p.1 #1 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
I've been researched Tripods for a few days now and have decided to make the jump from a very lightweight, junky tripod that isn't even worth mentioning to something that will last me.
I am an amateur, but I like to do things "right" -- I hike and backpack a lot, so I arrived at the carbon fibre Gitzo's. I shoot nothing bigger than 300mm now (on a XTi), and really don't plan on buying larger at this point. Weight and size is very important because I need to be able to pack this thing everywhere -- and I need it to last.
I'm fairly convinced I want the GT2540, as it supports up to 300mm and folds super small and is 3.1lbs. But I'm not quite clear on the "L" version versus the mountaineer... I want to make sure I don't buy something and later wish I had asked advice first .
Anyways, advice would be greatly appreciated!!
p.s. Anyone have a GT2540 and suggest a ballhead? I was thinking the Acratech ultimate because I need something light for hiking.
p.1 #2 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
The Leveling models have an adjustable center column that allows the user to level the platform on which the ballhead is mounted making it much easier for panorama setups.
The GT2530 Mountaneer with a RRS BH-40 ballhead which I chose for my needs work very well for me. I preferred the 3 leg section and do not travel or hike often. Do not forget to budget for a camera L-bracket and any lens plates that you may require.
Markins and Really Right Stuff are a couple of leaders in the quality ballhead market.
p.1 #3 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
The GT2540 + Markins Q3 is a very harmonious combination. Lightweight, strong, rugged and easy to use. How do I know? It's what I use. And the blue Q3 looks great.
p.1 #4 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
The Leveling feature is useful if you do a lot of panos as in LOTS. Otherwise, and if you are weight conscious, then it is better to do something like the PCL-1 setup from RRS (which I have). I actually think that is a much better choice anyhow.
The 2540 is the best compromise of a tripod for what you describe. I have the 1258 (precursor to the 2540 and very similar in weight and size) and it works great. I can carry it all day and be happy doing so.
I have the BH40 on it, but doing it over (and may do so anyhow), I'd go for the Q3 from Markins. It is lighter and probably as capable if not more so. I would however, get the Q3 without the clamp and replace it with a RRS QR Lever clamp (LR II).
You will be very happy with a 2540 and it will outlast you. It will also take a beating and not mind.
For very serious backpacking, were weight is a huge issue, then maybe something smaller is indicated but you would have to be very careful in how you use it and the 300mm lens is probably out of the question.
If you could use the 300mm lens and do so only from a kneeling position (bottom leg segment not extended) when windy or other environmental issue in evidence, then you might want to give some thought to the 1540. I think this would also work very well for you - again with the Q3.
p.1 #5 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
A Markins Q3 would be a great choice for your requirements. It weighs 0.8lbs. If you don't need/use the center column, you can further reduce the weight by 4-5oz. My setup weighs 3.8lbs with a 2530 + Q3 + TB20 base + RRS lever clamp.
p.1 #7 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
JohnJ80 wrote:
Jim - how do you feel about the 1540 for this application? You have one, don't you?
J
Uncanny...that was my first thought when I read the OP's posting. The limiting factor is the frequency of use of the 300. If the 300 is a primary setup then I would go with the 2 series. If not, then a 1540 may be the way to go. Clearly, several users love the setup. Lars is a strong proponent of the 1 series setup.
To my detriment, I don't do much hiking so I haven't invested in 1 series setup. Maybe as soon as I get off my fat butt, I'll move in that direction.
p.1 #8 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
Just bought the GT2540 Mountaineer myself and decided to go with the Markins M10 ballhead with the TB20 base and an RRS lever clamp. Presently, my largest/heaviest lenses are the 70-200/2.8IS and the 100-400L and the Q3 probably wasn't the best choice. After removing the center column and associated hardware, the entire rig weighs in at under 4 pounds. When researching tripods and heads, I was trying to keep the setup to a maximum of four pounds since I do a lot of hiking. This will definitely fit the bill, and I'll not have to worry about stability issues.
p.1 #9 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
I prefer 3 leg sections for setup speed and stability, and use the GT-2530 with a Markins M10 head. I also have a GT-1540 with a Markins Q3 that I use for traveling, and as a second tripod. If I didn't have a second tripod and traveled by air a lot, I would have picked the 2540. I definitely recommend the M10 head over the Q3 -- not much heavier, more precise, and better for your 300mm.
Apr 02, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #10 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
Either the 2540 or 1540 tripod. Depending on how much you use the longer lens compared to how important weight and size is when you hike. The Markins Q3 is small and light but can easy hold your equipment. I came back to Sweden yesterday after travelling more than 3 months in S.E. Asia with my 1540 tripod and Q3 head.
Here is a couple of pics of that combo.
p.1 #13 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
Wow -- amazing amount of information and suggestions. I think I'll stick with the "2" series over the "1" as the weight/length savings isn't substantial (.6lbs and .7") and I foresee using the 300mm a lot for wildlife.
A lot of suggestions on the Markins..I'll have to further research the M10 and Q3.
p.1 #14 · Gitzo GT2540, Before I buy...some advice please :)
ckcarr wrote:
I just bought a Gitzo 2540 and put my RRS BH-55 on it. The BH-40 I bought seems to work very well on my Slik 714 CF tripod.
I found the Slik 714 specifically because of folded size. It makes the Gitzo look long. You might want to look at it also.
I've never heard of Slik...are they any good? The folded size is impressive, but I can't find much on their quality of build, rigidity, etc (things Gitzo is known for)
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