gitzo

[tbar]

i have decided to purchase a gitzo tripod , i just need some advice, i want to buy the right one the first time so im willing if need be, to spend up to 1000.00
total with the head i can spend less that would be great
i need an all around tripod , i will be using it for backpacking 2 or 3 day trips, air travel but also for everyday use as well . my biggest lens is a 70-200m f2.8L
not sure what model to buy . i appreciate any suggestions
thanks

[ben_r_]

I have been really eying the Gitzo 1451T. More details why here: LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=529974)

[JC4]

Good luck deciding. Took me a while. Every model has its compromise. Weight, height, folded-length, all vs stability & capacity. For a while I was thinking 2541 to meet all my needs, general purpose, travel, hiking, occasional heavy lenses.

But, I ended up with a 1541t. Deciding travel & hiking are my primary uses, so I went with the smallest/lightest to support my travel gear. Eventually, I'll end up with a second, larger, probably 3 series, for times when stability is more important than portability.

For the price, I didn't want to get it wrong. After a lot of reading, I decided a middle sized pod(2541) was not the way to go, for me. I'd rather have more targeted tools, especially when they cost so much.

[jhom]

As JohnC notes, in his case travel and hiking were primary and so he went with the 1series. Do you have the same needs as him? If so, then the 1 series with a Markins Q3 with be the way I would go. However, if you want a more general purpose setup where hiking and traveling is not primary but occasional situations, then I would go with a 2 series. In fact, that was my decision. I would recommend the new 2531/2541 Gitzos with a Q3. Here is my 2530 + Q3 + TB20 + RRS lever clamp = 3.8lbs.

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

[tbar]

thanks for the replies
i would have never thought that deciding on a tripod would be so confusing

[jhom]

thanks for the replies
i would have never thought that deciding on a tripod would be so confusing

Not really. You have already made the hardest decision, a Gitzo. Now all you have to do is pick one from the best available.

[Quad]

I too went with a 2 series (2540) as I did not want two field tripods.

Reasons === I don't use it in a studio but rather in the field. If I was going to use it in a studio I would get either a stand or a large/tall 7-8 foot aluminum one that costs less, carbon fiber is light so it can be taken in the field. Vibration is less of a problem in a studio as well, no wind and such, that makes CF a bit better so again for inside the heavy aluminum would do.

The 1 series is not hugely lighter but struck me as a bit flimsy (that is very subjective and not based on use so it was a personal judgement call). I remove the head and center post when traveling by plane and carry it on if I have no check luggage (which is usually the case). The T series does fold up nice and neat though.

The 2 series is good enough for up to a 300/2.8 lens and I am likely never to go beyond 200 mm if that much. If I get bitten by the birding/surf photo bug then another tripod is going to be the least of my expenses.

JC4 made the other decision I was considering and that would work for me as well if I was open to doubling my tripod expenditure, which I wasn't. If you don't mind the two tripod option this would be a good way to go. A 1 series first then a 3 series if you like it and still want something larger for shorter hikes.

[René Damkot]

2541 with Markins M10 or 1 series with Q3 if weight is *very* important.

Some reviews here (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tripod-Ballhead-and-Accessory-Reviews.aspx), some more info clickable from here (http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=19)

[sml]

I just went through this same process.
Same lens, too!! (70-200 f2.8 IS L)
I ended up with the Gitzo 2531 and the RRS BH-40. Just got it last week some time and I've been very happy with my choice. The legs are easy to use and quite steady and the head is a work of art! I also got the Quick Release clamp and the L-Bracket for my camera.
It took me a while, but I am totally happy with the results! With respect to the 70-200 lens, it works absolutely fine with the setup I have--very stable! That's the lens that I've used the most with the setup so far.
(I used feedback from this site and others and also contacted NAPP for suggestions on heads, legs, clamps, etc. I found that Really Right Stuff also has a great site that goes into a lot of explanations and actual tutorials on various aspects of the entire "system." I also got a lot of assistance with my questions from the people at RRS on the phone and through e-mail.)
Good luck and don't get too bogged down in the decision making process like I did!