p.1 #1 · Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler vs FEISOL CT-3441T
I’ve been going back and forth between the Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler and the FEISOL CT-3441T. Right now B&H has the Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 on sale and is slightly cheaper then the FEISOL. The FEISOL ct-3441T weight capacity is twice of what gitzo is rated to. My heaviest lens is 5 lbs which is Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. My other lens are 70-200 f2 and the 16-35 f2 and 24-105 f4. My camera is a Caon 5d mark IV.
Any thoughts between the two and which direction I should lean to?
p.1 #2 · Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler vs FEISOL CT-3441T
I've got a GT2545T with a GH1382QD head, and I also use a ProMediaGear gimbal with it when needed. The tripod works fine with my EOS R5 and RF 200-400 with a 1.4X Extender. It also works fine with the R5/5DIV and EF 500 f/4L (II) when the camera's mounted on the gimbal, but not with the heavy lens mounted on the ball head. I've done some light testing by applying torque to the fully extended legs and tapping on the legs, and mine's torsionally as rigid as I need and it dampens vibrations very well. I replaced the standard feet with a set of Gitzo spike feet and the unit's fine. Also, my 2545T came with a short column that allows you to extend the legs horizontally; I don't see that with the Feisol, and it can come in handy.
I don't know about the Feisol, but looking at the photos, I'd be a bit leary of its apparent shallow leg spread (Gitzo seems to be more, but neither description tells either the spread or tube diameters).
I checked The Center Column and it doesn't have test results for either tripod.
Of the two you're looking at, I'd pick the Gitzo and mount a good head on it. I've got 4 Gitzo tripods and the GT2545T is my go-to. If I need a lighter unit, I use a GT1545T, and if I need more support (very rarely with the R5) I use a Series 3 Mountaineer.
p.1 #3 · Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler vs FEISOL CT-3441T
Awesome and thanks for the information. Since Gitzo seems to be the high standard I think I will roll the dice on it. I’ll try the ball head that comes with it and see how it holds up my gear before looking into another. I had been looking at Leofoto ball heads which seem to be a copy of RRS ball heads. I like the lever lock heads and they have a good range of heads to choose from.
I had contacted Feisol about a discounted price and they offered to reduce it by about 15 %. That put both tripods legs at the same price. With the sale that B&H was having on Gitzo right now, the included GH1382QD ball head in the package make the kit $110 more. Not bad if the head works for me.
p.1 #4 · Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler vs FEISOL CT-3441T
The GT2545T is excellent imo. The head is extremely good as well EXCEPT (for me at least) I don't like the way the friction adjustment works. It's fine as long as you're vey careful not to turn the adjusting knob when the head's locked. Unfortunately that knob turns freely when the lock is on, and you can get a very unwelcome surprise when you loosen the knob. I've got the Series 3 head as well and it's got the same problem. Both heads have the best locking mechanism I've found (FLM's previous heads are almost as good, but I don't know about their current design).
p.1 #5 · Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler vs FEISOL CT-3441T
I purchased the Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler through B&H during the BILD special. Got the combo for $472 total. Not to bad. Should be here tomorrow to see how it is.
I also purchased a Leofoto 364C X ranger with a 47 Ball head for a heavier duty tripod and to see how they compare to each other. It would be nice if the Gitzo fit all my needs. I'll see how it handles my heaviest lens.
