Gitzo GM2541 or Gitzo GM3551?

[lsquare]

The weight difference between these two monopods is not an issue for me. It seems like the difference between these two monopods is that the 3551 is taller when fully extended and have a larger weight capacity. I'm 5'8" tall and I'm not sure if the 3551 might be too tall for me to use. Maybe you guys can give me an input on that. If money wasn't a problem and you had the choice of these two monopods, which one would you get?

[Bubble]

GM3551 ofcourse.

[jhom]

Thinking outside the box, I would suggest you look at the GM5541. It will be the last monopod you will buy. I switched over to it from a Manfrotto 680 and I wished I had done it much much sooner. Here is a review of it: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Gitzo-GM5540-6x-Carbon-Fiber-Monopod-Review.aspx

[René Damkot]

which one would you get?

The longer one.

[SYS]

Remember, you can make the tall monopod shorter but you can't make the short monopod taller. I have the 3550 (same as 3551), and I use 4 sections until I need the last leg. That last leg can become handy, such as shooting atop a chair over crowds of people or having to shoot on a downslope, etc. etc.

[ben_r_]

Personally I didnt feel I would ever need anything stronger than the 2 series monopod, but depending on what lenses you intend to buy in the future or already have... that would be the determining factor.

[CS TAN]

I agree with SYS. If you use ladder to shoot, that extra length will come in handy.

For most people, 2 series is good enough but 3 series will give you a bit more flexibility if the weight is not an issue.

A 5 series? :lol:

[SYS]

By the way, I bought the 3550 before getting the grip for my 40D, and am I GLAD that I have the 3 series monopod as the load is extra heavier with the grip and extra battery. The 5 series is of course better for the weight tolerance, but it's shorter than the 3 series.

[ben_r_]

By the way, I bought the 3550 before getting the grip for my 40D, and am I GLAD that I have the 3 series monopod as the load is extra heavier with the grip and extra battery. The 5 series is of course better for the weight tolerance, but it's shorter than the 3 series.
With the GM2541 holding a max of 26+lbs I am 100% sure youd have been MORE than fine with the 2 series... A gripped 40D with two batterys, 70-200mm 2.8 IS lens attached w/ hood and a 580EX II on top with Better Beamer only weighs just under 9lbs. The 3 series is more for those with lenses like the 300 or 400 2.8 IS or larger and even some of those might be okay on a 2 series.

[SYS]

With the GM2541 holding a max of 26+lbs I am 100% sure youd have been MORE than fine with the 2 series... A gripped 40D with two batterys, 70-200mm 2.8 IS lens attached w/ hood and a 580EX II on top with Better Beamer only weighs just under 9lbs. The 3 series is more for those with lenses like the 300 or 400 2.8 IS or larger and even some of those might be okay on a 2 series.

When I was researching on which monopod to purchase, I did all the weight configurations and calculations, AS WELL AS which lenses I will be adding in the future. Whenever I purchase something, I always think about the future equipment growth -- especially when you're getting something as expensive as the Gitzo stick!! I'm planning on getting the 500mm, and although ON PAPER the 2 series might be enough even for such lens, I much prefer to have a plenty of "psychological comfort" of knowing that the product will do the job. So out with the 2 series for me. Now, as for the 5 series.... three things I didn't care for... 1) overkill for my needs, 2) don't care for the feeling of holding a tree trunk, and 3) shorter height than the 3 series... But this is of course entirely personal and subjective -- just me. :)