Tripod question

[Bob F]

I am 6'5 and would like some information from anyone on a carbon fiber tripod that would work for my height. I am currently using a Gitzo 1320 and the height and pod is great, only concern is the weight when walking a long distance and traveling. Any help would be appreciated.....


Bob

[JohnJ80]

I am 6'5 and would like some information from anyone on a carbon fiber tripod that would work for my height. I am currently using a Gitzo 1320 and the height and pod is great, only concern is the weight when walking a long distance and traveling. Any help would be appreciated.....


Bob

I think the 3540XLS might work for you. Tripod with a Markins M20 is probably right at 5lbs.

J.

[Bob F]

Thank you J is this the same as the 3541xls???

Bob F

[JohnJ80]

Yes. The 3541 is a slightly improved version of the 3540.

J.

[Styria]

What exactly did they improve in the 3541? The PDF specs on Gitzo's site show most of the difference in the flat plate on top (there's now two parts to it), but the ring it sits in and the legs attach to is still the same. What would the benefits be and could you just get the new plate separately?

[René Damkot]

and could you just get the new plate separately?

Yes. (From the brochure I've seen)

[Bob F]

Thanks everyone, I just received my new Gitzo 3541XLS... What type ballhead do you recommend?


Bob

[JohnJ80]

Markins M20 is perfect on that tripod. It is the lightest head that is sized to for those legs. The BH55 weighs almost 2X as much (2lbs vs 1.25lbs). The 3541 legs are so light it seems criminal to put a ballhead on top that was 1lb more than it has to, IMO.

J.

[René Damkot]

Second the Markins. I have an M10, and it's great.

If you only use the tripod for long lenses, the new Gitzo Systematic Ball (http://www.bogenimaging.fr/Jahia/site/bifr/pid/8604?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=GH5380SQR&productDescription=SER.5%20SYSTEMATIC%20BALL%20HEA D%20QR&curBrandId=BGI&market=MKT1) might be nice. (Never used it, but saw it at the PhotoKina: Looks good, and pairs well with a Systematic tripod)

[sdipirro]

I have the Markins M20 on the Gitzo 3541 legs, and it really is a good match. I use the RRS QR system on the M20 (ordered the M20 without their QR plate). I really love this combination.

[Bob F]

Thank you for the feedback on the Markin 20> I was leaning to the RRS55, but do not see anything that tells me this is the right way to go>

bob