Down to 3 Tripod options - Gitzo GT-2531 series 2 vs Manfrotto carbons

I got the benro 068 carbon thinking it would be ideal since it was small and light but I find the build is not so good ( one of the legs does not stay tight ) so I am going to return it and get one of the following.

1. Gitzo GT-2531 series 2
2. Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
3. Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs

The Gitzo are great, I tried out the 2530 in a store but I am having a hard time justifying the cost. Considering I will mostly use this with just a 24-70 on a 5D2 is there any real reason to go with the Gitzo?

Any input would help I have to pick something soon to make the exchange.

Thanks

How about the lifetime warranty you get with Gitzos? That alone was enough for me. And I have two Gitzos tripods!

Also, the I love the twist locks on Gitzos. MUCH better than the lever deals on the Manfrottos IMO.

No matter which way you go though, you def need to budget for a good head. I recommend the Markins Q10 for a 2 series Gitzo, as would most I think youll find. LINK

I am leaning toward the Gitzo, I did not even know about the lifetime warranty. I never really used a tripod much in the past but I am looking to do more landscapes. I have to admit I love the feel of the Gitzo's so its probably what I will go with. Like everything else with photography, its expensive :-}

Oh and before anyone chimes in to state that Gitzo no longer offers lifetime warranties, let me just clarify. Gitzo does not, however here in America Manfrotto handles the distribution and warranty claims for Gitzo and they DO cover the Gitzo tripods with a lifetime warranty.

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071389
I am leaning toward the Gitzo, I did not even know about the lifetime warranty. I never really used a tripod much in the past but I am looking to do more landscapes. I have to admit I love the feel of the Gitzo's so its probably what I will go with. Like everything else with photography, its expensive :-}

Very true, but you do get what you pay for in this game. Something like a Gitzo GT2541 with a Markins Q10 head and a lever clamp like the Really Right Stuff version is a VERY solid support platform and IMO the best all around solution out there if you are going to have only one tripod to last you the rest of your days. Once you make the jump, youll understand and never regret it. Same goes with adopting the Really Right Stuff quick release system and any other gear they make (though I like the Markins heads more). Thats another one youll never regret; again, once you swallow the cost.

Actually I am looking at both of those heads and sorta leaning toward the Markins Q10. Both seem similar . Not really sure about the clamp sets.

Would this be all I need or do I order the plate to connect the camera separately? In the past it always came with the ballhead but I have only used low end manfrotto stuff.

http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/Q10.php?re​q=Q10LK

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071452
Actually I am looking at both of those heads and sorta leaning toward the Markins Q10. Both seem similar . Not really sure about the clamp sets.

Would this be all I need or do I order the plate to connect the camera separately? In the past it always came with the ballhead but I have only used low end manfrotto stuff.

http://www.markinsamer​ica.com/MA5/Q10.php?re​q=Q10LK

Yea, sadly thats only the cheap stuff that comes with plates, etc. You would and should have an arca-swiss style L plate or at least a basic arca-swiss style plate attached to your camera in order to use the quick release system. I did a review on a tracvel Gitzo setup which shows some of the RRS QR system with pictures: LINKCheck that out and it should give you a better idea of that youd need.

Basically to top off that Markins Q10 youd want this: LINK

And at the very least THISand THISfor your 5D2 and 60D.

Ok thanks, wow this does get expensive that manfrotto 190 with a $100 head is even more tempting. but seriously why the GT2541 over the 2531? One big thing going for the 31 is its under $600, I believe about $540 with the current rebate ( which I can somewhat live with )

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071497
Ok thanks, wow this does get expensive that manfrotto 190 with a $100 head is even more tempting. but seriously why the GT2541 over the 2531? One big thing going for the 31 is its under $600, I believe about $540 with the current rebate ( which I can somewhat live with )

Oh, I didnt know it was cheaper. No reason really, the GT2541 just closes down a bit smaller (shorter) due to the four sections as obbosed to the GT2531 which has three sections. Four sections is nice for transporting it. Other than that they are and will perform exactly the same. If you dont care about the unit being more compact then by all means, save the money and go with the GT2531. Also something else to consider is that a three section tripod can potentially be setup quicker. One less legs to setup.

And yes, it will add up quick, but believe me, you will only do it once. There will be very little reason to upgrade later on. And, IF for some reason you DO want to upgrade, these items all hold their value surprisingly well.

Ok cool thanks again, I am sure its great I tried the older one in a store and its very nice, just wonder if its overkill for me. I feel unworthy of the gear I use already but for some reason I feel ok when its an expensive lens but in my mind a tripod that is stable will work no matter what brand.

My original plan was one of the Carbon manfrottos with a 498RC4 ball head which comes in about $350 total.

I am just getting a straight refund for the Benro so no rush now to choose today but I do want to start using one more now that I have some square filters.

Also after using the Benro I will stick to 3 legs.

Sorry one more thing if I did go with the BH-40 LR II it seems to come with all I need correct?

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …allhead-w%2f-LR-II&key=it

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071566
Ok cool thanks again, I am sure its great I tried the older one in a store and its very nice, just wonder if its overkill for me. I feel unworthy of the gear I use already but for some reason I feel ok when its an expensive lens but in my mind a tripod that is stable will work no matter what brand.

My original plan was one of the Carbon manfrottos with a 498RC4 ball head which comes in about $350 total.

I am just getting a straight refund for the Benro so no rush now to choose today but I do want to start using one more now that I have some square filters.

Yea, I had the previous version of the 498RC4 and the RC2 version years ago and def hated it. You will see once you get one of these higher end options the difference in quality and function. Its night and day.

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071580
Also after using the Benro I will stick to 3 legs.

Now, dont let Benro set the example for Gitzo. The general rule for some is that more legs sections means less stable. That isnt the case with Gitzos. Both their three and four section tripods function equally well. Theres literally no difference. Thats only with lower quality legs.

Tommydigi wrote in post #13071601
Sorry one more thing if I did go with the BH-40 LR II it seems to come with all I need correct?

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …allhead-w%2f-LR-II&key=it

Yes, but dont do that. That head is not nearly as well reviewed as the Markins Q10. If youre looking to save a bit by including a lever clamp, get the Markins setup like this: LINK Then when youre ready to sell the clamp to upgrade (if you feel you need to) to the RRS version, you can sell the Markins and do so.

Note, if you go this route, when you place your order with Markins be sure to call them and tell them to NOT Loctite the clamp onto the head so that you can remove it.

Note 2, buying a Markins head with the lever clamp and then selling the clamp is a great way to get the head for cheaper as the clamp sells for more than they mark up the combo. I know this from experience

Thanks for all your help I really appreciate it.

Sorry not really sure what this means?


Also what is the advantage of the RRS version?

Again thank you for all your time and info. I had no idea a tripod can be so complicated.