I found a brand new GT2531 tripod for $470 but there is no warranty. Is it worth the extra $100+ for the lifetime warranty? Any experiences with warranty service?
I thought all Gitzo products were warrantied for lifetime. This is from the Bogen website (they are the U.S. distributor for Gitzo):
LIMITED WARRANTY PERIODS
Limited warranty on all Bogen Imaging-distributed products is 1 Year from date of purchase with the following exceptions:
Manfrotto - 2 Years + 3 additional years when you register online, or by sending in the registration card.
Gitzo - Limited lifetime warranty
National Geographic Tripods- 2 Years + 3 additional years when you register online, or by sending in the registration card. Bags- Limited lifetime warranty
It's funny that folks toss the Gitzo lifetime warranty around like it's some kind of great equalizer. I suppose if your tripod never gets used, and then one day in 20 years it breaks down the warranty would be handy, but after the same 20 years of normal use the wear and tear will all but nullify the warranty anyway. So where's the value in paying double? If it was a non-exlusionary lifetime warranty, then yeah, rock on, but limited lifetime seems so limited.
I believe the fine print details of the Gitzo warranty require a reciept. I am not sure if the reciept name must match the person requesting warranty service.
Roland W wrote:
I believe the fine print details of the Gitzo warranty require a reciept. I am not sure if the reciept name must match the person requesting warranty service.
And, if I'm not mistaken, that depends on the state in which you live or the purchase was made. I could be wrong though.
I sent in a 3 series Gitzo last year for repair - two of the legs had come loose near the top, and two of the feet tips had simply fallen out. Everything was repaired/replaced and shipped back to me at no charge - no receipt was ever asked for, nor was I asked where I bought it - they just fixed it and sent it back. This is the way these types of warranties are supposed to work. I was really surprised that an $800 tripod fell apart like it did, but was pleased Gitzo lived up to their warranty...
I had an Gitzo aluminum tripod that everyone raved about and they are expensive. Well I had it about two weeks and noticed a crack near the platform where the legs connect. Funny thing I only used it a few times around the house. Sent it back and I never went back
