Gitzo or Manfrotto Tripod- Need advise on different styles

[agsurfer]

O.K., I am stumped and I would like to put this out to the group for recommendations. I want to buy a travel tripod that I can carry around easily. I shoot with a 20D several lens including a 70-200L 2.8. I have pretty much narrowed it down to three tripods:

1) Manfrotto Mag Fiber 055 MF4 and either the compact ball head or the Horizontal grip action ball head.

2) Gitzo G-1298 Reporter Basalt and G-1276 M head

3) Gitzo G-2220 Explorer Aluminum and G-1276 M head.

Now, a few comments and questions. I like the Manfrotto for the price. After looking at it, it appears to have a lot of functional options. Does anyone have any experience with the Horizontal grip head. It looks functional. Is this a novelty? Should I just consider the standard ball head when looking for a good travel set-up? I like the Gitzo Basalt for the weight, although it looks as if the Manfrotto might actually be more versital. I am not sure. I like the Explorer b/c of it's versitility, but I can only afford the aluminum version (which means 3 leg sections instead of 4 and less packability). Would I be wiser to stick with one of the other two vs. the wide range of shooting possibilities this t-pod offers? I have always considered Gitzo and have never really considered the others. Am I being "blinded" by marketing hype here or is Gitzo really that much better and worth the investment. One last question. Can I put the manfrotto heads on the Gitzo tripods? What if I wanted the Basalt tripod and the Manfrotto horizontal grip head or the compact ball head? Could I do that?

I know that this is a long pst. Thanks for taking the time to read. I would appreciate anyones in-put on this.

Ciao

[ScottE]

I have an aluminum Manfrotto 055 PRO. It is a sturdy tripod and the locking levers make it convenient to set up. It is not very convenient for doing close to the ground shots, such as wildflowers. I ended up cutting the centre post short, but was still not entirely happy.

I don't have a Gitzo 1298. I looked at the 1228 which is probably similar. The weight was light, but it did not seem to be as stiff. It might be good for travel though. I didn't test it for low to the ground shots though, so I don't know how low it can go.

I have a Gitzo 2228 Explorer with is similar to the 2220 that you mentioned, except that it is carbon fiber instead of aluminum. As you mentioned, it is quite versatile and can be set up on any terrain and get very close to the ground shots. This is the one I use for travel and outdoor photography. The collar type leg clamps are not as convenient as the lever type on Manfrotto, but you get used to them, they don't catch on brush or camera straps and they never need adjustment as the levers sometimes do.

As for ball heads, there is no reason that the head and tripod have to be the same manufacturer. They are all fastened to the tripod head by a 3/8-16 screw (except some lightweight models that use a 1/4-20 screw). I tried small and medium sized Manfrotto ball heads, that worked OK and seemed good until I received an Acratech ball head as a gift. This had to be ordered from the manufacturer in the USA since I couldn't find a local distributor in Canada, but the service was very prompt and helpful. This ball head is very smooth, locks very securely and is both light and compact for travel purposes.

Scott

[scottbergerphoto]

I use the Gitzo G1228 under alot of different conditions. It is light and very sturdy. You might want to read the tripod discussion at www.reallyrightstuff.com . They are also a great place to buy Gitzo tripods. I just got a G1548 from them. Cheap shipping and no tax to NY.

[jrm]

I started a similar thread a few weeks back, and am still trying to make a decision. Like you, I am considering the G-2220. The basalt versions of these look great, but seem to only save about 1/2-pound of weight. Anyway, I really like the tilting column, which is why this is still on my list.

If weight is a consideration, you may want to look at Feisol. They have received very good reviews from users. Cost is about $200USD and it is a very lightweight carbon fiber tripod. They sell direct and on ebay - you can also buy them here: http://www.thresholdconcepts.com/photo-ct3301.htm (I cannot vouch for any of these ordering methods).


As far as a head - that is the part that is really holding up my decision. I am looking at the Kirk BH-3 right now, but am having a hard time justifying the cost in my mind. I would love to get the Markins, but that is another $100 over the Kirk.

--Joe

[DavidEB]

I just got a Gitzo 2220 and an acratech ballhead. I wanted a tripod that could get low to the ground and could put the camera exactly where I wanted it. The Acratech looks like it's more flexible than a standard ball mounted in a cylinder and easier to clean, and it supports a huge load. I decided on arca plates because of the anti-twist lip that holds the camera securely.

I haven't used it much yet but can see that it is a superb combination. Both the Gitzo and the Acratech allow tremenous flexibility in positioning the camera. The combination is very rigid.

The aluminum Gitzo is only about 1/2 pound heavier than its carbon-fiber equivalent, and is much lighter than the Bogen 3021. The carbon tripods that are significantly lighter than the Gitzo won't support as much weight and don't easily allow close-to-the-ground positioning.

So far, a happy customer.