I originally posted this one on dpreview.com's forums but they suggested I might get a better response here so here goes.
I'm looking at buying a Gitzo GT1540T tripod and I'm not sure what sort of ball head to get for it. Given that this tripod's legs fold back onto the head, I'm wary about the width of the head causing the legs to not close properly. Can anyone suggest any known good combinations? I'm going to be working with a Canon 5D and UP TO (but quite rarely) a 70-200mm f/2.8L lens on the tripod collar mount. I believe the total weight of that camera/lens would be about 2kg, significantly less than the 4kg rating of the tripod, but I suppose I'd like for the ball head to be rated to around 4kg too, just for the extra peace of mind. The dpreview guys also mentioned that its a rule of thumb to only place on the tripod/head one third of the rated weight which seemed overly conservative. What do you think?
Budget is quite variable, as I'd rather go for a quality head that is ideal for the job rather than shop by price, but a ballpark figure is about $150-200. Ideally the lighter the better as this is a travel tripod, but only to the extent that it still supports the weight sufficiently.
Any advice on that set up? Preferably from those who actually have this tripod and an appropriate head, but any advice is better than none at all. ;-)
Also, are you completely set on the 1540T? The regular 1540 will fit in a 22" standard suitcase and has a much higher load capacity.
Markins Q3 or Acratech Ultimate or V2 would all be good candidates for full feature lightweight ballheads. Both of these heads are rated to 25 lbs or 13kg and both weigh less than 1 pound.
Mel-
Edited by mrladewig on Nov 07, 2007 at 03:02 PM GMT
Nov 07, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I would buy the GT1540 instead of the 1540T. Only if you need a really really small tripod for very small camera & lenses I would go for the 1540T.
The 1540T is rated for 4kg without any ballhead. With ballhead it's rating is 2kg. And in portrait position only 1,2kg.
The 1540 is alo a very light and small tripod but the rating is 8kg. And remember that all rating is too high for real use also.
A very good head is the Markins Q3 ballhead. It cost $270. You don't find many descent ballhead between $150-200. There is the RRS BH-25 for about $150 but it's not as good as the Markins.
I agree with what Lars said. The 1540 is sturdier and no heavier than the 1540T, so unless you need it to fold real smaller the 1540 is a better buy. I also think that Markins Q3 is a great ballhead for this tripod. I hope this helps.
I have been researching compact tripods for travelling recently. I was almost set on 1550T but then I realized it cannot hold much and the max load listed on BH is wrong comparing to what is listed on Gitzo website, I don't know the max load 4.4 lbs is actually max load for the G1077M or also for the legs, however you have to buy both together. So, now I am back to square one and looking at 1540T and even 0540 from Gitzo.
I found this guy tried this 1540T traveler tripod and wrote comment about it. I think he probably overloading too much on this baby and that is why he had a slipping leg problem. He was using it with a D2X + 70-200 VR.
I think one of the missing features of these traveler tripods from Gitzo is the G-Lock, which is probably why they don't hold as much and legs might slip with weight is close or exceed max load. However, I have never used one myself, this is just what I read from the Internet.
My setup 1550T + BH-25... I find it's ok for 5D + 70-200 f4, but it struggles a bit at 200mm. I try to keep it at or under 135mm unless it's a calm day. The legs themselves are plenty sturdy and while most of you will probably call me crazy, I've even hung a couple pounds of weight from the center column hook to make sure it's firmly planted (cause it is so light).
I'm not really a fan of either head, but the BH-25 feels more solid than the one Gitzo provides. Overall, I think the BH-25 will support a bigger load, but you really have to crank it down to eliminate droop/slipping, whereas the Gitzo seems grittier and less prone to slipping.
You can argue all day about whether it's the most stable or not, but it's the tripod I'm willing to carry day-to-day and that makes the most difference to me.
another vote for the Gitzo G1277M. It's smooth as butter and light 1.1(support 12bls or so...) and it's within your budget, just screw on a Arca Swiss style clamp then you have a very nice ballhead.
I think Gitzo heads are really under rated. I also tried the Acratech ultimate ballhead & RRS BH-40, returned all of them and kept the g1277m, cost was not an issue.
I would always go with the 1540 unless you must have something very compact for climbing or serious hiking. The Markins Q3 or RRS BH-40 would be my first choice but based on the price range the of $150-200 then the BH-25 would be my default.
shinew7911 wrote:
another vote for the Gitzo G1277M. It's smooth as butter and light 1.1(support 12bls or so...) and it's within your budget, just screw on a Arca Swiss style clamp then you have a very nice ballhead.
I think Gitzo heads are really under rated. I also tried the Acratech ultimate ballhead & RRS BH-40, returned all of them and kept the g1277m, cost was not an issue.
Agreed. I sold the first one I had (mounted on a Velbon 530) to a fellow FM'er, but recently bought another G1227M for my "new" Gitzo G1097 tripod, and the second one is just as nice as the first (total weight of the tripod and head with a 2" Kirk clamp is only 2 pounds). The panning base is smooth and solid, the single knob offers very precise friction control and locking with no slipping, and the Teflon-coated ball action is super-smooth. I've got a BH-40 on my larger tripod for heavier loads, but the G1277M gives up very little in performance to any ballhead I've ever used.
Be aware of BH-25's lack of independent panning and tension adjustment. There is a price to pay for small size and weight in that ball head. I sold mine and bought the Markins Q3 and have been delighted since. I use a traveler series with it and yes, the legs don't close all the way up. But it's close enough. It's more important that I'm free of frustration when trying to frame something precisely.
Take those reviews with a grain of salt. One man stated extensive experience, then describes how he would like a longer center column so that he can use the tripod while standing on a ladder. An extended center column of any length can induce sufficient shimmy to become noticeable in the pictures.
Savas K wrote:
Be aware of BH-25's lack of independent panning and tension adjustment. There is a price to pay for small size and weight in that ball head. I sold mine and bought the Markins Q3 and have been delighted since. I use a traveler series with it and yes, the legs don't close all the way up. But it's close enough. It's more important that I'm free of frustration when trying to frame something precisely.
I tried a BH-25, for one very frustrating day. I could never get the camera position exactly right, which drove me nuts. User error I don't know, but it's surely better for a monopod than a tripod.
The 1540G 'Mountaineer' has a load rating of 17.6 lbs, weighs 2.7 lbs. compared with the 1540T's weight of 2.2 lbs. Mates well with the RRS BH40 head, which weighs 15.5 oz, for a total tripod weight of 3 lbs, 10.7 oz. You would regret getting the smaller BH25 unless as an extra for really stripped-down carry.
nickrh wrote:
My setup 1550T + BH-25... I find it's ok for 5D + 70-200 f4, but it struggles a bit at 200mm. I try to keep it at or under 135mm unless it's a calm day. The legs themselves are plenty sturdy and while most of you will probably call me crazy, I've even hung a couple pounds of weight from the center column hook to make sure it's firmly planted (cause it is so light).
I'm not really a fan of either head, but the BH-25 feels more solid than the one Gitzo provides. Overall, I think the BH-25 will support a bigger load, but you really have to crank it down to eliminate droop/slipping, whereas the Gitzo seems grittier and less prone to slipping.
You can argue all day about whether it's the most stable or not, but it's the tripod I'm willing to carry day-to-day and that makes the most difference to me.
I am still thinking the 1550T since I really need a very compact tripod to travel with. My heaviest setup is 20D+70-200 f/4 + tripod collar, which is around 4 lbs. I think the tripod collar will help cause I don't need the ball head to go side way with it.
Did u even use your 1550T with the bundled G1077M? how does that hold up with 4 lbs or maybe just a regular zoom like a 17-50ish zoom? which I think is about 3 lbs max with a 20D. Have u ever try that? did u ever have leg slip problem with 1550T?
1550T with G1077M bundle has a max load of 4.4 lbs, but I am guessing that is the max load of the ball head not the legs. I wonder if 1550T legs has the same max load as the 1540T, which is 8.8 lbs. Anyone knows? I sent Gitzo an email last nite, but I haven't gotten a reply yet.
Those legs on the 1550T get pretty spindly. If you were resigned to often shoot with it at less than full extension, it would probably be ok. Wind? No.
I'd go with a 1540 first.
Either that or the small gitzo ones that (0540) and then just kneel.
I don't know, but it's surely better for a monopod than a tripod.