I am in the process of using the slightly shorter GT2542 version, which I believe is identical except for the leg length. Its a good tripod, I really can't find any faults with it. The lock system at the top of the center column is innovative and it is pretty easy to undo for low angle shots. As expected from Gitzo, the mechanics all work exceptionally well and the build quality is high. But it is expensive and and somewhat heavy for its height and stiffness. At least in the US, I'm not sure why one would buy the gitzo mountaineer over the Really Right Stuff 2 series tripods. The RRS is more versatile and performs better.
I have the 2531LVL and it works well even with a 12 lb. camera and lens load. The new Gitzo have a flawed design with the piece that clamps the leg into an angle can break off. Happened with a Gitzo GT3542L tripod I purchased last year.
I have a RRS TVC-34L and a Feisol CT-3472 tripod in addition to the Gitzo and they are all equal in quality and performance except that the Feisol costs half as much and they provide a very good carry case. With RRS and Gitzo all I got was a cardboard box.
Before you buy a tripod take a look at the Feisol CT-3441 Traveler tripod. Similar height and it collapses down to only 19" in length which makes it much better for air travel. Weight of 2.6 lb is also 1.2 lb lighter than the Gitzo.
elkhornsun wrote:
I have the 2531LVL and it works well even with a 12 lb. camera and lens load. The new Gitzo have a flawed design with the piece that clamps the leg into an angle can break off. Happened with a Gitzo GT3542L tripod I purchased last year.
I have a RRS TVC-34L and a Feisol CT-3472 tripod in addition to the Gitzo and they are all equal in quality and performance except that the Feisol costs half as much and they provide a very good carry case. With RRS and Gitzo all I got was a cardboard box.
Before you buy a tripod take a look at the Feisol CT-3441 Traveler tripod. Similar height and it collapses down to only 19" in length which makes it much better for air travel. Weight of 2.6 lb is also 1.2 lb lighter than the Gitzo. ...Show more →
thanks for your answer. RRR also very expensive. Either way is a lot of money. Why do you think it performs better?
Regards
I have been testing the stiffness of tripods and have simply found that the RRS 2-series tripods are stiffer and lighter than the Gitzo Mountaineer series:
Of course those figures don't account for the fact that the Gitzo has a center column and the RRS does not. When adding the center column to the RRS, the weights are similar, but the stiffness still favors the RRS. It helps that the RRS has an aluminum center column which is better:
Comparing the 3 section TVC23 to the 4 section Gitzo GT2542 isn't totally fair, but fortunately I will be testing a copy of the TVC24 in a couple days to provide a more apples to apples comparison. The Gitzo is a really great tripod, and I think anyone using one would be very happy with it. The RRS just performs a little bit better.
