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....Show more →
I have the 1550T with the G1077M. I just put a new Bogen 484 mini-ballhead on, and I prefer that combination. The Bogen ballhead is just a bit sturdier feeling, and it's rated up to 8.8 lbs. You are correct that the 1550T legs are rated up to 8.8lbs, it's the G1077M that has the 4lb rating. I haven't encountered any leg-slip problems, and I've used the 1550T/Bogen ballhead combination with the 30D and a 200 f/1.8 (the 6 pound monster) without any problems.
henryng wrote:
I am still thinking the 1550T ... 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.
Agreed - also consider the tripod collar balances the load better front to back. Be prepared that it will be touchy at 200mm. Plan to use mirror lock up and timer-mode.
henryng wrote:
Did u even use your 1550T with the bundled G1077M?
I did for about a month (screwing into the base of the camera) but all my other gear is wimberly plates/clamps so I wanted a quick clamp. The RRS clamps are known as the best levers so I went for the BH-25 instead of screwing a clamp to the Gitzo head. I now use the gitzo head with my P&S (which this tripod is awesome for!)
henryng wrote:
how does that hold up with 4 lbs or maybe just a regular zoom like a 17-50ish zoom?
I thought it was ok for that load. In fact, I really think the gitzo "felt" better to operate than the RRS. It tends to hold tighter with less force, you really have to crank hard on the RRS to keep it from slipping.
henryng wrote:
which I think is about 3 lbs max with a 20D. Have u ever try that?
No, but have frequently used a 5D + 16-35 II which is similar. IMHO the tripod has no problem with weight. It's really a question of stability vs focal length.
henryng wrote:
Did u ever have leg slip problem with 1550T?
I've seen symptoms of it on one or two occasions but I loosen/tighten and it's fine. My theory is that it has to do with ALR and something getting jammed as you tighten the leg. With ALR this tripod is *VERY* fast to set up.
henryng wrote:
I wonder if 1550T legs has the same max load as the 1540T, which is 8.8 lbs.
I think I read that somewhere, but you have to remember that max load is somewhat irrelivant here. The concern is stability. How much does it wiggle? How much flex/bounce is there in the legs under stress? How much wiggle is there between the legs and the spider? How much play is in the center column even when retracted? I've used it at airshows as a stand for my 5D + 400 5.6L between events and it has no problem with that load (though it's worthless as a tripod at that focal length).
The 1550T is about as far as you can get form an "all-purpose" tripod. There's a market for it (or Gitzo wouldn't make it), but it's a very specialized tool. It's the only one I know of in their carbon series that's rated for "135mm and occasionally up to 200mm" in their documentation. That means on a windy day at 200mm you might not be much better off than if you were handholding.
I am a huge fan of this tripod and I have no regrets. It goes everywhere with me, fits in a laptop-bag/briefcase (one of my key factors) and meets my needs.
Steph550 wrote:
I haven't encountered any leg-slip problems, and I've used the 1550T/Bogen ballhead combination with the 30D and a 200 f/1.8 (the 6 pound monster) without any problems.
Wow and I thought I was daring ... Can I ask what type of photos you were taking with that combo?
I can imagine that it would be sufficient as a framing aide in good light (posed portraits/landscapes/etc.) but I can't imagine trying to use this setup for anything with slower shutter speeds (long night-exposures, waterfalls,etc.)
Thanks Nick and Steph550 for your replies. Looks like the 1550T is enough for my setup. I really need to get a compact tripod, as I own a Manfrotto 055 CL with 488RC2 with the intent of doing some serious macro with a micro plate, however they are just either sitting at home or resting in the car trunk most of time. Just a bit too heavy to carry around all day. They are great for drive and stop trip, not walk around trip.
Nov 09, 2007 at 11:42 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
A few things about the 1550T tripod.
It's not an "all-purpose tripod". It's an traveler tripod and the T stands for traveler. That's why it has those tiny legs in 5 sections, to make it really small for travelling.
It don't has the same max load specs as the 1540T (according to the Gitzo catalogue)
And if you don't gonna use it for travelling with very small equipment, the GT1540 will be a much better choice. It's very stable and strong compared to to 1550T and only weights 120 gram more. Even the very small GT0540 that weight a lot less than the 1550T is more stable and has higher max-load.
I find the 1550T and it's prior years version perfect for special situations, not as an all around tripod. I have the older version. I will carry other tools and equipment with me while doing carefully framed survey shots in low light situations, usually indoors. I bring a small raw-capable point and shoot, rarely a DSLR. When the situation calls for it, I'll bring my heftier tripod and 5D and carry all my stuff like a pack horse.
The attactiveness of the diminutive packing 1550T is undeniable. so long as you have the bones to afford one and reconcile that it won't be your only tripod. I love it during times I travel light and no one is even aware I have close to a full height tripod in my valese. Eyes pop when I take it out and extend it. (sounds vaguely x-rated) ..
Yes the GT 1550T is the five sections tripod that comes with a ballhead.
And I can't understand if people are buying it to replace the ballhead
The 1540T comes without any head
Lars Johnsson wrote:
Yes the GT 1550T is the five sections tripod that comes with a ballhead.
And I can't understand if people are buying it to replace the ballhead
The 1540T comes without any head
I didn't set out planning to change the head, but I knew it was a possibility and made sure I had budget for it. I needed a clamp and saw the BH-25. It looked beefier and I know RRS gear is always rated highly so I thought I'd give it a shot...
Just so we're clear... I agree completely with what everyone else that says the 1540T is the better all-around tripod. I specifically needed small and money was not a concern so I went with the 1550T.
Savas K wrote:
The attactiveness of the diminutive packing 1550T is undeniable. so long as you have the bones to afford one and reconcile that it won't be your only tripod. I love it during times I travel light and no one is even aware I have close to a full height tripod in my valese. Eyes pop when I take it out and extend it. (sounds vaguely x-rated) ..
Agreed . People have the same reaction with me too. I had one guy with the $59 Ritz special come over and tell me I needed to buy a professional tripod .
One of my coworkers (who knew I liked photography) asked if I had a point and shoot with me so I handed him the SD800. Then he asked if I had any ideas for a makeshift tripod and I said no but then grabbed my 1550 out of my laptop bag .
That's really the reason I bought the light-weight setup is so that on my way to/from the office (or at lunch) I can look for quick photo ops.
Nick
Nov 10, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Lars Johnsson wrote:
The 1540T have the same weight as the 1550T. And it's also 5 cm shorter when folded. (according to Gitzo's catalogue)
Hi Lars,
From the Gitzo website, 1540T is 15.4 in when folded and 1550T is 14.0 in. The 1540T is 0.2 lbs lighter only cause of the 1550T comes bundled with a ballhead.
There are quite a few typos on the Gitzo 2007 catalogue, especially about the traveler tripods.
I went to a local camera store and checked out some tripods, however, they don't have anything from Gitzo, many models from Induro and a couple of Manfrotto. I looked at the Induro C014 which is really small, folded to 18 inches and 2.3 lbs without head. I was very suprised and think it is very "carryable". The finish is not that great(but OK), but feel stable enough to support a few pounds of equipment. Anyone has some experience with Induro? I think it is made by Benro from China.
nickrh wrote:
Wow and I thought I was daring ... Can I ask what type of photos you were taking with that combo?
I can imagine that it would be sufficient as a framing aide in good light (posed portraits/landscapes/etc.) but I can't imagine trying to use this setup for anything with slower shutter speeds (long night-exposures, waterfalls,etc.)
Nick
It was at a wedding at a large church...I set it up in the choir loft with a remote shutter release. Got some awesome shots of the ring exchange. I personally *love* this tripod. Yes, it comes with a head, but I'd have bought it without one...it's the 14" size that I really wanted...because 14 fits in way more bags that 15.4". Is the 1540T a better overall tripod? Probably...but I know the tripod I actually carry with me will be far more useful than the one I leave at home or in the car because it doesn't fit with what I'm carrying. I'm hardly ever without the 1550T.
... Can I ask what type of photos you were taking with that combo? 
. People have the same reaction with me too. I had one guy with the $59 Ritz special come over and tell me I needed to buy a professional tripod