Gitzo 2430 tripod w/Canon 300mm 2.8 ok?

[4g63photo]

I have been thinking about getting a tripod for my general landscape and 300mm 2.8. I like the 3 series Gitzo tripods but not too fond of the little extra weight and size. I go hiking a lot and thought the 2 series would be a good middle of the road tripod for my 1d landscapes and 300mm shots. Would I have any issues using the 2 series out in the field with the 1d and 300mm setup? I searched and most talk about 300 f4 use with the 2 series, but not much about the 2.8 setup. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys kindly for reading.

[JETA]

I shoot with a Mark III and will be adding the 300mm f/2.8L IS soon. After much research and conversations with RRS I went with a 3 series. Specifically because the 2 series wouldn't have been able to accommodate the torque of the lens moreso then the weight.

[4g63photo]

So its not the weight but the torque of the lens that matters more. Thanks for the information.

[jhom]

I have been thinking about getting a tripod for my general landscape and 300mm 2.8. I like the 3 series Gitzo tripods but not too fond of the little extra weight and size. I go hiking a lot and thought the 2 series would be a good middle of the road tripod for my 1d landscapes and 300mm shots. Would I have any issues using the 2 series out in the field with the 1d and 300mm setup? I searched and most talk about 300 f4 use with the 2 series, but not much about the 2.8 setup. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys kindly for reading.

I assume you are referring to a Gitzo 2530 not 2430. If so, the 300 f2.8L IS should work fine with it. Gitzo rates their legs by weight and focal length. They refer to torsional stability for each legset. The maximum recommended focal length for the 2 series is 300mm. It doesn't matter if it is a f4 or f2.8. As I understand it, the angle of view is the critical variable. The AoV for an f4 is the same as f2.8.

I have the 2530 and 300 f2.8L IS. The 2530 works well with the 300. With proper long lens technique, you can even use an extender without deterioration of quality. However, I would not recommend the 2 series if you plan on using FL that are much longer. In that case, a 3 series is in order.

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

[4g63photo]

Yes Jim, I meant the 2540. Thanks. Its such a big jump from the 2530 to the 2540. About 100 dollars at BH. How is the weight on your whole setup? Would you take the setup hiking?

[jhom]

Yes Jim, I meant the 2540. Thanks. Its such a big jump from the 2530 to the 2540. About 100 dollars at BH. How is the weight on your whole setup? Would you take the setup hiking?

My setup weighs 3.8lbs = Gitzo GT2530 + Markins Q3 + Markins TB20 + RRS lever clamp - Gitzo center column - Gitzo center column thumb nut - Gitzo disk platform. I don't do much hiking but I've carried the leg setup for 3-4 hours at a time without noticing the weight. It nicely slips into the rail on my Think Tank Change Up belt when I'm not using it but moving around.