p.5 #1 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
RT-- wrote:
IIRC the reason for a shallower angle is not height but footprint.
I haven't really noticed instability but I keep toying with the idea of modding one of my tripods.
A shallow angle is a poor design for outdoor use. If you want a small footprint then get a tripod with a center column, extend the legs partway, and control height with the center column. The only time I would use a center column is in cramped and sheltered spaces so that I can fit the tripod in a tight spot.
p.5 #2 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
gdanmitchell wrote:
I’m going to risk a slight diversion of the thread here to follow up on the comparisons among the Gitzo lines.
I have an older (10-15 years?) Series 2 Mountaineer (in the extra tall size) that is my “light” tripod, though it is stiff enough for most of my regular uses, including putting a Canon 5DsR with a 100-400 L zoom on the thing. I’d say that this particular combo pushes it close to its limit, but it works.
I also have an older and much larger/heavier Induro tripod that I bought in a slightly weak moment maybe 15-20 years ago. Outfitted with the RRS BH-55 it has been my heavier option, but the leg locks have not held up, to the point that I really want to replace it. (I can make it work fine, but I’m tired of wrestling with the poor locks.)
Because my Gitzo has worked so reliably for me, even under the abuse of lashing it to a backpack for multi-day backpacking trips or loading it onto mules for other backcountry trips… I’m strongly leaning towards replacing the old Induro with a second Gitzo. I’m looking at the tallest models since I often work on uneven terrain and I want to eliminate the center column. From what I can tell that means either the Systemic Series 3XL GT3543XLS or the Systemic Series 5 GT5543XLS. (Perhaps I‘m missing something, but I do not see an extra long Series 4…)
I’m interested in any thoughts from those of you who have experience with one or another or (especially) both. I lean to wards the Series 5 for its maximum solidity since I have the lighter Mountaineer, but I also don’t want to unnecessarily burner myself with a Series 5 if the Series 3 will be solid enough.
Since you havn't expressed concern over the folded length of your proposed tripod selection, and you appear to be decided on maximum stability,,, I think I'd opt for the 5-series/4-section in either the LS configuration, or, the XLS version. Don't forget that you'll have to figure-in the additional height of a head and the camera-body height, which adds roughly another 10" in height to the viewfinder.. Adding a levelling-base adds another 1.5" or so.
If you prefer a 4-series, there's the GT-4543LS (long version). That one is 5'7" tall. Add the height of the head and camera-body plus a levelling base, and your view-finder is at 6'7". Your overall height is typically 5" higher than your eye-level, so you could be 7-feet tall and still shoot comfortably.
Either way, don't forget there's the spiders' video-bowl capacity to consider. The 5-series has a 100mm spider, vs 75mm for the 4-series. You'll probably also want a set of rubber-capped spiked feet. If you want even more height flexibility, the Systematic optional center-column is very well designed and readily available.
p.5 #3 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
Bobarino wrote:
Since you havn't expressed concern over the folded length of your proposed tripod selection, and you appear to be decided on maximum stability,,, I think I'd opt for the 5-series/4-section in either the LS configuration, or, the XLS version. Don't forget that you'll have to figure-in the additional height of a head and the camera-body height, which adds roughly another 10" in height to the viewfinder.. Adding a levelling-base adds another 1.5" or so.
If you prefer a 4-series, there's the GT-4543LS (long version). That one is 5'7" tall. Add the height of the head and camera-body plus a levelling base, and your view-finder is at 6'7". Your overall height is typically 5" higher than your eye-level, so you could be 7-feet tall and still shoot comfortably.
Either way, don't forget there's the spiders' video-bowl capacity to consider. The 5-series has a 100mm spider, vs 75mm for the 4-series. You'll probably also want a set of rubber-capped spiked feet. If you want even more height flexibility, the Systematic optional center-column is very well designed and readily available....Show more →
To clarify a few things about my tripod use…
I often photograph in uneven terrain, so the extra height is really about keeping the camera at eye level by extending one or more legs to reach lower portions of the terrain supporting the tripod. (I currently do this with my old Induro C313 but I sometimes end up having to extend the center column. I would not get a center column with the Gitzo XLS tripods, either series 3 or 5.)
The height of the C313 is in that 59.5” range that we find on some of the Gitzos. On flat ground that is about an inch or two height than I need once the camera is mounted on the RRS BH-55. But on uneven ground, well, you know…
The BH-55 adds four inches. The camera viewfinder should be approximately 3 inches above that, thereabouts. That would give me a little leeway for adjusting to terrain, but it would not be enough in quite a few real world situations.
That Series 4 would work on flat ground, but for uneven ground I’d need to have a center column available, as I do on my C313.
With the longer tripods I would attach the BH-55 directly to the tripod.
I used to be able to go to a particular Bay Area shop and look at these option in person, but the went out of business. (Not because of me — if I went there because I had to see before buying, I purchased from them, even if the cost was a bit higher.) Based on what I can read and what I know from using my Mountaineers, I suspect that the Series 3 XLS would work fine, though i have some concerns about the thickness of the tubes on the bottom section. Obviously the Series 5 would be more than sturdy enough — I’m just trying to parse out the differences between the two XLS options.
Oh, and I’m not y concerned about the folded length of the tripod given the way I wolds mostly use it.
p.5 #4 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
^^^
To add one thing to my earlier question about the Series 3 and Series 5 Gitzo Systematic options (in the LXS sizes with max heights in the range just below 80”), also in the running is the somewhat shorter but still quite large RRS TVC-34L Versa Series 3 MK2 which goes to about 68”.
p.5 #5 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
Here's a quote from TheCenterColumn.com
"The Gitzo GT5533LS Series 5 is expected to be the most stable tripod in Gitzo’s lineup, and it doesn’t fail to deliver. The stiffness is absolutely absurd. It damps extremely well too. That combination results in the most stable tripod I have ever tested. Its not even particularly close."
p.5 #6 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
Bobarino wrote:
Here's a quote from TheCenterColumn.com
"The Gitzo GT5533LS Series 5 is expected to be the most stable tripod in Gitzo’s lineup, and it doesn’t fail to deliver. The stiffness is absolutely absurd. It damps extremely well too. That combination results in the most stable tripod I have ever tested. Its not even particularly close."
In a way, that is not necessarily the best recommendation. I need a tripod solid rough for my gear and my way of shooting. I don’t necessarily need The Stiffest Tripod In The Whole World, especially if something a bit lighter is also plenty stiff.
Maybe this context would work. We could simply stipulate that, given its construction and weight, that the 5 Series will be the stiffest of the options. Then the question in this regard becomes, how do the other options perform relative to it in real world photography?
p.5 #7 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
You've provided very little in the way of "details", How tall are you? What kit are you using? What weather conditions are you shooting in? Are you aware that the so-called heavier-duty Induro tripod you want to replace, has a lower weight capacity than your 2-series Gitzo Mountaineer which you consider to be your "light" tripod?
The "chat" regarding the use of center-columns on so many discusion forums, is mostly driven by people who know nothing about the differences between a "well designed" center column, vs the junk that you see on so many small capacity travel tripods. Just because a well-designed center-column is included on some higher-end tripods, doesn't mean you have to use it,,, but when you absolutely need it, it's sure as heck handy to have when conditions are right.
That said; a 3-series XLS Systematic would probably suit you fine (202cm's tall without column). Frankly, I personally would choose a 3-series Mountaineer XL if I could find one. The Mountaineer includes a unique center-column with weight-hook. It can be added or removed in seconds with no tools required. Both models would be vastly superior to that Induro C313 that you've been using.
You've expressed interest in a 4-series Gitzo Systematic, but you can't find an XL version,,,, so buy the 5-series and you can call it a day. You'd instantly know that there are none "better". In my book, a 3-series can be regarded as a very good all-'rounder, while a 5-series is a no-compromise specialty tripod, ideal for extreme conditions.
There is always going to be a degree of compromise when choosing tripods (stability vs height vs weight, etc. The choice is up to your individual priorities. I have seven very different from one-another Gitzo tripods, and rhe weather mostly drives the choice I'll make on any given day.
p.5 #8 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
Bobarino wrote:
You've provided very little in the way of "details", How tall are you? What kit are you using? What weather conditions are you shooting in? Are you aware that the so-called heavier-duty Induro tripod you want to replace, has a lower weight capacity than your 2-series Gitzo Mountaineer which you consider to be your "light" tripod?
The "chat" regarding the use of center-columns on so many discusion forums, is mostly driven by people who know nothing about the differences between a "well designed" center column, vs the junk that you see on so many small capacity travel tripods. Just because a well-designed center-column is included on some higher-end tripods, doesn't mean you have to use it,,, but when you absolutely need it, it's sure as heck handy to have when conditions are right.
That said; a 3-series XLS Systematic would probably suit you fine (202cm's tall without column). Frankly, I personally would choose a 3-series Mountaineer XL if I could find one. The Mountaineer includes a unique center-column with weight-hook. It can be added or removed in seconds with no tools required. Both models would be vastly superior to that Induro C313 that you've been using.
You've expressed interest in a 4-series Gitzo Systematic, but you can't find an XL version,,,, so buy the 5-series and you can call it a day. You'd instantly know that there are none "better". In my book, a 3-series can be regarded as a very good all-'rounder, while a 5-series is a no-compromise specialty tripod, ideal for extreme conditions.
There is always going to be a degree of compromise when choosing tripods (stability vs height vs weight, etc. The choice is up to your individual priorities. I have seven very different from one-another Gitzo tripods, and rhe weather mostly drives the choice I'll make on any given day.
p.5 #9 · Tripod primary leg angle - Is 23 deg. the new trend?
gdanmitchell wrote:
For the record, I am not exactly a newbie photographer… ;-)
Yes, you've got some beauties in your gallery. I particularly liked your Oregon Landscapes Streams and. Islands Mile 337, and Surf, Sand, and Rocks. Nice work
