Center Column - Why or Why Not?

So I'm very ready to upgrade my tripod, leaving behind my Manfrotto 190XB and heading for the land of Gitzo. The 2 tripods I'm looking at are the GT2541 Mountaineer, and the GT3541LS Systemic. I'm 5'5", and my heaviest lens is the Siggy 80-400, which weighs just under 4 lbs. In the future I don't see myself buying anything bigger than a 400 5.6. (Anything bigger than that is just too expensive for this hobbyist...)

I like how both these sets fold up to about 22", and right now they are close in price at B&H. (New 3541, or used 9+ 2541.) The ballhead I currently have is a Photo Clam PC-40NS.

I know the 3541 will hold more weight, but the biggest feature I'm torn on is the centre column. At my height, do I need it? Is the column just for more versatility? I use it a lot on the Manfrotto, but the Manfrotto is a lot shorter than the Gitzos when extended. I need some advice, please.

I have a GT3541LS, and with a Markins head it folds to 25" with the quick release sideways and about 26" with the quick release in the normal position. It's been a change for me moving to a tripod without a center column, so the jury's still out.

I hardly ever use the center column. However, there have been times when a small amount of extra height is handy...

Why: Easy to go straight up or down a bit.
Why not: Less stable and you can't go extremely low without removing it.

They're convenient, but unstable. It's a trade off.

So it sounds as if it really is just a matter of preference... Thanks for your input, everyone!

Does anyone have experience in using the Gitzo Mountaineer vs Systemic lines?

I have both but haven't used the 3541XLS yet (just bought it and need to buy a new ball head). I believe with the systematic you can add a center column if you want to.

I had a Systemic 5 (5541), very solid tripod. I sold it, too heavy. Didn't have any of the various center post things you can add to it.

jlt23 wrote in post #13625536
I have both but haven't used the 3541XLS yet (just bought it and need to buy a new ball head). I believe with the systematic you can add a center column if you want to.

You sure can. I have this in my Wish List at B&H: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …yer/addToWishLi​stId548612

I'm going to work with the GT3541LS for a few months without the center column, but if I find doing 3 leg adjustments annoying when taking family portraits I may pick one up.

I think that in a more controlled environment, like the studio, it's easy to get by using a center column.

The biggest factor is really the wind. You can control local vibration like the shutter release with a remote, and the mirror with a custom function. But the wind can be a killer for a shot off the center column.

RandyS wrote in post #13626251
I think that in a more controlled environment, like the studio, it's easy to get by using a center column.

The biggest factor is really the wind. You can control local vibration like the shutter release with a remote, and the mirror with a custom function. But the wind can be a killer for a shot off the center column.

Well, the majority of my use is outdoors for landscapes, long exposures and night work. I will occasionally use it indoors but dealing with the elements (especially the wind) is key.

The other difference in these 2 is the weight load. The 2541 will hold 26 lbs - with my lenses do I need any more than that?

Either set of legs should easily hold the weight of anything you list. I'm not sure what that 80-400 Sigma weighs, but I'd be surprised if it and your 5D2 together weighed more than 6-7 lbs.

But the longer the focal length, the more tightly vibration needs to be controlled. If I'm not mistaken, you can actually find Gitzo's recommendation for max focal lengths for their legs. I'd look for that spec rather than weight.

ETA: I was just 'sniffing' around and it looks like they recommend 300mm maximum on a 2 series tripod. I'm sure there's an overkill buffer there, but I have no idea how much of one.

RandyS wrote in post #13626384
Either set of legs should easily hold the weight of anything you list. I'm not sure what that 80-400 Sigma weighs, but I'd be surprised if it and your 5D2 together weighed more than 6-7 lbs.

But the longer the focal length, the more tightly vibration needs to be controlled. If I'm not mistaken, you can actually find Gitzo's recommendation for max focal lengths for their legs. I'd look for that spec rather than weight.

ETA: I was just 'sniffing' around and it looks like they recommend 300mm maximum on a 2 series tripod. I'm sure there's an overkill buffer there, but I have no idea how much of one.

Thanks, Randy. The siggy weighs right at 4 lbs alone - it's a heavy bugger. Where did you find the info on focus distance?

You're welcome.

Mostly in catalogs (B&H) and a couple forums. I just Googled : Gitzo 2541 maximum focal length : and parroted back what I read in the text of the returned links (didn't go to any of the sites)