Difference between the Gitzo GT3541L and GT3541LS?

[lsquare]

Just out of curiosity, what's the difference between these two tripods? The only thing that I see is the lack of a center column on the LS.

[René Damkot]

IIRC, S stands for "short".

[mike_d]

S=Systematic

Systematic tripods have wider top plates and no center column. Your ballhead would mount directly to the top plate instead of sitting on a small plate on a center column. Systematic tripods accept various accessories including center columns, leveling columns, horizontal bars, etc.

[Starved]

The GT3541L is mountaineer series.

The GT3541LS the "S" stands for Systematic Series. The Systematic line can be reconfigured with different accessories. The S series is also stronger and more stable.

Took me awhile to figure it all out when I was looking for one. Ended up buying the GT5541LS.

[jhom]

As already mentioned, one is a Mountaineer and the other a Systematic. If you plan on using a center column frequently, then the mountaineer series is the way to go. If not, the Systematic series is often preferred. You can always add the optional center column or other Systematic accessories to the Systematic but not to the Mountaineer.

[lsquare]

As already mentioned, one is a Mountaineer and the other a Systematic. If you plan on using a center column frequently, then the mountaineer series is the way to go. If not, the Systematic series is often preferred. You can always add the optional center column or other Systematic accessories to the Systematic but not to the Mountaineer.

I think it was one of your posts that inspired me to create this thread. Any reason why you picked the LS over the L?

[jhom]

I don't use the center columns because they reduce stability and tend to add vibration. My 3541LS is being used as my long tele support system. I have a Wimberley Gimbal on it. I have a 2530 that I use for everything else. I removed the center column on the 2530. I made sure that both Gitzos are tall enough for my shooting style.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9598/25303541.jpg

[René Damkot]

IIRC, S stands for "short".

Well, that must have been about the stupidest thing I've said on here :o

Systematic, of course.

[PacAce]

Well, that must have been about the stupidest thing I've said on here :o

Systematic, of course.

Well, not necessarily. The mistake is understandable considering that "L" stands for Long. ;)

Here's the meaning of the other codes:

EX - explorer
LVL - leveling
O - ocean
S - systematic
T - traveler
V - vintage
B - baby
C - compact
L - long
XL - extra long
QR - quick release