What's your favourite Gitzo and why??

[I Simonius]

I be thinking of purchasing a Gitzo tripehound, probably one of the reporter/ mountaineer range but I don't know enough about them

Can those that already have them, comment on the pros and cons of different models?
And what'sthe best head??
I have seen some recommendations before but can't remember where
Links anyone?

I want something light, cos I'm weedy - with three section legs - doesn't need to go above me noggin and I'm 6 foot -

Wow I have just had the wierdest deja vu!
:confused: :confused: :confused:

[DavidEB]

I wanted versatile, so I got the explorer. If you don't need ability to go into weird positions and want light, their new basalt line looks good.

And to extend the versatility, Acratech.

[MDJAK]

My favorite Gitzo is the one I don't have yet. I've been to B&H scores of times and fondled them, and each time walked away empty handed.

I want the models you mentioned also, each ranging in price from $450 to $550, carbon fiber, of course.

I'll only settle for one ball head, though, and that's the ReallyRightStuff.com ball head with quick release lever, which is another $450, plus a $50-$150 plate for the camera.

In other words, an investment of over a grand.

No, I can't settle for less. It's just a matter of time, I guess. But time is on our side. Gitzo has just come out with tripods made of basalt, which are cheaper than the carbon fiber models, and what's more important about them is the legs don't rotate.

I currently have a Gitzo cf monopod and it is a major pain dealing with the knurled knobs to lock and unlock the legs. The new ones with anti-rotation legs are much easier.

In fact, I was just going to post a query regarding the "Traveler" Gitzo basalt tripod. Looks quite sturdy, but only holds 4.4 pounds. How can that be? If one puts six or eight pounds on it, will it collapse?

[I Simonius]

My favorite Gitzo is the one I don't have yet. I've been to B&H scores of times and fondled them, and each time walked away empty handed.

I want the models you mentioned also, each ranging in price from $450 to $550, carbon fiber, of course.

I'll only settle for one ball head, though, and that's the ReallyRightStuff.com ball head with quick release lever, which is another $450, plus a $50-$150 plate for the camera.

In other words, an investment of over a grand.

No, I can't settle for less. It's just a matter of time, I guess. But time is on our side. Gitzo has just come out with tripods made of basalt, which are cheaper than the carbon fiber models, and what's more important about them is the legs don't rotate.

I currently have a Gitzo cf monopod and it is a major pain dealing with the knurled knobs to lock and unlock the legs. The new ones with anti-rotation legs are much easier.

In fact, I was just going to post a query regarding the "Traveler" Gitzo basalt tripod. Looks quite sturdy, but only holds 4.4 pounds. How can that be? If one puts six or eight pounds on it, will it collapse?

How do you mean the legs don't rotate ?
can you explain a little more?

[scottbergerphoto]

I have the G1228 and G1548. For the ultimate in a portable, sturdy, lightweight CF tripod, the G1228 is my favorite. For the ultimate in stability and mugger stoping, the G1548 is the way to go. The 1400 series is a compromise between stability and weight.
Check out the Gitzo selection at www.reallyrightstuff.com .

[I Simonius]

I have the G1228 and G1548. For the ultimate in a portable, sturdy, lightweight CF tripod, the G1228 is my favorite. For the ultimate in stability and mugger stoping, the G1548 is the way to go. The 1400 series is a compromise between stability and weight.
Check out the Gitzo selection at www.reallyrightstuff.com .

Thanks for that link scott!
Mugger stopping eh?Ihadn't thought of that!
What heads did you go for??

I forgot to mention I used to have a gitzo, but it was so long ago I can't remember much about it. Sold it along with rest of my gear during a time of my life I'd prefer to forget.
It was - I think - performance reporter, as I remember, they were hard to get hold of, I remember that much. It was a good tripod but a little heavy for me nowadays I would have thought, any way it was ideal but just too heavy, but not by a lot.

I guess I need the same thing but lighter, but I can't fathonm all the different models :(

[MDJAK]

How do you mean the legs don't rotate ?
can you explain a little more?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/report.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/report.php?p=624441) In other words, when you turn one of the knobs to extend a leg, when you pull the leg out you can twist it, rotate it, either clockwise or counterclockwise. This can make it very difficult at times to lock the leg sections as they tend to turn with the knob.

On their new models, the legs do not turn, or spin, at all, which makes setting up and collapsing much easier and a lot quicker.

[scottbergerphoto]

I mostly use the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead from www.acratech.net and the Wemberley head for long lenses.

[I Simonius]

How do you mean the legs don't rotate ?
can you explain a little more?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/report.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/report.php?p=624441) In other words, when you turn one of the knobs to extend a leg, when you pull the leg out you can twist it, rotate it, either clockwise or counterclockwise. This can make it very difficult at times to lock the leg sections as they tend to turn with the knob.

On their new models, the legs do not turn, or spin, at all, which makes setting up and collapsing much easier and a lot quicker.


So how do they loosen and lock, it there a lever?

[MDJAK]

There is a knurled rubber knob at the end of the leg sections which must be turned to lock and unlock the legs. When the legs turn, it can become confusing which way to turn.

[I Simonius]

There is a knurled rubber knob at the end of the leg sections which must be turned to lock and unlock the legs. When the legs turn, it can become confusing which way to turn.

Gotcha! I remember now - I was confusing it with a velbon tripod where the legs turn to lock

Thanks