Three Legged Virgin requires advice please!.........

[Kazza]

Husband wants a tripod. Personally I find they get in my way for my type of photography - (I struggle with a monopod - keep tripping over them) but I do appreciate their place in the photographic world for most other people.
Mike has spent so many hours researching various brands/types/colours etc and watched hours of you tube videos/read articles and spoken to shopkeepers regarding the mechanics

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that I have decided to source one as a gift - once its bought we don’t have to discuss it anymore - Mike shoots wildlife including birds in flight on a D850 but looking to move to D5. We are looking at carbon fibre as the tripod will be travelling a lot with us. We have long lenses. Gitzo seems to be top of the favoured list and I have located this one on Amazon. I just need to make sure it’s going to do the job. What I am really asking is does anyone see any negatives on this model Or is there something better at this maximum price range.

 

[ClarkJ]

Gitzo is recognized as one of the premier brands of tripod, so it would make a special gift. One thing to think about is the height. Since this does not have a center column (which is good from a stability standpoint), you should make sure that the ball head or gimbal that will be used will get the camera high enough to be used comfortably. For example, when taking pictures of the moon, you might want to make sure that the camera is at eye-level, with the lens extending upward. Therefore, you might look at the 4 section extra long, depending on how your measurements come out. In addition, it will be the weight of the lens, not necessarily the camera, that will determine whether the tripod is optimal. Gitzo has published recommendations in this regard, which your husband might have already researched. If you get one that meets all the specs, this will probalby be the last tripod he will need.

 

[DRwyoming]

What I am really asking is does anyone see any negatives on this model

None whatsoever. I have and have had several of the precursors to this tripod from Gitzo and their Series 5 carbon tripods are very hard to beat. I currently use their GT5540LS which I believe is the immediate predecessor to the model you're looking at. I shoot my 600mm f/4 with the D5 or D850 (or until recently the D500) and it's rock solid and very versatile. For big f/4 glass or similar (e.g. Nikon 800mm f/5.6) this tripod is a very good choice. It's a beast so I don't love it for longer hikes but when working within ten or fifteen minutes of a vehicle with big lenses it's definitely my go to tripod.

I'd pair it with a good Gimbal head like the Wimberley WH-200 or similar for a killer big glass combo.

 

[Steve]

I have both Gitzo and RRS - can't go wrong with either one. They should last forever.

That said, I prefer the RRS tripod. I think the leg locks are a bit nicer and it also has "o" rings to keep water and gunk out of the legs (that was a big selling point for me). Here's the one I have:

Versa MK2 Tripod

RRS Carbon Fiber Versa Tripod Line

www.reallyrightstuff.com

Also, get a tall one, no matter what brand. It's nicer for shooting at animals above your head (I just did a post on it in the "Steve's Corner" forum) and it helps when you're on a slop or shooing in a creek and need to extend a leg down.

Also, the 5 series is really beefy - it'll handle the long glass for sure. However, the RRS 3 series is probably about the same diameter as the Gitzo 4 series (or close). I used a 5 series in the past for my pro body and 600mm, however, now I'm using the tripod linked above and it's worked out just fine with the D6 and 600 F/4E. For the "G" series 600 (the last gen), the 5 series was more appropriate. I do like the lighter weight and that it takes up less space in the luggage.

 

[Kazza]

I have both Gitzo and RRS - can't go wrong with either one. They should last forever.

That said, I prefer the RRS tripod. I think the leg locks are a bit nicer and it also has "o" rings to keep water and gunk out of the legs (that was a big selling point for me). Here's the one I have:

Versa MK2 Tripod

RRS Carbon Fiber Versa Tripod Line

www.reallyrightstuff.com

Also, get a tall one, no matter what brand. It's nicer for shooting at animals above your head (I just did a post on it in the "Steve's Corner" forum) and it helps when you're on a slop or shooing in a creek and need to extend a leg down.

Also, the 5 series is really beefy - it'll handle the long glass for sure. However, the RRS 3 series is probably about the same diameter as the Gitzo 4 series (or close). I used a 5 series in the past for my pro body and 600mm, however, now I'm using the tripod linked above and it's worked out just fine with the D6 and 600 F/4E. For the "G" series 600 (the last gen), the 5 series was more appropriate. I do like the lighter weight and that it takes up less space in the luggage.

Thank for this Steve. I hear what you saying - for the height I will check out the price of the taller version - it makes sense. If it’s too expensive I will just have to chop Mikes feet off!!

 

[Kazza]

None whatsoever. I have and have had several of the precursors to this tripod from Gitzo and their Series 5 carbon tripods are very hard to beat. I currently use their GT5540LS which I believe is the immediate predecessor to the model you're looking at. I shoot my 600mm f/4 with the D5 or D850 (or until recently the D500) and it's rock solid and very versatile. For big f/4 glass or similar (e.g. Nikon 800mm f/5.6) this tripod is a very good choice. It's a beast so I don't love it for longer hikes but when working within ten or fifteen minutes of a vehicle with big lenses it's definitely my go to tripod.

I'd pair it with a good Gimbal head like the Wimberley WH-200 or similar for a killer big glass combo.

Thanks for the advice I will go shopping over the weekend - I’ll also take a look at your gimbal head suggestion xx

 

[Kazza]

Gitzo is recognized as one of the premier brands of tripod, so it would make a special gift. One thing to think about is the height. Since this does not have a center column (which is good from a stability standpoint), you should make sure that the ball head or gimbal that will be used will get the camera high enough to be used comfortably. For example, when taking pictures of the moon, you might want to make sure that the camera is at eye-level, with the lens extending upward. Therefore, you might look at the 4 section extra long, depending on how your measurements come out. In addition, it will be the weight of the lens, not necessarily the camera, that will determine whether the tripod is optimal. Gitzo has published recommendations in this regard, which your husband might have already researched. If you get one that meets all the specs, this will probalby be the last tripod he will need.

Thanks for your feed back. You are so right - we need to get the correct one now so that I don’t have to think about tripods anymore in the future x x

 

[Mike Tandy]

Thank you all for the advice given. This forum really helps to cut the wood from the trees when it comes to making the right choices. I don’t think Karen is too phased on the price of the higher gitzo, so she won’t have to cut my feet off . Thanks Kazza I’m feeling lucky.

 

[Kazza]

UPDATE....

once again thank you everyone for your feedback. I have contacted a few camera shops over the weekend and have discovered that it is impossible to find a retailer with any gitzo series 5 tripods in stock - apparently they are all shipped from China with current deliveries only to the USA. Here in Uk we have waiting times of months not weeks (takes me back to ordering my 500pf). I am also struggling to locate the rrs tripod Steve advised. Apparently this is all due to global lockdown!
oh well looks as if I have saved a few quid for now but at least we have decided which models to attempt to purchase.

 

[Yezdi]

UPDATE....

once again thank you everyone for your feedback. I have contacted a few camera shops over the weekend and have discovered that it is impossible to find a retailer with any gitzo series 5 tripods in stock - apparently they are all shipped from China with current deliveries only to the USA. Here in Uk we have waiting times of months not weeks (takes me back to ordering my 500pf). I am also struggling to locate the rrs tripod Steve advised. Apparently this is all due to global lockdown!
oh well looks as if I have saved a few quid for now but at least we have decided which models to attempt to purchase.

RRS (Really Right Stuff) only sell their stuff online. Most of their stuff is also on B&H Photo. You can get your Gitzo tripod at B&H Photo too.

Really Right Stuff - Camera

Discover RRS's world-class camera gear. Crafted for quality and performance, our tripods, heads, and supports empower photographers to capture perfect shots.

www.reallyrightstuff.com

B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Computers

Shop Digital Cameras, 35MM Camera Equipment, Photography, Photo Printers, Computers, Home Theater, Authorized Dealer Canon, Sony, Nikon, Apple, Olympus, Panasonic, Kodak, JBL

www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[JP Onstwedder]

I bought a Gitzo mountaineer last year and my advice would be, don’t. The quality is fine but doesn’t justify the price premium. On my copy the locking mechanism fir the centre column is so stiff and hard to use that I sometimes need a wrench to unlock it. Ergonomically it’s not great as the levers are too short and don’t give enough purchase. The leg locks are rather poor, too, as they let in dirt too easily; in Namibia (admittedly a dessert) I had to clean them every day. So for me it’s been the most disappointing photo equipment purchase.

 

[Kazza]

I bought a Gitzo mountaineer last year and my advice would be, don’t. The quality is fine but doesn’t justify the price premium. On my copy the locking mechanism fir the centre column is so stiff and hard to use that I sometimes need a wrench to unlock it. Ergonomically it’s not great as the levers are too short and don’t give enough purchase. The leg locks are rather poor, too, as they let in dirt too easily; in Namibia (admittedly a dessert) I had to clean them every day. So for me it’s been the most disappointing photo equipment purchase.

Thanks for your feedback xx

 

[Graham Clark]

UPDATE....

once again thank you everyone for your feedback. I have contacted a few camera shops over the weekend and have discovered that it is impossible to find a retailer with any gitzo series 5 tripods in stock - apparently they are all shipped from China with current deliveries only to the USA. Here in Uk we have waiting times of months not weeks (takes me back to ordering my 500pf). I am also struggling to locate the rrs tripod Steve advised. Apparently this is all due to global lockdown!
oh well looks as if I have saved a few quid for now but at least we have decided which models to attempt to purchase.

I'm using the Gitzo 4 series with both the Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal and RRS BH-55 Ball Head. No problems at all with D5, D850 and D500 attached to the 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4. I'm UK based too, I got the Gitzo from WEX and my RRS stuff from Photospecialist (Netherlands based but great service and quick delivery).

Hope this helps

 

[LL4D500]

I have both Gitzo and RRS - can't go wrong with either one. They should last forever.

That said, I prefer the RRS tripod. I think the leg locks are a bit nicer and it also has "o" rings to keep water and gunk out of the legs (that was a big selling point for me). Here's the one I have:

Versa MK2 Tripod

RRS Carbon Fiber Versa Tripod Line

www.reallyrightstuff.com

Also, get a tall one, no matter what brand. It's nicer for shooting at animals above your head (I just did a post on it in the "Steve's Corner" forum) and it helps when you're on a slop or shooing in a creek and need to extend a leg down.

Also, the 5 series is really beefy - it'll handle the long glass for sure. However, the RRS 3 series is probably about the same diameter as the Gitzo 4 series (or close). I used a 5 series in the past for my pro body and 600mm, however, now I'm using the tripod linked above and it's worked out just fine with the D6 and 600 F/4E. For the "G" series 600 (the last gen), the 5 series was more appropriate. I do like the lighter weight and that it takes up less space in the luggage.

Steve - Need help regarding which tripod would be best for me!. I am 6'6", have a Nikon D500 with a Nikon 800-400, which I love. and will be purchasing a Wimberley Gimbal. Am looking at the Gitzo 3543 XLS, that extends to 79" without a center column. The RRS you reference goes to 68" - (My eyes are at 72"). Believe the Gitzo is 59" with one leg not extended, so may have to extend it partially. Am concerned with two things: 1) how does the stability/vibration compare between the Gitzo 3543 XLS and the LS model, with the 20" difference in height? and 2) if I want the eye height to be 72", what is the best way to move the "last" leg up 13", without spending an inordinate time measuring each leg? Any way of marking/etching on a leg to give one a reference point? OR, should I look at the RRS, considering I'd have a Gimbal/Camera that I would add 4"-6"? The only disadvantage I can see is if there is a bird/monkey in a tree or at a airplane show and I have to tilt the camera/lens up, I am going to be squatting! Is there a difference in the stability/vibration between the Gitzo and the RRS?
Thanks - this site is great!

 

[Steve]

Steve - Need help regarding which tripod would be best for me!. I am 6'6", have a Nikon D500 with a Nikon 800-400, which I love. and will be purchasing a Wimberley Gimbal. Am looking at the Gitzo 3543 XLS, that extends to 79" without a center column. The RRS you reference goes to 68" - (My eyes are at 72"). Believe the Gitzo is 59" with one leg not extended, so may have to extend it partially. Am concerned with two things: 1) how does the stability/vibration compare between the Gitzo 3543 XLS and the LS model, with the 20" difference in height? and 2) if I want the eye height to be 72", what is the best way to move the "last" leg up 13", without spending an inordinate time measuring each leg? Any way of marking/etching on a leg to give one a reference point? OR, should I look at the RRS, considering I'd have a Gimbal/Camera that I would add 4"-6"? The only disadvantage I can see is if there is a bird/monkey in a tree or at a airplane show and I have to tilt the camera/lens up, I am going to be squatting! Is there a difference in the stability/vibration between the Gitzo and the RRS?
Thanks - this site is great!

The head does help with the height for sure - although at 6'6" the RRS won't be enough for overhead work. No worries though, the Gitzo is great as well. I still have one that I used for over a decade and a half!

Also, the 3 series Gitzo I have is one of the longer ones and I think a similar height. Stability was always fine, but it wasn't used very much fully extended. I do think the RRS is slightly more stable, but my Gitzo is also really old. I imagine the new one is absolutely fine. Of course it also depends on the lens / camera combo.

Another thought is that although the tripod can go really high, most of the time I'm much lower than even eye level for my shots. I probably use the tripod at eye level less than 50% of the time.

As for height, fully extend the bottom and middle sections first. I know that runs counter to most advice, however, there's a reason for it with wildlife - you want to be able to quickly adjust height and you don't want to bend way over each time - it's much easier and faster to simply reach and grab the top leg locks and adjust. Plus, it's less overall movement so you won't scare things away. In fact, this is one of the main benefits of a larger tripod - you can use Amy combination of sections without worry about instability.

If you do need more extension, once trick is to use the width of you hand. Extended the last segment enough so your hand fits between it and the one in-between. No marking of the tripod required I would think that would get it pretty close.

 

[Charlie Lasswell]

I'm also 6'6" and I use the 3542XLS with a gimbal and a 600mm f4. Default, I extend only the bottom two sections. Its a little below eye level, but this enables me to point down at something low so it a good general purpose position. If I'm shooting at something high, then I extend the legs. I've had occasion when I've needed all of the extra height so I wouldn't recommend a shorter tripod. I've never used the 5 series or RRS but I've had no issues with the stability of this one.

If you haven't purchased your Wimberly Gimbal yet, I recommend ordering it directly from Wimberly without the cradle and get a lever lock cradle from RRS. This is what I did when I got mine and ended up being a $50 difference in price at the time. Not sure how the pricing is now but its worth checking into.

 

[Charlie Lasswell]

I'm also 6'6" and I use the 3542XLS with a gimbal and a 600mm f4. Default, I extend only the bottom two sections. Its a little below eye level, but this enables me to point down at something low so it a good general purpose position. If I'm shooting at something high, then I extend the legs. I've had occasion when I've needed all of the extra height so I wouldn't recommend a shorter tripod. I've never used the 5 series or RRS but I've had no issues with the stability of this one.

If you haven't purchased your Wimberly Gimbal yet, I recommend ordering it directly from Wimberly without the cradle and get a lever lock cradle from RRS. This is what I did when I got mine and ended up being a $50 difference in price at the time. Not sure how the pricing is now but its worth checking into.

 

[LL4D500]

I'm also 6'6" and I use the 3542XLS with a gimbal and a 600mm f4. Default, I extend only the bottom two sections. Its a little below eye level, but this enables me to point down at something low so it a good general purpose position. If I'm shooting at something high, then I extend the legs. I've had occasion when I've needed all of the extra height so I wouldn't recommend a shorter tripod. I've never used the 5 series or RRS but I've had no issues with the stability of this one.

If you haven't purchased your Wimberly Gimbal yet, I recommend ordering it directly from Wimberly without the cradle and get a lever lock cradle from RRS. This is what I did when I got mine and ended up being a $50 difference in price at the time. Not sure how the pricing is now but its worth checking into.

I have seen some reviews for photographers think the 3542 XLS is more stable than the 3543 XLS, as a result of their changing the carbon composition of the legs - your thoughts?
I have talked to Chuck at Wimberley and did get prices from him for new, blemished and with/with out cradle. Appreciate getting your thoughts as someone else that is 6'6"!
Thanks

 

[Charlie Lasswell]

I have seen some reviews for photographers think the 3542 XLS is more stable than the 3543 XLS, as a result of their changing the carbon composition of the legs - your thoughts?
I have talked to Chuck at Wimberley and did get prices from him for new, blemished and with/with out cradle. Appreciate getting your thoughts as someone else that is 6'6"!
Thanks

I had not heard of that difference before. I'd did a quick google and couldn't find anything substantial. My guess is that while there may be a technical difference, it's hard to imagine that it would be big enough to matter in the field.

 

[LL4D500]

I had not heard of that difference before. I'd did a quick google and couldn't find anything substantial. My guess is that while there may be a technical difference, it's hard to imagine that it would be big enough to matter in the field.

Here is the review I was referencing. It is a long review and his comments (regarding stability/vibration) are about 75% through the article. Curious as to your thoughts? Thanks

Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

Is the Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Carbon Fiber Tripod right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

www.the-digital-picture.com

 

[Charlie Lasswell]

Here is the review I was referencing. It is a long review and his comments (regarding stability/vibration) are about 75% through the article. Curious as to your thoughts? Thanks

Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

Is the Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Carbon Fiber Tripod right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!

www.the-digital-picture.com

I don't know. This test seems very incomplete with a single setup which is not typical for me. I use a loose gimbal, a loose collar, and a hand on top of the lens. This article is using a ball head which I would guess is not loose and taps the leg or camera to introduce vibration that is timed. I'm guessing that my hand on the lens along with my eye in the viewfinder and my finger on the shutter release are introducing as much "vibration" as they're seeing over 2 seconds. I also have a Gitzo monopod that has the newer locks with O-rings and I noticed that it seems a little stiffer if don't extend the legs all the way and leave an inch or two short. I don't know if that would be true for the 3543 or not, but you might want to keep it in mind. My recommendation is that you buy from a dealer with a good return policy and check it out. You've got a few things you can verify on it and if something doesn't work for you, send it back. I've been very pleased with mine and I would recommend that its worth the effort to get some hands-on time to check it out.

 

[LL4D500]

I don't know. This test seems very incomplete with a single setup which is not typical for me. I use a loose gimbal, a loose collar, and a hand on top of the lens. This article is using a ball head which I would guess is not loose and taps the leg or camera to introduce vibration that is timed. I'm guessing that my hand on the lens along with my eye in the viewfinder and my finger on the shutter release are introducing as much "vibration" as they're seeing over 2 seconds. I also have a Gitzo monopod that has the newer locks with O-rings and I noticed that it seems a little stiffer if don't extend the legs all the way and leave an inch or two short. I don't know if that would be true for the 3543 or not, but you might want to keep it in mind. My recommendation is that you buy from a dealer with a good return policy and check it out. You've got a few things you can verify on it and if something doesn't work for you, send it back. I've been very pleased with mine and I would recommend that its worth the effort to get some hands-on time to check it out.

Thanks for the feed back! I would have been one to lock the gimbal, lock the collar! Think your not "locking" those things would reduce the "vibration". Buying from National Camera or West Photo in Minneapolis, where I know and have dealt with clerks who use Nikon and know me - adds to my comfort level!

 

[Bill G.]

UPDATE....

once again thank you everyone for your feedback. I have contacted a few camera shops over the weekend and have discovered that it is impossible to find a retailer with any gitzo series 5 tripods in stock - apparently they are all shipped from China with current deliveries only to the USA. Here in Uk we have waiting times of months not weeks (takes me back to ordering my 500pf). I am also struggling to locate the rrs tripod Steve advised. Apparently this is all due to global lockdown!
oh well looks as if I have saved a few quid for now but at least we have decided which models to attempt to purchase.

Robus is new to the game but make great tripods and monopods for much less money.

 

[Terps]

I have a really Right Stuff TVC-34L and love it. I've had to use it on slopes with one leg almost fully extended and it's a real bonus to able to do that. You can't make a short tripod longer but you can always make a long one short. Another factor for me was the collapsed length. The RRS tripod was a bit shorter than the Gitzo so it fit better in my suitcase for traveling.

 

[Calson]

I replaced a series 3 Gitzo and RRS tripods with a Feisol CT-3472 tripod. Important for air travel to have a tripod that collapses to under 22 inches in length so it fits inside the overhead bin crossways. The Feisol supports 66 lb (30 kg) loads and weigh 1.8 kg and has a native working height of 147 cm which can be readily increased to over 170 cm with their Center Column Kit and this center column is considerably larger in diamater and so the carbon fiber tube is far more rigid than what is found with outdoor tripods. There is also an inexpensive quick level base that can be installed in seconds in place of the standard base plate. The cost for the tripod with both adapters was still half the cost of the RRS or Gitzo tripods and the Feisol tripod comes with an excellent carry case unlike Gitzo and RRS where all I got was a cardboard box.

I have Wimberley and a Custom Brackets gimbals but they now sit in my cabinet as I find the Gitzo fluid dampened gimbal to be superior for both still and video shooting. The Custom Brackets is better for air travel as it comes apart without tools to make it easier to pack into nooks and crannies and it has a lever that can be flipped into position to keep the lens from crashing down if one forgets to lock the gimbal before removing the camera, as when adding or removing a teleconverter.