Gitzo Tripods (for travel)

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Matt.

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I am considering getting a new tripod, and am looking into Gitzo. I shoot landscapes (occasionally in other countries if i'm lucky!). I shoot with a 5dmk2 and 17-40L the vast majority of the time.

What i need is something sturdy, small, and light. It needs to be easily able to fit in checked luggage for flights, and also be light enough to take hiking. It obviously needs to be somewhat sturdy, and able to take a little abuse.

My current thought is the Gitzo 1542T. It's somewhat expensive though, so i am keen to find an older version used if at all possible.

Does anyone use one of these? If so, what do you think of it? Also, how much looking after do their carbon tripods take? (eg. can i safely use them in sand, or in water?).

I don't think there are any real alternatives that i can see at the moment. If there are others that match my requirements, please let me know :)

Finally, are there any physical shops in the UK with these on display that i can look at?


Thanks
 
I have used the GT1542T extensively and I really love it as a travel tripod. However I may be seen as a little bias being sponsored to use it so should probably stay out of the discussion apart from saying I have a small review on my site which is my honest use. http://jacobjamesphotography.co.uk/gear-review/gitzo-gt1542t-manfrotto-701hdv/.

The tripod is solidly built and will take 8kg I believe. The tripod strips down really easy for cleaning and I have used it in silt and sand (even in the mekong). Having used a lot of travel tripods from giottos, 3LT etc I can say the GT1542T is by far the best ratio of weight to support ability of any tripod I know of.

JJ_Gitzo_takephoto_300.jpg

(image from the gitzo site)
 
1541GT is taller without the central column raised, but the legs don't fold back 180 degrees. Might be worth looking for the 1541T if that is the design you require, watch out what head you use otherwise the legs won't fold back properly

I have the older G1158 Mountaineer, same sort of dimensions and weight as the 1542, but no folding back legs on mine either. Has the ALR business so you can tighten/loosen the legs all at once with half a turn (much easier than the older models)

If you can find one probably cost about 200 quid so quite a saving, don't see many about though.

Can't say I take particular care of it, just strap it to the rucksack, did remove the centre column and fit a Kirk base to make it even more stable http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-kirk-fp-100-tripod-base/p1012620 don't think they fit the traveler models though

Feisol do make a very similar style tripod, but no idea what it's like, bound to be a review or two on the net http://www.feisoleurope.com/rapid-tripods-traveler-tripods-c-1_11.html

Cheers
Rich
 
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I have the 1541T (which was replaced by the 1542T - very similar). Best lightweight tripod I've ever used. Fits into a (very) small bag, weighs next to nothing and will happily support a Hasselblad.

2 points to consider

1. You mention soft ground. I've never subjected it to a lot of salt water but it's been on beaches and stuff without special treatment. However, the bottom legs are VERY thin (think slim pencil size) and with a lot of weight on this would create a lot of pressure. They won't snap (or even bend really) but you may want an overshoe to stop them sinking into soft ground. Maybe 3 X walking stick ferrules.

2. The head that comes with the 1541T is designed for cameras up to about 2 kilos. When new it held way more but I think overzealous tightening has stripped something and now it's not as good as it was 4 years ago. I like the FLM 32F for its strength to weight to cost ratio.

3. Somebody will be along soon to recommend the Giottos which was "inspired" by the Gitzo. It's pretty nice and if funds are limited maybe give it a go. But in 5 years time I bet you'll wish you bought a Gitzo. I've looked at them side by side and I prefer mine.

[Note to mods: Believe it or not, Gitzo are one of the few firms that still refuse to pay me to say I like their products]
 
JonathanRyan said:
I have the 1541T (which was replaced by the 1542T - very similar). Best lightweight tripod I've ever used. Fits into a (very) small bag, weighs next to nothing and will happily support a Hasselblad.

2 points to consider

1. You mention soft ground. I've never subjected it to a lot of salt water but it's been on beaches and stuff without special treatment. However, the bottom legs are VERY thin (think slim pencil size) and with a lot of weight on this would create a lot of pressure. They won't snap (or even bend really) but you may want an overshoe to stop them sinking into soft ground. Maybe 3 X walking stick ferrules.

2. The head that comes with the 1541T is designed for cameras up to about 2 kilos. When new it held way more but I think overzealous tightening has stripped something and now it's not as good as it was 4 years ago. I like the FLM 32F for its strength to weight to cost ratio.

3. Somebody will be along soon to recommend the Giottos which was "inspired" by the Gitzo. It's pretty nice and if funds are limited maybe give it a go. But in 5 years time I bet you'll wish you bought a Gitzo. I've looked at them side by side and I prefer mine.
Click to expand...

I agree with all of this, and it all applies to the GT1542T as well, I have used the giottos and it has some major flaws compared with the gitzo, namely flexi legs.
 
I have the 1542T and it's amazing - light, strong and stable. I have an Acratech GV2 head and a Red Snapper (cheap) head and with the RS it's about 1.2kg all in and more than capable of holding my D3 and 70-200 2.8.

I used to leave my old tripod (Manfrotto 190CX Carbon) at home because it was too heavy and cumbersome, now any more.
 
Most tripods will sink into sand. One trick, used by bikers, is to flatten a coke/beer can and pop it under the foot. You can buy cheap plastic ones with a recess to better locate the foot.

Agree with the Gitzo quality comments. The Giottos/Benro clones are good, but I would rate a Gitzo 1-series as good as a 2-series from anyone else. Only used a Feisol briefly, but that looked promising. However, no tripod is immune to sea water, even the Gitzo Ocean Traveller IMHO. They might not corrode, but they'll still get clogged up with dried salt. Very easy to clean and service yourself though.
 
I've had a Gitzo 1541T and now use a Benro equivalent which is a lot cheaper and comes in a much nicer bag, can't fault it.
 
I bought a used Gitzo 1542T from Ffordes. It revolutionised support for me, as I would only carry my Redsnapper if I knew I was definitely going to use it, strapped to a Kata 3N1-30 with whatever camera lens combo inside. I now happily take the Gitzo with me as a matter of course under the flap of a Thinktank Retro 10. I use it with a Redsnapper RSH-61, which can take a 70-200 2.8 II on a gripped 7D/1D MkIII if need be. Total weight of legs and head is @ 1.3kg.
 
Another :thumbs: for the Gitzo 1542T, which I use with RRS ballheads :thumbs:. The two comfortably take the D3x with a PC-E lens.

It does sink into sand, but rests after about 10~15cm gone in.

HoppyUK said:
Most tripods will sink into sand. One trick, used by bikers, is to flatten a coke/beer can and pop it under the foot. You can buy cheap plastic ones with a recess to better locate the foot.

<snip>
Click to expand...

Thank you for tip :)
 
What head would be appropriate? I hear a lot about Markins, but they seem hard to source here for sensible money.
 
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