I currently have a Gitzo G2220 explorer tripod and am looking to replace it with a lighter carbon fiber one like the Gitzo GT2540EX to use with my D3. I really like the way my current tripod legs can be stopped at any point when opening the tripod to enable a lot of different positions for the legs (very help full for shooting landscapes around rocks and waterfalls). Are there any other tripods I should be looking at before I buy, do other people use and/or recommend this tripod?
I too just purchased the Gitzo 2530EX, the 30 is a bit taller and longer when put away but Im 6' 3 and need the extra height. I decided to go with the new Gitzo Off center ball head though as this sytem is for Macro mostly and I use a 1258LvL for all other work. Hopefully it will all come in prior to the weekend so I can test it out.
I would appreciate if people who used both the standard 2530 and the explorer version would comment on the stability of the explorer. I am looking to buy one of the two, and I really like the extra capabilities of the explorer, but not willing to trade off too much of the stability for features.
As far as I understand the difference lies in the center pole. In the Explorer series you can position it in any way you want. Sideways, diagonally etc.
1- the center post that is on a hinge assy that allows it to rotate 180 deg in a vertical plane and 360 deg horizontally. in combination thats barring the rest off the support structure near full spherical access
2- the legs at the top of the spider do not have fixed locking stops at any set angle. they are infinitely adjustable throughout the arc. held in position by a lockable friction type lock.
sjms wrote:
2- the legs at the top of the spider do not have fixed locking stops at any set angle. they are infinitely adjustable throughout the arc. held in position by a lockable friction type lock.
1. That is only available at the Explorer models? The regular 2530/2540 don't have them?
2. What is a spider?
General concensus is that the explorers are slower to set up and heavier, but for this you get the most flexible tripod on the market. If you are regularly putting your camera in odd positions or shoot loads of macro, this has its advantages. If you are shooting wedding/studio work/roadside landscapes etc, or like to hike lightweight, it probably isnt the best option.
Alex Nail wrote:
General concensus is that the explorers are slower to set up and heavier, but for this you get the most flexible tripod on the market. If you are regularly putting your camera in odd positions or shoot loads of macro, this has its advantages. If you are shooting wedding/studio work/roadside landscapes etc, or like to hike lightweight, it probably isnt the best option.
I toyed with the GT2540EX briefly at the store and quickly decided the the GT2540 would be a much better bet for me. I like the bubble level on the center column of the Explorer but I found out that you can buy the bubble level from Amazon to fit to your GT2540 center column:
Anyway, I ended up not getting the bubble level and, for the sake of extra stability, got rid of the center column altogether and replaced that with the Kirk tripod base which comes with a spirit level:
its the lack of limitations that the EX type of tripod over just about every other one on the market that makes it unique for those looking for a more versatile set of legs. what you have basically all regular tripods do. there isn't anything special there.
There are trade-offs. Versatility + flexibility means less stability, more weight, and higher cost. Have to ask yourself what your needs and priorities are. For a hiker/traveler, weight and portability are extremely important. If you find yourself frequently shooting on unlevel ground and very awkward positions, the Explorer is God-sent. If, like me, you need a general-purpose go-everywhere tripod, the GT2540 is fantastic. If price is important to you, check out the Feisol 3442 which I think is the closest thing to the GT2540. So many choices and options!
then just about any tripod fits that bill of goods including the EX. with the EX you give up a little and get a whole lot more in return. it is a definitely more synergistic product. thats why i chose this as the all around because it is the real all around
and versatility and flexibility does not necessarily mean les stability. it is the users ingenuity or in some cases lack there of that makes for a stable setup. i don't live or shoot on a flat world. again yet another tool who's limits are set buy its user
