Gitzo Explorer

[Sgt_Hovanec]

I have been trying to save up to buy a GT3530LSV but before I could get the full amount I bought a new house. Now it's going to be about 6-8 months before I can start to save again. So my question is this. If I were to buy an Explorer leg set, either aluminum - basalt - or carbon fiber, would I be able to mount on the tripod head plate without a head (can't afford a head) and be OK to shoot since the explorer's column can tilt to any angle acting as a large ball head?? It's only temporary of course but I don't know if it would even be possible so I'm asking everyone, is it possible to mount without a head? Not worried about the shooting angles or composing the shot, I know that will be it's own issue, but I'm asking about physical possibility. Thanks!!

Rick

[jhom]

Yes, you will be able to mount your camera directly onto the Gitzo platform. It should come with a reversable stud to fit a 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 threads of the camera body. As you realize, you will loose the ability to make fine adjustments because you don't have a ballhead. Also, you won't be able to easily pan.

[Sgt_Hovanec]

I figured but it's either that or no tripod, so as a last ditch effort I'm going to try it out I guess. I just took a look at the GT2330 and it was a pretty good tripod. So I may be able to pick up the G2220 and an Induro ball head or I could get the GT2330EX and no ball head (or a really small ball head). I wasn't able to find the GT2330EX on either Bogens or Gitzo's websites (or any of the newer model numbers for that matter) so I don't know what the differences would be. You would think Gitzo would have the specs up BEFORE shipping the new models out to stores. The sales reps can't answer those questions either so we have to wait for the users can piece together the specs and pass them on in forums like this one. Thanks for the confirmation though.

[jhom]

If funding a regular ballhead is tight at this time, you might consider using a Manfrotto 3232 tilt head with the explorer. It costs about $25 and will give you some additional function with the explorer.

[J Rabin]

B&H has been closing out the G2220, and they are less than when I got mine couple years ago: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=gitzo+2220&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2FRootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

Due to the fixed offset center column design of the 2220, it is one of few tripods I would strongly advise against trying to directly mount the camera body on platform without even a cheap head. The column is never quite perpendicular to the leg arrangement or ground. I use the 2220 a lot for ground level closeups, but unless you are doing a LOT of ground level or angled shots, I would not get it.

The Giottos MT series has fully adjustable center column, but allows the center column platform top to be removed and mounted directly over the center of the tripod. They have a zillion models.

The new manfrotto let's the platform come off the center column, and may be a better value for your application:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/480306-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

Jack