Opinions on Gitzo/A-Swiss Setup

[Poindexter]

I think it is time to invest in some sturdier equipment, and I know this is a decent setup, but maybe someone knows something better. I'm planning to add a Canon 500mm f4L IS to the lineup down the road, but I'd like a tripod that can handle that load and is easy to lug around (less than an 8 pound complete setup). I prefer legs that are folded to less than 22"'s, but know I will have to make a trade-off for what I want.

Here is what I'm currently thinking:
Wimberly P40, P20, and P5
Acra-Swiss Z1 Single Pan
Gitzo G-1327 Mountaineer


That configuration will support up to 26.5 lbs, weighs approximately 6.54 lbs, and is folded to 32" with the ballhead mounted.

Unfortunately, this is a long setup when folded. I've been using a Bogen 3021n and 488RC.

I'd also like to stay around $1,000.

Thanks :)

[Poindexter]

Oh! Almost forgot to mention that I would get a Sidekick or a Gimbal Type Head with the 500mm. I'm not counting the purchase of those in the configuration I'm asking about now.

[TomHuckWa]

Whats wrong with the BOgen and the 488 head?

[Poindexter]

Nothing, except the fact that they're not sturdy enough for heavy equipment.

[Poindexter]

Guess there aren't any opinions on this setup or something better?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Piont me towards that Head? ( link ) I'm unfamiliar with it..

Most 500mm owners swear by the 1325 CF as the "perfect" legs for a large lens and gimble head...

It looks like the 1327 is the same tripod legs with a center column already included.. for the price it's worth the extra $50.00 to get that center column if you think you'll need one, but at nearly 60" tall without the center column you may never need it.

You won't want to mount the Wimberly or other Gimbel head on the center column, so if you go 1327, get the plate (comes with 1325) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=7010&A=details&Q=&sku=73157&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation0) so you can install the Gimbel head on that.

Or get the 1325 with the plate and no center column, and see if you end up needing a column

[Poindexter]

Thanks CDS. My thoughts on the center column are that I will use it on my normal focal length shots too, and have been a center column fan for a long time. I guess I'll have to consider that a little more.

Here's a B&H link to the Acra-Swiss Z1 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=469077&is=REG

[PacAce]

If you have the center column down all the say and locked when using the gimbal head, it'll be very sturdy. That's how I have my Wimberly full gimbal set up on my 3221 tripod.

Have you checked out the GT3530 or the GT3530S? These replace the 1325 and the 1327 and supports more weight than the 1325/1327 and they're a tad lighter, too.

[Poindexter]

Thanks for the suggestion PacAce. For the extra money, for me at least, I don't see where a half pound difference and more weight support (over an already rigid set of legs) is justifiable.....for me.

[MDJAK]

One area that makes the replacement Gitzo's worth it is the antirotation legs the new ones have.

It can be a real PIA to open and close the older models.

mark

[CyberDyneSystems]

I didn't even know about the new Gitzo models!

[René Damkot]

I didn't even know about the new Gitzo models!

Where have you been? ;)

[MDJAK]

They've been out for about a year already. It's called 6X carbon fiber. Has to do with the number of windings of fiber. They are both lighter and stronger. While the leg locks are still not exceedingly smooth, the fact that the legs don't spin when trying to lock it makes a big difference. I can now set up and take down the tripod much, much quicker than before.

The new models of the monopods, while in the catalogue, were not yet in stock at B&H this past Sunday when I visited them.

mark

[twebster]

I shoot a Canon 500mm f 4L lens daily for professional use. I use the Gitzo 1325 carbon fiber tripod, a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head, and Wimberley SideKick. I used the older Arca-Swiss ball heads when I first got the 500. These ball heads have a nasty habit of jamming up and not releasing the support ball. It's a real bear to get them unjammed, too. I haven't handled the new Z-series but the specs state they have the same ball design. If that is true, I wouldn't even consider buying one.

The Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head has a lock design in which the support ball cannot be jammed. It is a well made and sturdy ball head that has handled any load I've put on it. I've even used the smaller RRS BH-40 ball head to successfully support my 500mm + 1D MkII. It does it without a hitch. In fact, I'm using it with my 500mm lens right now because of 2 ruptured discs in my lower back! Every saved ounce counts, right now. :)

As to the new Gitzo tripods, I've used the 1325 for so long I've not had any problems with leg rotation when locking and unlocking the legs. Too many people turn the lock collars much more tightly than necessary. I've seen photographers crank down on them so hard, without thinking, that they almost needed a pipe wrench to unscrew the collars. Easy does it! As long as you tighten the lock collars on the upper legs a little tighter than the lock collars on the lower legs, the older Gitzos are easy to work with. The biggest advantage I see with the newer Gitzo tripods is the newer lock bushings that don't swell when they get wet. The older fiber lock bushings can swell if left immersed in water for too long. If you watch the used market, you should be able to buy a used 1325 fairly cheaply as photographers rush to buy the newer models. BTW, don't get the extension column. The 500mm puts a lot of torque on the small diameter extension column and can cause rotational slippage.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I now recall reading the info on the Z1 a few months back.. The blurb I read said good things about it and it was a better head at a lower cost than previous Arcas..
It looks interesting indeed at that price!

[Poindexter]

I shoot a Canon 500mm f 4L lens daily for professional use. I use the Gitzo 1325 carbon fiber tripod, a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head, and Wimberley SideKick. I used the older Arca-Swiss ball heads when I first got the 500. These ball heads have a nasty habit of jamming up and not releasing the support ball. It's a real bear to get them unjammed, too. I haven't handled the new Z-series but the specs state they have the same ball design. If that is true, I wouldn't even consider buying one.

The Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head has a lock design in which the support ball cannot be jammed. It is a well made and sturdy ball head that has handled any load I've put on it. I've even used the smaller RRS BH-40 ball head to successfully support my 500mm + 1D MkII. It does it without a hitch. In fact, I'm using it with my 500mm lens right now because of 2 ruptured discs in my lower back! Every saved ounce counts, right now. :)

As to the new Gitzo tripods, I've used the 1325 for so long I've not had any problems with leg rotation when locking and unlocking the legs. Too many people turn the lock collars much more tightly than necessary. I've seen photographers crank down on them so hard, without thinking, that they almost needed a pipe wrench to unscrew the collars. Easy does it! As long as you tighten the lock collars on the upper legs a little tighter than the lock collars on the lower legs, the older Gitzos are easy to work with. The biggest advantage I see with the newer Gitzo tripods is the newer lock bushings that don't swell when they get wet. The older fiber lock bushings can swell if left immersed in water for too long. If you watch the used market, you should be able to buy a used 1325 fairly cheaply as photographers rush to buy the newer models. BTW, don't get the extension column. The 500mm puts a lot of torque on the small diameter extension column and can cause rotational slippage.


Very helpful - thanks!