Anyone own the Gitzo GM2561T Traveler Monopod? Thoughts? Reviews?

[ben_r_]

Still haven't decided if I will be replacing my Bogen monopod with a lighter and smaller model, but if I do I have been seriously considering the Gitzo GM2561T Traveler version. At 14" closed and weighing only 11oz, it is def one of if not the smallest monopod I have found. The only issue is whether not the 10lbs max load it supports is enough. I think for say a 40D and a 100-400 it should be fine, but what do others think?

Does anyone have one of these yet? I realize its new, but they have been in stock for a few weeks at least that I know of. Anyone who own one have any pictures or care to make any comments?

For those who dont know about it already heres the specs and the B&H LINK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=568978&is=REG).

Gitzo GM2561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 9.9 lb (4.5 kg)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/568978.jpg

The Bogen/Manfrotto GM2561T Traveler 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod is an extremely lightweight and compact monopod. This monopod, when completely folded, stands at a diminutive 14.3", weighs less than one pound and fits into any case. At 56.1" when fully extended, the Traveler rises as tall as most standard Gitzo monopods.
This Traveler monopod also incorporates Gitzo's revolutionary 6X technology tube, which reduces the overall monopods weight up to 25% percent without sacrificing strength or stability.
Key Features

• 1mm Gitzo 6X Carbon Fiber Tube Gitzo was able to develop a six-crossed multilayer carbon fiber 30% lighter than the previous 1.5mm generation that features the same exceptional performance of stability and vibration absorption and unbeatable quality. • Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) System The Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) system makes it quick and easy to open and close the monopod. Simply turn all of the locking rings at once and the whole leg can be pulled out in seconds. • Safe Lock Disc The Safe Lock Disc top plate, composed of a techno-polymer compound, makes it possible to control the locking torque without prematurely stopping camera rotation and ensuring that users' equipment is safely and effectively locked in place. • Wrist Strap with Belt Clip Connected to the top plate is a wrist strap, with a handy wide belt clip incorporated. This makes it possible to hang the monopod directly from a belt, strap, or pocket.


Specifications

Maximum Height: 56.3" (143cm)
Folded Length: 14.2" (36cm)
Load Capacity: 9.9 lbs (4.5kg)
Leg Sections: 6
Leg Lock Type: Twist
Male Thread Size: 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible stud)
Weight: 11.6 oz (330g)

[JohnJ80]

Personally, I think it is a bit too lightweight. I'd expect that leg to be a little "twangy."

I have the 2540 monopod, and think its great. It isn't that much longer and only a few ounces heavier, but I'd have to be believe it is a lot more support.

Also, the 56" height is way too short for me at 6'. I'd want it to be at least 61 or 62". Using a monopod that makes you stoop or kneel sort of defeats the purpose.

J.

[ben_r_]

Personally, I think it is a bit too lightweight. I'd expect that leg to be a little "twangy."

I have the 2540 monopod, and think its great. It isn't that much longer and only a few ounces heavier, but I'd have to be believe it is a lot more support.

Also, the 56" height is way too short for me at 6'. I'd want it to be at least 61 or 62". Using a monopod that makes you stoop or kneel sort of defeats the purpose.

J.
Yes the GM2540 is more like what I was looking for. Only a few ounces more and hold over twice as much. Unfortunately the GM2540 is discontinued and B&H shows the replacement to be the GM2541 which is quite a bit heavier and the same closed length. When considering the newer GM2541 I feel I should just keep my Bogen 680B as its just as good.

I did find a retailer who still sells them for $250 shipped... Might consider it. Tell me, what head do you use on yours?

[JohnJ80]

Yes the GM2540 is more like what I was looking for. Only a few ounces more and hold over twice as much. Unfortunately the GM2540 is discontinued and B&H shows the replacement to be the GM2541 which is quite a bit heavier and the same closed length. When considering the newer GM2541 I feel I should just keep my Bogen 680B as its just as good.

I did find a retailer who still sells them for $250 shipped... Might consider it. Tell me, what head do you use on yours?

I don't use a head. I mount the A-S QR plate straight to the head. I have been looking at the RRS monopod head, looks good - but it is pricey. For that, I'm instead considering using the Q3 on it for the tiny minority of times that I need to have the ability to have an angle there (shooting alpine skiing up a bit of a headwall). About the same price as the Q3. 99% of ballheads don't work well because their friction controls stink and you really need good friction control to make it work well on a monopod (or a head that articulates only in one plane).

Also, it really doesn't make sense that the 2540 and the 2541 weigh different amounts. I say that and I think it is in error. I'd email Gitzo and ask them (or Bogen).

J.

[ben_r_]

I don't use a head. I mount the A-S QR plate straight to the head. I have been looking at the RRS monopod head, looks good - but it is pricey. For that, I'm instead considering using the Q3 on it for the tiny minority of times that I need to have the ability to have an angle there (shooting alpine skiing up a bit of a headwall). About the same price as the Q3. 99% of ballheads don't work well because their friction controls stink and you really need good friction control to make it work well on a monopod (or a head that articulates only in one plane).

Also, it really doesn't make sense that the 2540 and the 2541 weigh different amounts. I say that and I think it is in error. I'd email Gitzo and ask them (or Bogen).

J.
Any chance you could post a pic of the RRS clamp mounted on the monopod. Im curious to see how it looks, whether or not its completely flush against the monpod mount base, and how far the clamp sticks out around the edges.

[JohnJ80]

Any chance you could post a pic of the RRS clamp mounted on the monopod. Im curious to see how it looks, whether or not its completely flush against the monpod mount base, and how far the clamp sticks out around the edges.

I'll try. Maybe not today though....

J.

[jhom]

Here is a shot of my Gitzo GM5540 with an RRS screw clamp. It lays flat on the disk platform.

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/5530/gm5540jy9.jpg

[ben_r_]

Oh Im liking that with this combo!

http://reallyrightstuff.com/mmRRS/Images/full/MH01LR.gif

[JohnJ80]

That's where I'm getting hung up. I need to buy a new clamp and this super-3232 that RRS has introduced. The price on that is just about what a Q3 is which I can also use on my smaller tripod.

The idea of a ballhead on a monopod is one I don't like because there is no need or more than a hinge sort of movement. But it would be more workable than with other ballheads because of the terrific friction control that Markins has which is, IMO, better than on some of the other competitive ballheads.

J.

[ben_r_]

That's where I'm getting hung up. I need to buy a new clamp and this super-3232 that RRS has introduced. The price on that is just about what a Q3 is which I can also use on my smaller tripod.

The idea of a ballhead on a monopod is one I don't like because there is no need or more than a hinge sort of movement. But it would be more workable than with other ballheads because of the terrific friction control that Markins has which is, IMO, better than on some of the other competitive ballheads.

J.
Well, why dont you just get the RRS monopod head without the clamp for $150, keep the clamp your selling, use it on the monopod head and just ebay the RRS ballhead along with the rest of the stuff?

[JohnJ80]

Because the clamp that I have does not have the cross cut slots in the bottom to accommodate the protruding bosses on the top of the monopod head. So that means I have to buy another (yet again) RRS clamp. They keep changing it - which is the one thing that sort of pisses me off about them.

J.

[ben_r_]

Because the clamp that I have does not have the cross cut slots in the bottom to accommodate the protruding bosses on the top of the monopod head. So that means I have to buy another (yet again) RRS clamp. They keep changing it - which is the one thing that sort of pisses me off about them.

J.
Ah. Understood. Yes that would piss me off too. Hmmm... Something to consider as I begin to buy into their system...

[soumya63]

I have one and I love it. I have fitted it with a Manfrotto 234RC monopod quick release and use it with my Canon 20D with battery grip with 24-70mm f2.8L, 70-200mm f2.8L and 300mm f4L with canon 1.4x tele-extender. It is so small light and portable that I have no reason to leave it behind. It has a belt clip so it hangs unobstructed till it is needed.

I was first skeptical about the rigidity of the monopod when I first saw it in the showroom. It has 6 segments (generally considered poor for rigidity) and the smallest segment is as thin as a pencil. However when extended fully, I was very surprised to find it is very rigid within its specified load rating. it does not bow or flex. None of the segment has any wobbly play. Segments are locked secured by Gitzo twist lock system. I was very impressed by its engineering and craftsmanship. I then compared it with few other leading brand monopods in the showroom, but can not convince myself to save some money to buy something bigger and bulkier which will ultimately gather dust like my other monopods due to their ungainly size. I would rather carry a tripod than a monopod if I have to carry that much bulk.

My daughter often use it with her Canon GL1 and Vixia HF 10 cameras. She also use it as a boom for shotgun microphone.

Let me summarize my reasons for this purchase
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1) It will fit in my camera bag so I can carry it in my cabin baggage. This is very important for me as I often travel short distance by air without any registered baggage.
2) Small and light enough to carry always in my camera bag or hang from my Kinesis harness system
3) I am a very happy owner of Gitzo 2222 traveler tripod and delighted by their quality when I compare it with my other tripods from other makes. In my opinion Gitzo is the very best I can buy and I am sure if I use it within its limit (9.9 lb), it will outlive me.