Gitzo Mountaineer vs Traveler both 1541.

[Hknivers]

I have been searching on the forum for an answer to this question:

Do I sacrifice any stability by buying a Gitzo 1541 Traveler tripod compared to the Gitzo Mountaineer 1541?

Also, would the 1531 Mountaineer be even more stable? If so, does anyone know how much?

I often shoot on top of quite windy mountaintops and because of that I'm worried about vibrations/camera shake. I have now a Manfrotto 055XPROB, but that is a bit on the heavy side. I will probably never shoot with anything heavier thant a 5D with 70-200 f/4L IS, and most of the time I will be using a 17-40 f/4L. Probably with a Lee Filter setup on both lenses...

Any thoughts?

PS: Where is the cheapest place to buy Gitzo in the UK?

[ed rader]

I have been searching on the forum for an answer to this question:

Do I sacrifice any stability by buying a Gitzo 1541 Traveler tripod compared to the Gitzo Mountaineer 1541?

Also, would the 1531 Mountaineer be even more stable? If so, does anyone know how much?

I often shoot on top of quite windy mountaintops and because of that I'm worried about vibrations/camera shake. I have now a Manfrotto 055XPROB, but that is a bit on the heavy side. I will probably never shoot with anything heavier thant a 5D with 70-200 f/4L IS, and most of the time I will be using a 17-40 f/4L. Probably with a Lee Filter setup on both lenses...

Any thoughts?

PS: Where is the cheapest place to buy Gitzo in the UK?

the thing i don't like about the traveller is i would need to use the center column most of the time. if i owned the regular 1541 i'd remove the center column because i'd never need it.

ed rader

[Hknivers]

the thing i don't like about the traveller is i would need to use the center column most of the time. if i owned the regular 1541 i'd remove the center column because i'd never need it.

ed rader

So you can't remove the center column from the traveler as you can with the mountaineers?

[ed rader]

So you can't remove the center column from the traveler as you can with the mountaineers?


i'm not sure. but if i could remove the center column on the traveller i would be shooting from my knees :D.

the regular 1541 is 54.3" tall without column and folds down to 21.3". those dimensions are perfect for me. i really don't need the additional compactness of the traveller especially at the expense of the height without column penalty.

ed rader

[Hknivers]

i'm not sure. but if i could remove the center column on the traveller i would be shooting from my knees :D.

the regular 1541 is 54.3" tall without column and folds down to 21.3". those dimensions are perfect for me. i really don't need the additional compactness of the traveller especially at the expense of the height without column penalty.

ed rader

Thanks. I'm using a Manfrotto 055xprob, but I find myself seldom using more than two sections of the feet. Being a "Ultra Wide Man" I usually shoot very close to the ground.... I think I'll go for the 1531 or the 1541 mountaineer.

[ed rader]

Thanks. I'm using a Manfrotto 055xprob, but I find myself seldom using more than two sections of the feet. Being a "Ultra Wide Man" I usually shoot very close to the ground.... I think I'll go for the 1531 or the 1541 mountaineer.


the 1531 is the better buy but if you ever travel it's too long for my bag, but i really like the 1541....as if you couldn't tell ;).

ed rader

[D_M_T]

the 1531 is the better buy but if you ever travel it's too long for my bag, but i really like the 1541....as if you couldn't tell ;).

ed rader

I too opted for the 1541 and have found it to be the right balance b/w compactness and functionality.

[NYPhotog]

I, too, much prefer the 1541 vs. the 1541T. In addition to being taller, it is also more stable.

[Hknivers]

In addition to being taller, it is also more stable.

THAT, was my main question! Thanks! :D

Stability is my main concern. Weight is the second, and after that the compactness... :)

[chinoamigo]

too bad you aren't in the USA.. i have a pretty much brand new 1541 that i'm trying to sell!

[ben_r_]

too bad you aren't in the USA.. i have a pretty much brand new 1541 that i'm trying to sell!
OT: Just out of curiosity, what are you thinking of switching to?

[chinoamigo]

OT: Just out of curiosity, what are you thinking of switching to?

switched to 2541.. i use the 70-200 for long exposures a good amount of time and it was just a little better for me imo.

[RPCrowe]

I use a tripod that is really shorter that I would like it without raising the center column which I will not do.

However, my modified SLIK Pro 330DX weighs only 1 pound 14 ounces with the Adorama F-1 head and the optional shorter center column. It only cost me a total of about $125 for the legs, head and optional center column.

I can live with the height concern for this price and weight.

It is surprisingly sturdy and stable for its weight and supports my 40D + 70-200mm f/4L IS lens with no problem. I have used it on the rim of Bryce Canyon, Utah in brisk breezes and it did a good job. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other tripods and it has no fancy name but, it does what a tripod is intended to do - keep the camera steady when I shoot.

However, this post is not to sing the praises of my boonie tromping tripod, it is to tell you how I work around using a shorter tripod. It may not work or be comfortable for everyone but, it works for this 6'1" guy.

I use my right angle finder to enable me to view my image without bending down awkwardly. Since I use my full size Giottos MT-8180 CF Tripod for following action and just use the SLIK to keep the camera stable; mostly for HDR shots and panos, looking down as I frame my shots is no problem. Additionally, I cut my teeth on Rolleiflex and Mamiya twin lens reflex cameras, so I am very comfortable framing my image while looking down.

The one pound 14 ounce package is remarkably light and it folds up into a small package.