Gitzo 3531 - center column or not?

[pigtailpat]

What is the advantage of a center column on the 3531 - there are 2 versions of this tripod, one with a center column, one without.......

What is the advantage of a center column.....

Also, are there short people using this setup? I'm 5'2" and I have noticed many posts about height of the person using a tripod setup.....

I'm interested in the 3531 only because I have one lens, the 120-300, which could possibly benefit from the extra support the 3531 provides, it very well might be overkill for this lens...do you think a series 2 will still be sturdy enough for the 120-300?

I'm still saving for the tripod....sometimes I feel like giving up and go to the 055XPROB, but I am still trying to hold out for a Gitzo....

Thanks....

[ToyTrains]

I have also been looking at the Gitzo 3531. The two models are the GT3531 which is their Mountaineer line which includes the center column. The GT3531S is their Systematic line which does not include a center column. The Systematic line is their most flexible line and allows you to modify the tripod in the future (for example by adding a center column).

The center column allows you to easily increase and adjust the height of the camera. The downsides are that it can also increase vibrations (although I have heard that with these tripods it is somewhat less of an issue).

The GT3531S without the center column is about 1.5" shorter so this may be better for you. You can always not extend the legs fully to achieve a lower height but this may not be as convenient to setup. The GT3531S is also less expensive because it doesn't have the center column.

If you want the camera viewfinder at slightly below eye level (so you can also see the LCD and knobs at the top of the camera) you can take the height of the tripod, add the height of the head, and add the distance from the bottom of the camera (including any grip) to the viewfinder to see if the tripod is a good height for you.

[jhom]

The use of a center column is a personal preference/convenience and sometimes a necessity. Essentially, it all depends on whether you need additional height to capture a shot. The most convenient position for shooting is where the viewfinder is at eye level. So, you want a tripod that at minimum conveniently sets up to your eye level (this includes your camera and ballhead). If you frequently shoot subject matter that is above your eye level, you would want a tripod that gives you the additional height so that the viewfinder is at eye level. This is best accomplished by having a taller tripod because of stability. Extension of the center column will introduce some instability to your system. The longer the extension the greater chance of instability and introduction of vibration.

The GT3531S may be a good choice for you given your height. The Gitzo systematic series offers you the option of adding a center column should you need it. My advice is to try one out before buying it.

Personally, my advice is to keep your resolve and go for a Gitzo. You will not regret it. I have gone the route of several lesser tripods only to find out that I needed better.

To answer your question about a 2 series vs a 3 series depends on whether you plan on longer focal length lenses in the future. Gitzo rates their tripods on both FL and weight. The 2 series will adequately handle FL up to 300 and it is a great general purpose legset. You will gain additional stability with the 3 series. I have 2530 that I frequently use with my 300 f2.8L IS without problems. With some good long lens techniques, I am able to use the 2530 when I add extenders to the 300.

[pigtailpat]

Thanks to toy above and yourself.

I would NEVER entertain any longer lens the current 120-300. I have no desire whatsoever to ever go to a 400 or longer. I do have an extender that I would sometimes use on the 120-300, only if light conditions permit it, but, most of the time, I do not have any extender on the 120-300.

Most of the time, I would shoot with shorter lenses on a tripod. The reason why I want this tripod to be able to hold the 120-300, is because I would like to do some zoo shooting, that is, if I ever get enough money for a tripod to begin with.....:rolleyes: That's why I want to make sure I have the support necessary for that lens, and I am concerned that the 120-300 might be on the outer limits of a 2 series, and it might be safer with a 3 series..... For the money, I would like to be able to give myself flexibility......

Once I have saved enough, I definitely plan on making a trip to B & H because I agree, this is one purchase you just have to handle personally to get a feel of what is better.......

Thanks so much for the input, I guess then, a center column, since I am so short, would enable me to raise the center part higher than the outside legs, if I needed that for whatever scene that is being shot.. I do in fact find that alot of the time things are much higher above me due my shortness....(my mother always encouraged me by saying good things come in small packages...) :D


The use of a center column is a personal preference/convenience and sometimes a necessity. Essentially, it all depends on whether you need additional height to capture a shot. The most convenient position for shooting is where the viewfinder is at eye level. So, you want a tripod that at minimum conveniently sets up to your eye level (this includes your camera and ballhead). If you frequently shoot subject matter that is above your eye level, you would want a tripod that gives you the additional height so that the viewfinder is at eye level. This is best accomplished by having a taller tripod because of stability. Extension of the center column will introduce some instability to your system. The longer the extension the greater chance of instability and introduction of vibration.

The GT3531S may be a good choice for you given your height. The Gitzo systematic series offers you the option of adding a center column should you need it. My advice is to try one out before buying it.

Personally, my advice is to keep your resolve and go for a Gitzo. You will not regret it. I have gone the route of several lesser tripods only to find out that I needed better.

To answer your question about a 2 series vs a 3 series depends on whether you plan on longer focal length lenses in the future. Gitzo rates their tripods on both FL and weight. The 2 series will adequately handle FL up to 300 and it is a great general purpose legset. You will gain additional stability with the 3 series. I have 2530 that I frequently use with my 300 f2.8L IS without problems. With some good long lens techniques, I am able to use the 2530 when I add extenders to the 300.

[tvphotog]

You're only adding about 1.5 " at the top of the column if you get the tripod with the column, and while that may be minimally less stable than anchoring the camera to the tripod head directly, if you think you'll need the added height much of the time, get the column one.

Also, Markins (www.markinsamerica.com) makes a base that sits on top of the tripod after removing the column to allow direct connection of the ballhead. If you find yourself using the column unextended most of the time, you can buy this base and switch to it. Kind of the reverse of buying the tripod without the column and then adding it later.

[ToyTrains]

You're only adding about 1.5 " at the top of the column if you get the tripod with the column, and while that may be minimally less stable than anchoring the camera to the tripod head directly, if you think you'll need the added height much of the time, get the column one.

Also, Markins (www.markinsamerica.com (http://www.markinsamerica.com)) makes a base that sits on top of the tripod after removing the column to allow direct connection of the ballhead. If you find yourself using the column unextended most of the time, you can buy this base and switch to it. Kind of the reverse of buying the tripod without the column and then adding it later.
Is the base needed for the Systematic tripods or only for the Mountaineer tripods?

[jhom]

Besides adding some height to the tripod, the Markins Tripod Base was mainly designed to reduce vibrations. As such, it can be used with both the Systematic and Mountaineer series.

[ToyTrains]

Besides adding some height to the tripod, the Markins Tripod Base was mainly designed to reduce vibrations. As such, it can be used with both the Systematic and Mountaineer series.
I just checked the Markins website (http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/TB-30.php) and they don't show that the newer Systematic tripods are supported by the base (like the GT3531S).

Looking at the installation instructions (http://www.markinsamerica.com/downloads/TB_install_en_v1.pdf) it looks like the base screws into the center column support which doesn't exist on the Systematic tripods. I am confused :confused:

[jhom]

Toy,

You are correct. The TB is used with the center column legs (mountaineer). I don't know what I was thinking when I posted my response. I guess I needed my morning coffee first. Sorry.

Here are a couple shots of my 2530 setup. The first is with my M10 and tripod base. The second is with a Q3.

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/5864/m10rh3.jpg

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

[pigtailpat]

First off - sorry if I am breaking protocol by reviving an old thread, but I thought it might be helpful to have the background.......

I am finally approaching, possibly, the point whereby I can finally get the tripod. I am still debating the issue of center column or not. However, one of the purposes of the tripod, (among others) is to enable copy work that is too big for my copy stand, which kinda is pushing me to the 3531 mountaineer with the column - as an example to show you look at photo below - this photo is not mine - I happened to see it at some website, I downloaded the photo for reference - and now I cannot locate the website I got it from so I can give credit to the original site - sorry -

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/pigtailpat/45degree.jpg

Can anyone tell me what is the bracket that is holding the column horizontally - and if that is an accessory item to be obtained on the 3531?

A trip to B& H is soon in my future.....

Thanks.....

[Sunapollo]

If your photography works require shooting from top to bottom like the one in picture, I suggest you check into Gitzo's explorer series ... it's a very flexible tripod and you can set up your tripod creatively

[pigtailpat]

Sunapollo---

I also want to do zoo shooting and I have a 120-300 siggy, which requires the mountaineer.........

Pat

[ToyTrains]

You can get a Gitzo Lateral Arm (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=gitzo+lateral+arm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes) that attaches to their tripods. I don't think you need the center column (but I am not sure).

[pigtailpat]

Toy -

that was what I was after, whether I needed the center column to use the tripod as a copy stand in combination with the lateral arm. For the money invested, I want to make sure my legs can do everything I throw at them. I can raise the legs themselves higher or lower, and additionally raise the camera via the center column independently as well. For regular shooting, I can remove the column and use the markins plate (base) as you indicated above to sort of get back the stability of the 3531s in reverse. I guess I really have to do a personal shopping trip, and was hoping someone here has used the legs this way and can guide me........

[ToyTrains]

btw The photo doesn't seem to be the most stable setup. I would think having one of the legs directly under the extended camera would be most stable.

[pigtailpat]

btw The photo doesn't seem to be the most stable setup. I would think having one of the legs directly under the extended camera would be most stable.

I agree, but only used the photo to get the idea of what I need to do and achieve across. From most of what I have read, when using a lateral arm in this way, the user is supposed to have a counterweight on the other end I think. Also, when I do copy work, it's not going to be with a heavy lens, at most it would be either my 50 1.8, or, 24-105 (w/ possibly extension tubes - depending on size of item to be reproduced - this varies alot - also depending on what light I have etc.). I would never use the 70-200 or 120-300 for any copy work.....

[jhom]

As already mentioned, I would suggest you consider the Gitzo EX series. The 2541EX gives you an articulating arm that also functions as a vertical/horizontal arm.

[Jannie]

I got the 3531 with the center column, I do lots of table top and it's a must for fine and broader adjustments. I'm using a RRS 55 head on it and shooting with a MKIII and up through the 70-200 2.8 IS lens with tele extenders sometimes outdoors, it's an ideal setup. The column is stiff as can be and I've never felt the need to worry, but if I did start to worry, I can put it down so only about 6 inches is up and view easily without bending over and I'm quite tall.

[SunTsu]

People are always saying that spending on good glass is more important than spending on bodies (not saying I agree or disagree). However, it seems to me that too many people don't realize the importance of good support (and light). After buying all Gitzo support, I'm a firm believer that one should spend as much time and possibly money on support (I've had cheap tripods before and all they did was frustrate me).

My two cents:
Center column. Ditch it. I have the 3530S which is the precursor to the 3531S and purchased the center column only so that I could have a center weight hook. The 3531S comes with a top plate that incorporates a hook. I recently purchased the new plate and effectively upgraded my 3530S to a 3531S. Since then, I've never used the center column. The column also adds weight and an element of instability.

Height. I'm 5'9" and with the center column, I couldn't have the legs fully extended for most shots. I ended up marking the tripod legs with a marker so that I new how far to extend the legs so that the eyepiece would be at eye height.

Ground work. If you plan on doing any ground work, you won't be able to use the center column because it will block the tripod from going all the way down.

Arca swiss. I'd highly recommend this system of mounts. Kirk seems to be a good brand. I have all RRS stuff, but would probably go Kirk if I started over again.

Series. 2xxx series is probably good enough for what you're going to use because of the saved weight. However, the 3xxx series is not that much heavier, and quite a bit sturdier.

[ToyTrains]

My two cents:
Center column. Ditch it.
I have found a really good use for a center column. If you are seated and have the tripod in front of you, I found it very convenient to not extend the leg sections. This way the tripod doesn't interfere with anyone sitting near you.

I then raise the center column (not fully) so the viewfinder is at eye level. It is a very compact setup that works well.

The Series 3 is strong enough that the extended column didn't cause any problems. I have used this setup with a 70-200 f2.8IS + 2x extender.

[pigtailpat]

I got the 3531 with the center column, I do lots of table top and it's a must for fine and broader adjustments. I'm using a RRS 55 head on it and shooting with a MKIII and up through the 70-200 2.8 IS lens with tele extenders sometimes outdoors, it's an ideal setup. The column is stiff as can be and I've never felt the need to worry, but if I did start to worry, I can put it down so only about 6 inches is up and view easily without bending over and I'm quite tall.

Jannie - I guess you're the one closest to using the 3531 for copy work (re: tabletop use). So you believe the center column is critical for doing those adjustments in copy work? You know what I mean - when something is big and you need the whole thing in frame, you have to go up further or down (think copy stand only in tripod form), depending of course on the camera body what sensor you're working with and lens etc........so it's much easier adjusting the center column up/down as apposed to doing those adjustments with the legs?

SunTsu - I dig what you're saying regarding ditching the column for other shooting, and with the 3531, I'm pretty sure you can remove the column and simply add the markins base - because that sort of inverts the 3531 back to the 3531s (as Toytrains above was saying). But I have to be sure I can also do copy work for objects that are too big for my copy stand. At these prices, I really cannot afford to do 2 tripods for different purposes....

I want to thank EVERYONE for your input, there's no question I have to make a personal trip in and see the leg differences in person.....