Gitzo GT-1541T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs

[rklepper]

I am just getting ready to purchase ->THIS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548364-REG/Gitzo_GT1541T_GT_1541T_Traveler_6X_Carbon.html)<- tripod. I have settled on a Kirk BH-3 ballhead (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554685-REG/Kirk_BH_3_BH_3_Ballhead_with_Quick.html). I will be retiring soon and plan to travel extensively until I can no longer stand up and walk. Does anyone have experience with this tripod? The heaviest lens it will have on it is the 100-400.

Thanks in advance.

[Snow001]

I paired this tripod along with a Markins Q3T which is more compact. Great for travelling and can definitely accomodate the load that you are planning to use it with. Originally I was looking at the BH-3 however Ben_r's great review (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298) made me decide to go with the Q3T. The GT-1541T, Markin's Q3T and RRS Quick Release combo is a popular set-up here on POTN.

I love it so much that now I'm afraid of checking it in for fear of it being stolen by the baggage handlers. I did insure my gear however I guess I just cant help it.

Lately I have been contemplating on getting a "cheaper" and much smaller set-up. The Benro Travel Angel C-069M8 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=619519) with B-00 Ballhead folds to around 13" and is less than 2 lbs. This set-up is 5" shorter than the Gitzo. I could technically carry this with me on my carry on. The ballhead however has mixed reviews so I might switch it later on.

However a Gitzo is a Gitzo so one just cant match the quality on these things. The size of the Benro is however very tempting.

Just my .02 cents :cool:

[ben_r_]

You really should consider getting the Markin Q3T head instead. It was designed and made especially for the GT1541T. As mentioned above, see my review: LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298).

[mdr]

I nearly pulled the trigger on the Gitzo myself, but came across the Feisol Travel tripod. Went with the Feisol as the Gitzo is too low (I'm 6'1" tall) and takes less weight.

Love the Feisol and Kirk BH-3 combo.

[tvphotog]

I nearly pulled the trigger on the Gitzo myself, but came across the Feisol Travel tripod. Went with the Feisol as the Gitzo is too low (I'm 6'1" tall) and takes less weight.

Love the Feisol and Kirk BH-3 combo.

The difference in the two weight capacity is minimal between these two tripods, and the Feisol is a relatively new product with no broad history of use and reliability behind it and is sold only on the internet. It has a three yr warranty where the Gitzo has a lifetime warranty and has superb longterm use and reliability history.

I would support your decision on the Gitzo, and strongly recommend the Markins Q3T head. That head is very strong for its weight and will allow you to fold the legs tightly around it for easy packing and carrying. I've strapped it to my backpack and it is only an inch higher than the pack itself. Carry it easily onto a plane.

[ben_r_]

The difference in the two weight capacity is minimal between these two tripods, and the Feisol is a relatively new product with no broad history of use and reliability behind it and is sold only on the internet. It has a three yr warranty where the Gitzo has a lifetime warranty and has superb longterm use and reliability history.

I would support your decision on the Gitzo, and strongly recommend the Markins Q3T head. That head is very strong for its weight and will allow you to fold the legs tightly around it for easy packing and carrying. I've strapped it to my backpack and it is only an inch higher than the pack itself. Carry it easily onto a plane.
I second everything said here! :)

[MDJAK]

Oh, Doc, oh, Doc, you are so fortunate I ran across this thread.

I owned that tripod. I now have the three section version of it. Doesn't fold down quite as small, but I like it better than the four section.

Do NOT for a second believe it will "ONLY" hold a 100-400. That is complete hogwash.

I used mine for my 1 Series and 300 f2.8. It held it rock steady. I now use it with my Sidekick and D3 and 200-400 f4, which is every bit as heavy and long as a 500mm F4, and it holds that combination without breaking a sweat.

It's very important to determine what exactly you plan on using it for. If long exposures are your thing, in windy conditions, then and only then will the tripod perhaps not be as stiff as you'd like with a heavy load.

If it's for general purpose use, it'll hold just about anything you throw at it.

Good luck.
me

[drPheta]

Solid pod, IMO. Solid pod. Really, couldn't buy a better travel tripod.

[Najo]

I also have the 1541T plus Markins Q3T setup, it is a dream with my 50D and 400 5.6. I however have not used the Kirk for a comparison. I did not find it necessary to put the RRS clamp on, for the setup I have I do not feel the need for it and I prefer the screw knob. You will not be disappointed with this tripod!

[GlobexCo]

You really should consider getting the Markin Q3T head instead. It was designed and made especially for the GT1541T. As mentioned above, see my review: LINK (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298).

Agreed! I'm going to jump in and also say that the Q3T is phenomenal with the 1541T.

[batch]

I also agree, the Q3T is phenomenal with the 1541T. I just wish the knobs were positioned slightly differently so the legs could completely fold down. That's my only gripe (and it's a small one). I know, you can extend one of the legs a half inch so it's almost completely flush ... but still, for a $300 ballhead that's specifically designed for the Gitzo traveler series, I was hoping it would be perfect.

[GlobexCo]

That's true batch. I actually should have mentioned that myself. It really is the one (and only) flaw.