Fighting with myself: Gitzo GT-2541L vs GT1550T

[_dreamer]

I'n the search for the ultimate tripod i'm currently struggling to decide between:
Gitzo GT-2541L
- Height: 68.9" (175 cm) - Best for my 1.93m (75 in).
- Height when folded - 24" (61 cm).

Gitzo GT-1550T
- Height when folded - 16.1" (41 cm).
- Height fully opened opened - 57.5" (146 cm).

My goal is to find the best travelling tripod, i travel around the world for business and i carry my photography gear with me everywhere.
I've already decided on the head - Arcatech GV2.
My heaviest equipment is 5D + 70-200 2.8L.
(i'm considering 100-400 in the near future and the tripod should be able to carry it).

Additionally, i'm not sure if the 2541L will be to big to carry on the Lowepro Vertex 200??

I now have Slik 700dx which is nice but very heavy (2.2kg for legs + 1kg for head - 3.2kg in total).
I can not decide if i will feel any difference between 700dx legs and Gitzo GT-2541L (2.2gb vs 1.5gv and 64cm vs 61cm when folded).
and espcially if does worth the money (640$).

The Gitzo GT-1550T would be the best but i dont know if the height will not kill my back when taking photos.
but due to the folded size, i'm sure it will be much easier to carry with me all the time.

i would appreciate comments and suggestions..
especially from people in my height and their experience....

Tripods Info:
2541L - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=475942&is=REG
1550T - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475899-REG/Gitzo_GT1550T_GT_1550T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html
Slik 700DX - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615315_700DX_Pro_Tripod.html

[_dreamer]

To make it even more fun, i also consider Gitzo GT-0540.
especially due to the lower cost...

[foxbat]

I've got the GT-0530. It's unbelievably light and perfect for taking on a hike where you'll generally use short lenses. I don't recommend it for a 70-200 or 100-400.

[oreokid]

I have the 2530 and am looking for a bag. And I have been looking at the Vertex 200. Let me know what you decide. It looks like it would be a great fit.

[rklepper]

Thos are wildly different pods. You really need to think if this in terms of what you are going to use it for. One supporst 26.4 lb and the other supports 4.4 lb. The 5D weighs 38.6 oz and the 70-200 weighs3.5 lb, so that eliminates the one that only supports 4.4 lb, unless you want to be pusing it to its limits. And with the head you might be over.

[JohnJ80]

The load ratings of both tripods are meaningless. It depends on how you position the load on the tripod.

That said, this is an easy decision because if you want to use that 70-200 at 200mm, you are exceeding the spec on the 1550T. Often you can finesse larger but you need to make sure you don't extend the legs much etc... Sort of turns your expensive tripod into a table top tripod - less than ideal.

You might want to look at the 1540 instead. It is a little smaller, a little heavier but should be ok up to 200mm if a pinch.

My advice lately has been that if you want only one tripod, the 2540 series is the choice. If you are willing to go for two, then get a 3540LS and then pick your favorite light one to match the low end.

Galen Rowell said it best - the lightest tripod you should use is the heaviest tripod you are willing to carry.


J.

[_dreamer]

Guys,

Thank you very much for you assistance.

My final purchases (quick review after 2 weeks of use):
- Vertex 200 Bag:
Very high quality, very comfortable and very protective.
The Downside is that is very big, the fact that above my 70-200 i can put additional one (and i'm not kidding) and close the bag means that there's a lot of unused space (unless you find something creative to do with it).
i think that if the bag was narrower it would have been the best.
(i'm also not a grip kind of guy, so even my camera doesnt benefit from the extra space).

Regarding he tripod, i eventually purchased Induro C014 + Arcatech GV2.
I found the tripod very similar to the gitzo one and the price was half.
Arcatech decision was based on quality and weight.
the fact that it's almost half the weight of the RSS and other high quality alternatives made the decision clear.

I keep my Silk 700dx tripod legs for cases in need a heavy stable tripod.
I find the silk to be very high quality and to cover my heavy weight requirements.

[JohnJ80]

Which Gitzo is it similar to? I don't see any Gitzo that has such a low load rating at such a high weight (understanding of course that load ratings are not particularly helpful between mfgs). Price and weight, it is similar to a Manfrotto 055MF4 but still about half the load rating.

J.

[squiress]

The Induro C014 is a four segment 0 series CF tripod. The Benro equivalent is a C028n6. This would be roughly a copy of the GT0540. Benro shows its load capability as 8.8 pounds.

Stew

[_dreamer]

I find the Induro C014 and the Gitzo GT0540 to be quiet similar.
0.8kg vs 1.0kg and load of 5kg vs 4kg while the price is almost half (434$ vs 280$).

For me as an amature, i found it reasonable to save some money in exchange for the minor differences (for me).

Once i understood that there's no way to have one ultimate tripod it made my decision easier: One hiking tripod and one heavy tripod for other uses.
(both use the same head)

[squiress]

I find the Induro C014 and the Gitzo GT0540 to be quiet similar.
0.8kg vs 1.0kg and load of 5kg vs 4kg while the price is almost half (434$ vs 280$).

For me as an amature, i found it reasonable to save some money in exchange for the minor differences (for me).

Once i understood that there's no way to have one ultimate tripod it made my decision easier: One hiking tripod and one heavy tripod for other uses.
(both use the same head)

The Benro C028n6 goes for $222.90 shipped on Ebay. For that extra $57.10 difference you want to make sure and register your new pod with Induro proper to put that five year warranty into effect. Otherwise it will only be two years.

Stew

[producerism]

when i google "benro c028n6" the only results are asian websites (without pictures of tripods) and links to this thread.

what is this you speak of?

[squiress]

when i google "benro c028n6" the only results are asian websites (without pictures of tripods) and links to this thread.

what is this you speak of?

There currently aren't any listed on Ebay.

See www.benro.cn (http://www.benro.cn) to look at the complete product line with pictures.

Stew