p.1 #1 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I'm considering a Gitzo GT1545T or GT2545T tripod as a more compact, lighter weight alternative to my beefier Gitzo Basalt Explorer and am curious if anyone has bought one of those two and regretted not buying the other instead?!
Obviously the 1545 is lighter and more compact in all dimensions, but I noticed a bit of lower-leg flex when I tested (pushed down on) one recently and I'm a bit wary of the fact that you cannot apparently get spiked feet for the 1-series (can you?). So that has me more strongly considering the 2545 despite not being quite so travel friendly. The other advantage of the 2545 (that also adds to its weight) is the kit comes with the slightly better Gitzo ball head with friction control.
Heaviest gear I'll probably ever use is a Sony A7/9 and 70-300, or perhaps a 100-400 if I opt to buy one and can then be bothered to carry it halfway up a mountain!
p.1 #2 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I don't have those exact models. I have prior Series 1 and Series 2 traveler tripods (GT1542T, GT2542T). I don't regret buying either one. I use them under different circumstances. I never used them with spiked feet, but then again, I never used my Series 3 systematic with its spiked feet either.
They are the same length and both can fit inside a standard-size backpack. The Series 2 is a lot beefier, more study, and heavier than a Series 1. When fully extended, with or without the column, both tripods are about the same height. Without the column, they are fairly short when fully extended. Both are well built.
If weight was a serious issue, the Series 1 is the one you want. It won't withstand much wind though. Minus the wind, it works fine with any of the lens you mention.
If you think you will have wind, I would opt for the Series 2. I shot the Canon 5D3 + Canon 500/4 + 1.4x on the Series 2 several times. It is solid.
p.1 #4 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I used to own a 4-section series 1 and regretted every day if owning it. If you go with a 1 do yourself a favor and get whatever is the 3 section model.
p.1 #5 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I have a 100th Anniversary Traveler, which is basically a unique 1545 Traveler. It's a wonderful tripod that shouldn't have any trouble holding your planned load. Even with a small head like the Gitzo that's made for it, it meets all airline carry-on limits. I've used even longer lenses than yours very effectively by mounting a Katana Jr gimbal head on the tripod. It makes for a nice, compact travel unit and light hiking unit.
That said, though, my main tripod is a GT3542L Mountaineer. For the small weight and cost difference over a Series 2, I went with the Series 3 and am very glad I did. In the field, its extra height is very useful if, for example, you need to stand on a boulder and set the tripod's legs on the ground, or you're standing on a stream bank and need to set the legs in the stream.
Also, if you get into focus stacking or serious astro where you might stack many images to, for example, reduce noise in a final composite image, you'll want something like a Series 3 Mountaineer.
I started with a Series 2 Mountaineer many years ago and found it inadequate when I bought heavier gear and also when I needed more height. That sent me to a Series 3 Systematic, which is even sturdier than the Mountaineer. But for my purposes using up to 1000 mm FL on various FF Canon bodies, and cumbersome macro setups using StackShot and other heavy add-ons, Series 3 tripods are a solid minimum to go with.
RE Gitzo's heads: I have several and they're wonderful except that you need to be careful not to inadvertently turn the friction knob. for that reason, you might want to look at a Kirk, FLM or other brand of head.
p.1 #7 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
So the message I’m hearing is neither the 1 or 2 series is super solid so might as well go with the smaller (when folded) and lighter 1 series. Sound about right? The weight difference is small, but I know myself well enough to understand that the lighter the gear the more likely I am to take it (a reason I switched from DSLR to Sony)
Does anyone know if you can get aftermarket spikes for the 1 series? The 1/4” thread for the feet seems very non-standard. Not super important for me, but it would be nice to have upgrade options.
p.1 #8 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I had a 1541T years ago, wasn't sure of it and bought a Benro equivalent as backup. The Benro came with spikes and it was obvious that it was more stable than the Gitzo. I now avoid Gitzo as a recipient of very poor service from Manfrotto Distribution. In the rest of the world Gitzo CS is OK but not here in the US. Just so that you know.
You can find 1/4" threaded spikes here, it's a long page with many sources so scroll down when you hit it.
p.1 #9 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
wordfool wrote:
So the message I’m hearing is neither the 1 or 2 series is super solid so might as well go with the smaller (when folded) and lighter 1 series. Sound about right?
I hope you didn't get that impression from me. The Series 2 is solid, but not as solid or as versatile as the Series 3 Mountaineer I have. Similarly, the Series 3 isn't as solid as higher-numbered series.
In another thread ("how many tripods do you have" or something similar), a lot of people chimed in as having several tripods. If you do a lot of air travel and don't want to check your tripod, and/or a lot of hiking and don't want the weight of a larger tripod, then a Series 1 Traveler is the one to get for the gear you mentioned and even a bit heavier gear.
But if you want something much more stable and capable and are willing to tote the load, then I recommend a Series 3—your choice of Mountaineer (I like its removable center column) or Systematic (center column, bowl and other bits are optional add-ons).
For me, Series 2 just didn't work—not so much because of stability with similar gear to yours, but because neither of my Series 2 tripods (Mountaineer and now discontinued Explorer) had the versatility I wanted, nor could they properly support Canon's 500mm and longer FL lenses, heavy macro stacking setups and things like that.
So I upgraded from Series 2 to 3 and am happy. I now have both a Traveler like you're thinking about, a Series 3 Mountaineer (my go-to), and a Series 3 Systematic that I just can't bring myself to part with.
Just don't go away thinking that Gitzo's Series 2 tripods aren't "super solid", because for your current gear, they're "quite sufficiently solid". It's just that for a small additional cost and weight, I think you get a lot more from a Series 3.
p.1 #10 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
peter_n wrote:
I now avoid Gitzo as a recipient of very poor service from Manfrotto Distribution. In the rest of the world Gitzo CS is OK but not here in the US.
I think may be true. My experience is that Gitzo "Customer Service" (apparently their only repair depot is in AZ or maybe NV) doesn't stock repair parts, particularly for out-of-production products. Also when I spoke with them (their agents are apparently at Vitek's HQ in NY) sounded hobbled by Gitzo's limited ability to service older (and in my case, currently sold) gear. They do what they can, but it's limited.
That said, I haven't ever needed any of my Gitzo gear serviced or repaired. My interactions with them were about proactively getting spare parts for my GT3541XLS Systematic tripod, as I was concerned that some of the leg lock parts might wear out. That's when I learned that a) Gitzo couldn't help, and b) neither could any other source of Gitzo parts. It seems that Gitzo makes only so many spares and when they're gone, they're gone.
Gitzo gives a 7-year warranty if you register online. I wonder how they service a 6 year, 11 month old tripod under warranty. Since they may not (or "probably won't") have replacement parts, I wonder if they just give you a then-current replacement.
Anyway, Gitzo isn't the only brand with lousy U.S. product support and like other brands in the same boat, I've found the products to usually not need service. I've had other products break and gotten superb customer service, including very fast replacement. But those products also tended to need warranty work more than, say a Gitzo, ProMediaGear, Kirk, or RRS unit.
p.1 #11 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I owned the 1541T and the TVC-24L series RRS as well as the 3 series Gitzo. I shoot mostly landscapes and found the 1541 was perfect for backpacking, and to carry around as a second tripod, along with the 2 series when working with 2 bodies. I just sold that 1541T though, in favor of the 100th Anniversary edition traveler. The 100th Anniversary sometimes goes on sale for ~$800, and at that price, it's a fantastic deal. In fact, I liked it so much, I bought two- for when I am backpacking or go on long day hikes with my photo backpack. The newer Gitzo Anniv has a bit thicker section (especially the last/thinnest leg) than the 1541T, and is a bit sturdier. It also gets lower to the ground (slightly), but it also is not as friendly to convert to/from the center column.The head that comes with it is OK, but I prefer the Markins if wanting to go light, or the Acratech pano head if weight less of a concern.
When comparing to the 2 series (Gitzo or RRS), when using mostly wides for landscapes, I found it was fine in the wind. Only when using longer lenses did I lose any sharpness in wind, and even then, adding some weight with your bag will help. Where the 2 series REALLY shines is when you need to set up in moving water, heavy wind, or you are using a tele with some wind.
Now, unless I KNOW I'm going to be on a slope, in water, or encountering very windy conditions... or a moderate walk from the car- I take both my Anniv. Travelers, and either enjoy the weight savings with lighter pack, or add another lens I might not otherwise pack... I can't remember the last time I missed a shot because my Traveler wasn't sturdy enough. OTOH, I have missed some shots because I couldn't extend high enough while on a slope... But those are very, very few...
The series 3 (3530SLV) tripod I have is so big and unruly (for backpacking or day hikes), I haven't used in years...
p.1 #12 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
Abbott Schindl wrote:
I hope you didn't get that impression from me. The Series 2 is solid, but not as solid or as versatile as the Series 3 Mountaineer I have. Similarly, the Series 3 isn't as solid as higher-numbered series.
In another thread ("how many tripods do you have" or something similar), a lot of people chimed in as having several tripods. If you do a lot of air travel and don't want to check your tripod, and/or a lot of hiking and don't want the weight of a larger tripod, then a Series 1 Traveler is the one to get for the gear you mentioned and even a bit heavier gear.
But if you want something much more stable and capable and are willing to tote the load, then I recommend a Series 3—your choice of Mountaineer (I like its removable center column) or Systematic (center column, bowl and other bits are optional add-ons).
For me, Series 2 just didn't work—not so much because of stability with similar gear to yours, but because neither of my Series 2 tripods (Mountaineer and now discontinued Explorer) had the versatility I wanted, nor could they properly support Canon's 500mm and longer FL lenses, heavy macro stacking setups and things like that.
So I upgraded from Series 2 to 3 and am happy. I now have both a Traveler like you're thinking about, a Series 3 Mountaineer (my go-to), and a Series 3 Systematic that I just can't bring myself to part with.
Just don't go away thinking that Gitzo's Series 2 tripods aren't "super solid", because for your current gear, they're "quite sufficiently solid". It's just that for a small additional cost and weight, I think you get a lot more from a Series 3....Show more →
I guess I meant more or less what (I think) you found — that for travel the 1 series is good enough and for solidity the 2 series is too much of a compromise, a sort of inbetweener that does not excel at being the most travel friendly or the most solid. Ergo, for travel and “take everywhere” utility the 1 series would probably be the best.
I already have a 2 series basalt Explorer, which is similar to the Mountaineer range in that it’s a three section but is significantly stiffer (and heavier) than the Traveler. Probably not quite Systematic stiffness, but too heavy for any sort of travel that’s beyond a few hundred yards from the car.
p.1 #13 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I personally has the latest Series 0. Not sure how you tested your Series 1, but I put some decent load on mine and I got sharp pictures just fine. There is a lot of bro sciences tossing around, but under most situations, these won't have any problem holding up even a GM 600 plus camera and giving you a sharp image. It's when it's windy or you have a significant off-center load that when you can see the real difference (my series 0 has difficulty holding my Parabolix setup). I really only recommend thecentercolumn.com nowadays for anyone who want to make an informed buying decision. Most people here really have no way to quantitatively test which tripod is stiffer than which (and more importantly, by how much). Under windy condition, neither of these might be good enough for a 200+mm I'm afraid. The max height and folded height will dictate your buying decision and it's really down to either Leofoto (for a much cheaper option) or RRS. Gitzo nailed the folded height with their latest traveler line and I'm really happy with my series 0. But it doesn't represent as good of a value IMO.
p.1 #14 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
I ended up with two tripods. For windy days (very common on the Northern Plains), astro photography, focus stacking macro, and night shooting I almost always use my Gitzo 3-series CF (1325.) For mountain hiking and airline travel I use a Feisol 3441t which weighs 2.6 pounds and extends up to about 66 inches if I remember right. As for heads, I just don't like Gizo ballheads. They don't seem as easy to use as other premium heads. I use an AcraTech on the 3-series and currently use a Photoclam PC-30 on the travel tripod. I'm looking for a used RRS to replace the Photoclam. I highly suggest the RRS over the Gitzo head.
I'll add that I too was looking for a travel/mountain hiking tripod a couple of years ago, and carefully looked over the options. Te Gitzos got close scrutiny, but I ended up with the Feisol 3441t because the specs were so close and I got a helluva deal on one. The Feisol is actually vey solid. I've used it on trips for astro with Nikon D850. My heaviest lens is either the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8VR or Nikon 300m f4 PF + TC-14e. I also shoot a Chamonix 4x5 camera on the 3441t. I use the 3-series when shooting a heavier 5x7 camera though.
p.1 #15 · Quick Gitzo 2-series vs 1-series tripod question
Two23 wrote:
I'll add that I too was looking for a travel/mountain hiking tripod a couple of years ago, and carefully looked over the options. Te Gitzos got close scrutiny, but I ended up with the Feisol 3441t because the specs were so close and I got a helluva deal on one. The Feisol is actually vey solid. I've used it on trips for astro with Nikon D850. My heaviest lens is either the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8VR or Nikon 300m f4 PF + TC-14e. I also shoot a Chamonix 4x5 camera on the 3441t. I use the 3-series when shooting a heavier 5x7 camera though....Show more →
Thanks for the feedback. I considered the Feisol 3441s, which folds to about the same length at the Gitzos. At just under 19" folded, however, the 3441t is a couple inches longer and a bit too long to fit everywhere I'd want it to fit. Agree on the heads... the smallest Gitzo Traveler head actually gets terrible stiffness ratings on The Center Column, although the slightly larger version that comes with the 2-series sounds more solid and the Gitzo heads being relatively tall adds some useful overall height to the tripod. With the Gitzo tripods it would be nice to get a head that enables the legs to fold back fully, and that kinda limits the options to Gitzo heads and one or two others.
hiepphotog wrote:
I personally has the latest Series 0. Not sure how you tested your Series 1, but I put some decent load on mine and I got sharp pictures just fine.
My highly scientific test was simply to extend the tripods in B&H and push down hard on the platform I saw The Center Column ratings, although my quick store test suggests the 1-series would need a bit of weight hanging off it to brace the legs sufficiently even in relatively calm conditions (I didn't test the 0-series). I guess I'm used to much heavier tripods so might have to get used to hanging stuff off the smaller ones.
I saw The Center Column ratings, although my quick store test suggests the 1-series would need a bit of weight hanging off it to brace the legs sufficiently even in relatively calm conditions (I didn't test the 0-series). I guess I'm used to much heavier tripods so might have to get used to hanging stuff off the smaller ones.