Gitzo series 3 LS/XLS - overkill for 500PF

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euanmax

euanmax

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I've mainly been using my 500PF handheld and have been getting good results, however, I'm considering getting a decent tripod to use with this lens.

In his book, @Steve recommends the Gitzo series 3 XLS. Would you say that this was a good option for the D500/Z6/Z7 with the 500PF or would a smaller, lighter option be more appropriate for this setup?
 
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My wife has this 2 series RRS for her Z6 / 500PF combo:

Versa MK2 Tripod

RRS Carbon Fiber Versa Tripod Line
www.reallyrightstuff.com www.reallyrightstuff.com

It works really well and I have used it on occasion with that rig. The RRS tripods are slightly larger (thicker) than the same Gitzo series, so this tripod is probably between a 2 and 3 series Gitzo. Either way, I have no issue with a small camera + 500PF on it, with / without a TC.
 
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euanmax said:
I'm considering getting a decent tripod to use with this lens.
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The Gitzo 3 series tripods are fantastic and what I use most of the time but it is a lot of tripod to carry around and not entirely necessary for the 500mm PF lens. If you'll carry it, you wont be disappointed with the stability it provides but I'd personally take a good look at a Gitzo 2 series or similar tripod from Leofoto, Benro or Feisol if you'll end up leaving the bigger and heavier 3 series tripod at home.
 
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I use the Gitzo series 2 mountaineer tripod with a gitzo Gimbal fluid head for my D5 & 500pf, its a fantastic combination i used to use the 500 handheld most of the time, but since getting this combination i don't go out of the door without it!!
 
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Either buy Nice, or buy Twice... I purchased a few lighter, lower quality tripods before biting the bullet and getting a good one. Those almost good tripods now take up space in my garage 😩
 
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DRwyoming said:
The Gitzo 3 series tripods are fantastic and what I use most of the time but it is a lot of tripod to carry around and not entirely necessary for the 500mm PF lens. If you'll carry it, you wont be disappointed with the stability it provides but I'd personally take a good look at a Gitzo 2 series or similar tripod from Leofoto, Benro or Feisol if you'll end up leaving the bigger and heavier 3 series tripod at home.
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I have the Gitzo Series 3 Systematic tripod (3543LS) and a Gitzo Series 1 Mountaineer tripod I use the Series 3 with a Nikon D500 with battery grip and a Nikon 200-500mm lens on a Gimbal head. Based on my experience, I believe a Series 2 would be more than adequate for your situation. Of course the Series 3 is even better, at a cost of a little more size and weight (and money). Please note that you can get the Series 2 in either Systematic or Mountaineer versions (and maybe others). The Systematic has an open center top bracket. It comes with an insertable solid plate but you can add a centre column (and other mods) for an additional charge. The Mountaineer comes with a fixed centre column. You can shorten the center pole and tighten it into one position. In this mode, it is very stable but not as stable as the solid plate on the Systematic tipod.
 
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May be a dumb question but - Is the Systematic Series 2 still being sold 'new'? When I went to the Gitzo web site, they only list series 3/4/5 tripods. And, B&H don't offer the Series 2 for sale. The Series 2 is listed in the Mountaineer line.
 
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I checked and indeed it is not listed at B&H and, as you pointed out, does not appear in the Gitzo store. However, it is available at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007G3GN3M/?tag=backcogaller-20). Maybe this is old inventory. It was listed in the last printed catalog that Gitzo issued (Oct 2015).

I think the Mountaineer Series 2 would be fine for the 500mm PF lens and the camera bodies cited as long as the centre column is not extended. However, I am happy with the Systematic Series 3 (Thanks to Steve's advice)!
 
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I use the Gitzo too, nice unit. That said here is my Cons: Customer service is garbage, non-existent pretty much. Don't expect a reply to your emails, they ignore. and - Apparently they make a quantity of tripods, when that quantity sells out, that is it. The next group has a new number,
 
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luckmurph said:
I use the Gitzo series 2 mountaineer tripod with a gitzo Gimbal fluid head for my D5 & 500pf, its a fantastic combination i used to use the 500 handheld most of the time, but since getting this combination i don't go out of the door without it!!
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What are everyone's thoughts on a Series 2 Mountaineer with D500/200-500 combo? I am realizing that in falls fading light, actual stabilization not cheap crap is in order. BUt I want to spend wisely and efficiently.
 
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I use an older Series 2 (Gitzo 1227) with my D500/200-500 combo, with a Jobu Jr3 gimbal.
I modified mine with a kit to replace the center column with a fixed base.
It works ok for me, although I bought the tripod long before I had a lens as large as the 200-500, and if I were starting from scratch, and weight / travel were not an issue, I would probably get a series 3.
 
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KCPhoto said:
What are everyone's thoughts on a Series 2 Mountaineer with D500/200-500 combo? I am realizing that in falls fading light, actual stabilization not cheap crap is in order. BUt I want to spend wisely and efficiently.
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A series 2 mountaineer will be fine assuming you buy one tall enough and don't have to rely on the center column to get your camera to full height.
 
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Nick B. said:
How do you decide on a suitable maximum height? Do you aim to have the viewfinder at eye height when you stand up straight?
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That or higher.

Basically for most tripod uses I'd want at the very least for the viewfinder to be at eye level on flat ground. But add non-flat ground like hillsides where you want one or two legs extended further to keep the tripod level and extra height helps. Also when shooting up at fairly steep angles for things like owls perched up high it's nice to have a taller tripod so you don't have to crouch so far down to look up through the viewfinder.

Balancing that extra height against weight, folded length and price can be tricky but I generally like tripods that when fully extended and used with whatever head I intend to use (and leveling base if you use one) puts the viewfinder up at least 10 inches or so above my eye level.
 
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