of things like this. yes they should too but I like to keep everyone honest and in the loop.
below is a chart that covers perceived value/worth and how people react.
p.1 #19 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
My Gitzos have been knocked against rough rocks, laid in the sand, had their feet placed in smooth and rough gravel, on river and lake beds, and other places. My Systematic is very heavily used and not pampered. The paint's scratched of in several small places and I can't see any evidence of corrosion (pitting, discoloration, etc.).
So while elemental Mg may be more susceptible to corrosion than elemental Al, I haven't experienced any visible corrosion on my Gitzo alloy parts, nor do I know of anyone who has. SJMS: do you know exactly what the Mg alloy Gitzo uses is? Do you know for sure that it isn't a corrosion resistant alloy, or how corrosion prone their alloy might be (based on data, not theory)? I've seen your remarks about Gitzo's alloy's susceptibility to corrosion in a number of threads, but I don't recall seeing any data to back the remarks up. I think I recall seeing something about a single incident of an older Gitzo tripod's spider having an issue in an extremely cold environment (if I remember correctly), but that's the only real complaint I remember seeing, and I don't think it was in one of your posts. My tripods have lost a LITTLE surface paint from scrapes and wear, but none has chipped or peeled away even when I've pulled very strong adhesive-attached parts I use off of the paint. From my work experience with "tape tests" used to test paint adhesion, it sure seems that Gitzo's paint is adhered very well to the underlying metal. That said, my RRS and other brands of hard-anodized aluminum gear have had small areas of the anodize scratch or scrape off over time and that hasn't impacted their use/durability any differently than the paint that's worn off of my Gitzo parts.
I also really don't have problems with their spider design, especially the current one that's bit nicer than the previous ones. My old Series 2 Mountaineer and Series 3 Systematic spiders have both been rock solid, very easy to use, and the various parts attached to them maintain their adjustments over the years. What exactly do you see as the real/practical/meaningful (not theoretical or assumed) problem(s) with Gitzo's current spider designs as they would relate to actual use?
I totally agree with you last sentence: you certainly have your path and others have their paths. We all find what works well for us and may make recommendations based on experience. Your notes about the Katana Jr were very influential in my purchase, and I'm very glad I bought that head. But your comments about Gitzo tripods just don't line up with what I've seen in the real world, and it seems that a lot of people are happy with Gitzo gear (and many are happy with RRS and other brands).
p.1 #20 · First-time Gitzo buyer - Systematic or Mountaineer for a Series 2?
Andre,
Thanks for describing your needs. I had a feeling that you were using either a heavy video setup or something like a medium format camera with a Surface Pro or other bulky control attachment.
While I was in Seattle, I had the opportunity to handle a Series 5 Systematic and it was remarkably heavier than my Series 3. Absolutely rigid and very nicely built. A bit heavy for my needs, but should work well for yours. If you're able to and haven't already, I'd suggest that you find a way to handle both the Series 4 and Series 5 units.
