Gitzo 1540 vs. 2540

[raysmd]

Ok, I have a dilemma.

Currently, I have the Gitzo 1540 with a 488RC2 ballhead. I have a 40D with the 24-105. I mainly take family portraits (baby pictures). Now there's not much of a price difference between the 1540 and 2540. I consider the tripod an investment since it's quite expensive. I doubt that I'll ever need a telephoto lens. However, you never know what happens in the future.

I just can't get myself to keep the 1540, knowing that there's a better tripod for about the same price. Better in terms of being future-proof. The 2540 is slightly longer, bulkier, and heavier than the 1540.


any opinions?

-rays

[slappy sam]

The 1540 is lighter and easier for transport. It depends on your use.

If you want a tripod for travelling, hiking, easy transport, etc. keep the 1540.

If you want a tripod for general use and possibly telephotos the 2540 might suit you better.

[squiress]

Since you already have the feature set of a X5XX series Gitzo (newest) you aren't going to gain any additional useability with the 2540. And since I'm assuming you will likely sell the 1540 to acquire the 2540 your overall cost will be more than you might be thinking. While the Gitzos will retain value better than just about anything else out there, they still depreciate in value. You're not going to get what you paid for it when you sell it.

Lastly, since you don't describe your possible future uses, it seems that you have all the tripod you need for now. As well, if you truly have a developing future need, the 2540 is a better single tripod to own to cover a broader range of photography, but if you can keep the 1540, then a 3540 would really add to overall versatility.

Stew

[raysmd]

Actually, I can still exchange my 1540 for the 2540 and only pay the difference.


hmm...

[pturton]

My GT2530 is the cat's meow for my light-weight camera and tele package. I do not fly often but walk or travel by car and have no weight or length problems with the GT2530.

The 2530 is rated by Gitzo for =<300mm light-weight lenses ( f/4 or smaller ). If you hang around this forum I can almost guarantee that you will be adding to your photo package of lenses much more than you might ever imagine just now.

[squiress]

Actually, I can still exchange my 1540 for the 2540 and only pay the difference.


hmm...

Then if you are only going to have one, exchange it!

Stew

[JohnJ80]

Then if you are only going to have one, exchange it!

Stew

That would be my advice. The 2540 is a better choice if you are going to own only one tripod.

Indoors (no wind), I doubt it would matter. Outdoors in a wind, the 2540 is the clear winner.

The other difference, IIRC, is that the 1540 stands 2" higher without using the column. If you are over 6', that might be important.

J.

[harrydog]

Or you could keep the 1540 for travel and get a Bogen 3021BPRO to use at home. They're sturdy and not too expensive.
But if you want only one tripod, it should definitely be the 2540.

[No One]

Can the Gitzo 2540 Carbon Fiber tripod support the load of a Canon 300 F2.8L IS lens?
Thanks.

[TheHoff]

I'm not sure why there isn't more love for the 3540ls. It folds smaller than the 2540, is .6 lb heavier, and has a much higher load tolerance (40lb vs 27lb).

[alexf9496]

Unfortunately, I recently subjected myself to the dreaded tripod decision-matrix and chose the 2540 for the kit, shooting environment, and price range that I felt comfortable with.

[jhom]

IMO, the 2 series Gitzo is probably the best general purpose tripod available. Given your requirements, I would exchange the 1540 for the 2540. It will out last you and will give you some room to grow in your lens choices. Here is my 300 on my 2530.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7761/2530q3tb20rrs300or9.jpg

[jhom]

I'm not sure why there isn't more love for the 3540ls. It folds smaller than the 2540, is .6 lb heavier, and has a much higher load tolerance (40lb vs 27lb).

I don't think there is any less love for the 3 series. Choosing a tripod setup more often than not has to do with its intend use and cost in addition to its size, weight, or load tolerance. The 3 series is likely the preferred choice when longer focal lenghs are used. Take a look at all the 3 series users on Naturescape.net. The current audience seems to be more generalists in their photographic intents. Therefore, a 2 series may be more preferred.

Another point to consider is that although a 3540ls may be 0.6lbs heavier than a 2 series, when you couple it with an appropriate sized ballhead, it is much heavier than a 2 series with an appropriate ballhead. One to two pounds difference is significant when you have weight considerations. In fact, it may be the difference in one's decision to take a tripod or not for a given shoot.

[No One]

IMO, the 2 series Gitzo is probably the best general purpose tripod available. Given your requirements, I would exchange the 1540 for the 2540. It will out last you and will give you some room to grow in your lens choices. Here is my 300 on my 2530.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7761/2530q3tb20rrs300or9.jpg

Is your Canon 300 lens the F2.8L or F4L version?
Thanks.

[jhom]

Canon 300 f2.8L

[JohnJ80]

I don't think there is any less love for the 3 series. Choosing a tripod setup more often than not has to do with its intend use and cost in addition to its size, weight, or load tolerance. The 3 series is likely the preferred choice when longer focal lenghs are used. Take a look at all the 3 series users on Naturescape.net. The current audience seems to be more generalists in their photographic intents. Therefore, a 2 series may be more preferred.

Another point to consider is that although a 3540ls may be 0.6lbs heavier than a 2 series, when you couple it with an appropriate sized ballhead, it is much heavier than a 2 series with an appropriate ballhead. One to two pounds difference is significant when you have weight considerations. In fact, it may be the difference in one's decision to take a tripod or not for a given shoot.

I am really impressed with my 3540LS and it is my goto tripod for all else other than travel where I use a 1258 (precursor to 2540 - basically the same, level 2). The 3540LS with the Markins M20 comes in at about 5lbs even while the 1258/2540 with BH40 comes in at 4.1-4.2lbs. Not much difference.

I do figure from my testing that the 3540LS can damp out about twice the amplitude of vibration that the 1258 can - so images are sharper.

What I will probably do, when I get the time and inclination, is put my 1258 and BH40 up for sale and then get a 1540 and a Markins Q3. That would be a terrific combination that would do well for traveling and for general purpose.

J