Just pushed the button ...

[Hogster86]

Hi all :)

After much head-scratching, I've just pushed the button on a Gitzo GT1541T and a Gitzo GH1780 (non-QR). It's a lot more than I was considering spending on a tripod, but I consider it an investment for a lifetime ... so better to "buy good and buy once" as I say, than buy cheap and buy several and end up paying more in the long run.

You can see my gear list below to see what I will be putting on this baby.

Cheers :)


David (with a SEVERLY lighter wallet :eek: )

[condyk]

4 section and low load capacity? I think you will buy again ;-) but this will always be a good travel tripod. Be interested in your findings about the Gitzo head. They don't seem that popular here but doesn't mean they aren't excellent. No QR though? I'd be tempted to put an Arca swiss style QR on there - then there is no upgrading needed longer term assuming the ball supports decent weight.

[Hogster86]

Low load capacity? 8kg?! :eek:

I specifically wanted a travel tripod as I already have quite a bit of gear ... didn't want a long, heavy tripod, given the amount I use it. That being said, I want a good stiff platform for the times when I do want to use a tripod. The low weight and compact collapsed-size is an excellent plus point for me.

My choice against the QR is a) price, and b) the need for 3 QR plates as I have the camera, 70-200 F4 IS collar and a panorama head. I haven't found the lack of a QR head on my current tripod a problem, and it's another area to save a bit of money on ... like persuading the company I bought it from to waive the shipping cost for me :D ;)

I was looking at the Markins Q3, but I just couldn't justify spending so much on the head and then more on the tripod ...

Will let you know what I think of the setup.


David :)

[condyk]

Well 8 Kg's is more like it. I checked this one out a while back at Morris Photo and they said 4.5 Kg :evil: But Gitzo agree with you so you're right ;-)

I might look at it again, but I think I'd rather a tad extra length and a 3 section model. Looks a great choice though for what you want it for. Lookin' forward to a review ;-)

[Hogster86]

Oh I will review it thoroughly :D

I had a real hard decision picking out this model, it was the most expensive of the 3 I was looking at (0531, 0541, 1541T), but the two 0 models aren't rated to support a 200mm lens ... I just couldn't justify spending any more on a tripod ... at the same time I didn't want to skimp on quality ....

Btw, it was the little red guy that told me to get a Gitzo:

http://bp2.blogger.com/_bis9rFaZpb8/Rruze7VOzgI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/leJLirkdMSI/s320/devil+and+angel+2.jpg

;) ;)


David :D

[jhom]

Hi all :)

After much head-scratching, I've just pushed the button on a Gitzo GT1541T and a Gitzo GH1780 (non-QR). It's a lot more than I was considering spending on a tripod, but I consider it an investment for a lifetime ... so better to "buy good and buy once" as I say, than buy cheap and buy several and end up paying more in the long run.

You can see my gear list below to see what I will be putting on this baby.

Cheers :)


David (with a SEVERLY lighter wallet :eek: )

Great choice. I'm sure you will enjoy using the setup.

[V8Rumble]

Well 8 Kg's is more like it. I checked this one out a while back at Morris Photo and they said 4.5 Kg :evil: But Gitzo agree with you so you're right ;-)
That was the 1540T. Discontinued and now replaced with the 1541T

[Modboyzz]

David,

Did you look into Feisol's offerings before pushing the button?

[Hogster86]

Modboyzz - I saw Feisol mentioned quite a few times in my research, but a) couldn't find a UK supplier (and really wanted to have the tripod for an upcoming holiday to Norway), and b) as this is an investment that I want to last me a LONG time, I want the best – my motto being "buy good, buy once" (rather than buy cheap, buy several).


David :)

PS. Will post a review of my initial thoughts when I receive it (soon hopefully!) :)

[Hogster86]

I absolutely LOVE this tripod and head!!!!! :D :D

I put it through its paces on a weeks holiday in Norway and it performed flawlessly :) I love its compactness when collapsed, it's height when extended, its weight, the way one can hook one's camera bag onto the mast to add stability (good in winds) – it's everything I wanted in a tripod!

http://www.pbase.com/hogster/image/100218945/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/hogster/image/100218944/original.jpg

The head works very nicely, and has very little noticeable slop, even when the camera is hanging off the side in portrait mode.

Oh, and in the end I went for the QR version of the 1780, mainly because no-one had stock of the non-QR version and I *really* wanted to get my hands on the tripod and head before the holiday. In the end I bought it all from the London Camera Exchange in Reading, who did me a great price on the tripod and head of £550, including an extra QR plate thrown in for free. After buying it I realised I needed another QR plate, and whilst at it, was tempted into buying a Giottos blower. They threw the blower in for free when I bought it with the extra QR plate! Talk about doing me a good deal! :D

I am exceptionally happy with my purchase and it always makes me smile when I look at it and think what a beautiful piece of engineering it is. :)


David :cool:

[ben_r_]

I just bought the 1541t and LOVE it too! Its AWESOME! Its incredible how small and light it is yet VERY sturdy! I got it with the Markins Q3T head though and an RRS quick release clamp.