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lsquare wrote:
Is it just me or that Gitzo tripods are getting ever more expensive? I'm currently using a Feisol CT-3442 tripod. I really dislike how the tripod when fully extended doesn't have a wider stance. This is my first non-Gitzo tripod. Prior to this, I have always used Gitzo tripods. I've decided I'm going to go back to Gitzo, but I'm wondering if it'll be any cheaper as we head towards the Christmas season?
I want to make sure I get it right this time with the tripod. I am 173cm tall. I'll be using the tripod with either a RRS BH-40 ballhead or the Acratech GP-SS ballhead. I have a Fujifilm X-T2, XF 10-24mm, XF 18-55mm, and XF 55-200mm lenses.
My last Gitzo tripod was the GT1541T tripod. I felt it was a bit short with the Markins Q3T ballhead. Having said that, I'm thinking about the Gitzo GT1545T, Gitzo GT2545T, Gitzo GT2542, and Gitzo GT2543L tripods. I would prefer not to use the centre column unless it's absolutely necessary. So which tripod would you guys pick?
Thanks!...Show more →
Isquare, I think you're right about Gitzo's getting more expensive. Every time I look at their website lately, prices seem to have gone up, and the same seems to hold true for parts (Gitzospares.com). That said, there are occasional deals to be had. These deals usually show up when Gitzo has updated a model, such as they recently did when the latest versions of Systematic tripods came out with the new ball/swivel feet called "BigFoot". The previous version Systematics had the rubber-capped spikes. Gitzo will sometimes reduce the older versions by quite a significant amount to clear them out. Check their website regularly, and when you do, check the Manfrotto offerings as well. The reason I include Manfrotto is, they sometimes list "Specials" that do not necessarily appear on the Gitzo page. Those "specials" often include those reduced-price Gitzo models. The "new" version Systematics model numbers now end with the number 3 instead of 2. (example GT-4553TS is current). The previous version was the GT-4552TS.
I recently bought a couple of those "previous model" Systematics; a series 4 (GT-4552TS) and a series 5 (GT-5332S). In each case, they were reduced by $400.(CDN.) I'm in Canada, and I ordered through Gitzo.ca, but the same discount probably holds true for Gitzo.U.S.A. It can fluctuate,,, so check their site every week or so.
Just so you know, the Systematic tripods have a sub-category called the "travel" Systematics. Those are Systematics with the letter "T" at the end of the model name, such as the GT-4552TS that I mentioned above. These particular models fold virtually as compact as the lighter-duty "Traveller" series tripods. My GT-4552TS for example, folds to roughly 18", and is much more solid than my GT-2545T "Traveller"-series, which also folds to just under 18".
Regarding the new ball/swivel feet on the latest Systematics, those feet are superb. They really stay firmly planted on smooth surfaces. They're really nice to have especially if you have a very tall tripod, such as my nearly 7-foot tall 3-series Systematic GT-3542XLS, whose feet tend to get skittish on smooth surfaces, especially when there's a bit of dust on the floor. I ordered a set of 3 BigFoot through GitzoSpares.com for $50.CDN($40. U.S.) Highly recommended.
Regarding my series 2 "Traveller" GT-2545T, It's quite nice, and quite stable. With center-column down, you're looking at roughly 55" tall, which places my cameras' viewfinder roughly at eye-level, and I'm 5'10". The perfect head for that tripod, is the Gitzo GH-1382QD, which has excellent friction-control. The smaller sibling however, the GH-1382"T"QD does not have separate friction control. I went with the kit version, which includes the head (GK-2545T-82QD). If you go this route, you may also want to order a few accessories. I ordered the case, the column-mounted spirit-level, and the column hook. If you order the hook,,, the correct part number is D104214 and NOT the G2020 which is so often suggested on many websites. The G2020 is for older 28mm center-columns, and does not fit on the GT-2545T. (Don't ask me how I know this)
Regarding a head for the Systematics, I use Gitzo's GH-3382QD. This is a big beefy head (1.9lbs) that's smooth as silk, yet locks up tighter than Fort Knox. I mount the head on a Gitzo GSLVLS leveling base.
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