To Gitzo or not to Gitzo?

Hi folks. I'm thinking of replacing my cheap-ass Vanguard Espod 203AP tripod.

Requirements

1 - Carbon.
2 - No center column (I heard a center column causes camera shake, even when the center column is totally down?).
3 - At least high enough so I don't have to bend over (I'm 1m87 so I guess this means at least a height of about 1m60).
4 - Tripod legs existing of only a few sections (again extra stability?).
5 - Max load of at least 10 kg.

Usage

A. Now

- Indoor shots when I don't want to use my Speedlite 580EX II (certainty).
- Some shots of plants etc in my garden (possibility).
- Some HDR shots in the neighbourhood (possibility).

B. Future

- Long nightly exposures (possibility).

Equipment

- Canon EOS 550D.
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 IS.
- Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 II.
- Canon EF 70-200mm F/4L IS USM with Canon Tripod Mount Ring.
- Canon RS-60 E3 remote.
- Canon Speedlite 580EX II.

I'm wondering if I should buy the expensive Gitzo GT3541XLS or go for something cheaper like e.g. the Benro C3570T or the Benro C4570T. I must say though if I do buy a new tripod, I want it to last until I die as a matter of speaking. As for the tripod head I think I would go for a Sirui K30x. Is the Gitzo GT3541XLS really worth the money and a lifetime investment?

Gitzo is good stuff. You only have to buy it once.

For tripod heads, check out Really Right Stuff, Arca Swiss or Markins.

Anyway...mine has a center column and I don't really have any problems. I do like the little hook that is at the bottom that I just hang my backpack with all my other gear in it on. Helps to stabilize it more.

There are plenty of high quality brands out there. I assure you that non-Gitzo tripods aren't falling down every time someone puts a camera on them.

If you like Sirui, take a look at the R3203. It meets all of your requirements. I was very tempted by this model, but it is about $100 more than I wanted to spend.

I own a Benro and am very satisfied with that brand. I am about to purchase an Induro CT213 after being convinced by some photographers who switched from Gitzo.

Always to Gitzo.

I just picked up a Gitzo 3543LS and love it so far. Has some nice improvements over the older model 3541LS I had. You wont regret getting a Gitzo!

Gitzo or RRS are the only games in town if you're serious. Honestly I'd always recommend Gitzo but the new models are heavier than in the past which is a negative to me. The RSS look like crap in my opinion but they're great legs.

Really can't go wrong with either if youre serious about support and want the best.

Good luck finding a Gitzo 3541XLS, they've been discontinued and replaced with a 3542XLS model. Currently all the new Gitzo systematics are replaced with new models and the prices are very high currently because all the models are brand new.

I use both Gitzo and Benro tripods and think highly of both. I was actually going to buy a Benro C3780T when the Gitzo 3541LS dropped under it in price and I got the Gitzo. I think if you're looking at the top end of the Gitzos you also have to take a look at the RRS tripods as well. Whether RRS has a tripod suitable for a 6ft+ guy like you I'm not sure, but the Gitzo prices are now up in the stratosphere with the RRS prices.

I wouldn't dissuade you from buying one of the Benros you're interested in though. I took my Benro apart and I'm impressed with the construction quality. Will it last until I die - who knows? Gitzo has a good track record for longevity, RRS hasn't been around as long but makes a quality product, Benro is relatively untested as yet.

I don't know the Sirui head you mention but you should also take a look at some quality heads like Arca-Swiss, Markins and RRS.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #14356481
Gitzo or RRS are the only games in town if you're serious

You aren't a Manfrotto fan?

Erik S. Klein wrote in post #14356894
You aren't a Manfrotto fan?

Nope. I never enjoyed mine very much. Manfrottos certainly aren't crap, but honestly, until I got a Gitzo, I really didn't know what I was missing.

It's a hard thing to describe, since to a lot of people a tripod is a tripod is a tripod. But the Gitzo (and I'm assuming the RRS) are just absolute joy to use. Couple it with a really good ballhead and the tripod becomes a natural extension of myself. I don't think about the tripod anymore. I just move in for my shot and go. Like I said, it's hard to explain.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #14357001
Nope. I never enjoyed mine very much. Manfrottos certainly aren't crap, but honestly, until I got a Gitzo, I really didn't know what I was missing.

I've never used one, but I do fondle them in stores from time to time...

Todd Lambert wrote in post #14357001
It's a hard thing to describe, since to a lot of people a tripod is a tripod is a tripod.

I'm not on that list. In fact, below a certain point there is no such thing as a tripod. The cheap items are just three leged perches from which to drop your expensive camera. I learned that lesson when my 5D2 was new and if it weren't for the strap I'd have busted it for sure. That was the day I bought the Manfrotto...

Todd Lambert wrote in post #14357001
But the Gitzo (and I'm assuming the RRS) are just absolute joy to use. Couple it with a really good ballhead and the tripod becomes a natural extension of myself. I don't think about the tripod anymore. I just move in for my shot and go. Like I said, it's hard to explain.

Well, I'm getting an L-bracket (probably RRS) for my 1Dx if/when it arrives and I'll match that to an Arca Swiss or RRS ballhead at that time. I was going to drop that on my existing legs and I'll probably have to initially, but it sounds like I should consider upgrading. Problem is, of course, that CF Gitzo legs are another lens...

Agreed! It can be painful spending the money on a good support setup. The idea of spending $1200-1500 or more on tripod seems crazy at some times but in the end I think it was one of my better purchases when it comes to camera gear.

It IS like a lens, and you need to think about it that way too... I mean you enjoy and plan on having and using your 85L for a long time right? The same methodology goes towards your cameras support. Of course this should only be considered if you use a tripod a lot, if not then definitely get a decent pair of legs (no Velbon Walmart specials!) and a good ballhead and you're done. But if 70-80%+ of your shots are on a tripod, then your an ideal candidate to get the better legs.

That's what I think anyways. I often answer the question of "what one thing improved your photography more than anything else?" withy the answer of owning and using a good tripod.

I'll stick with my Manfrotto as it suits my needs for what I use it for. I just purchased a new head for it and this should be the last support system I buy.

Gitzo surely makes a fine product. If I was younger, or, hiked like I once did some time ago I for sure would have a Gitzo, or, something similar. A wonderful product indeed!

Someone made an astute comment on another forum that if you buy a really good support system it will last for many many years, unlike a digital body or lens.

He couldn't understand why people are continually upgrading their lenses and bodies but were balking at paying a few hundred dollars for a decent tripod/lens combo that would be stable and far outlive their other gear.

peter_n wrote in post #14356525
Good luck finding a Gitzo 3541XLS, they've been discontinued and replaced with a 3542XLS model. Currently all the new Gitzo systematics are replaced with new models and the prices are very high currently because all the models are brand new.

That shouldn't be a problem because I know at least 3 shops where I can still get them easily (Belgium/Holland).

peter_n wrote in post #14356525
I use both Gitzo and Benro tripods and think highly of both. I was actually going to buy a Benro C3780T when the Gitzo 3541LS dropped under it in price and I got the Gitzo. I think if you're looking at the top end of the Gitzos you also have to take a look at the RRS tripods as well. Whether RRS has a tripod suitable for a 6ft+ guy like you I'm not sure, but the Gitzo prices are now up in the stratosphere with the RRS prices.

The problem is that it's really hard to find a store which sells RRS tripods in Belgium/Holland. RRS tripod heads are no problem however.

peter_n wrote in post #14356525
I don't know the Sirui head you mention but you should also take a look at some quality heads like Arca-Swiss, Markins and RRS.

Well I read the Sirui K30x is decent stuff and it's affordable. I can get it for about 130 euro. If I take a look at RRS, I'll be close to 200 euro for the cheapest tripod head.

jocau wrote in post #14358687
That shouldn't be a problem because I know at least 3 shops where I can still get them easily (Belgium/Holland).

Oh that's good, I just assumed you were in the US as there's no location info on the left side of your post. Also I understand about the RRS tripods; I've never seen one either.

The Sirui head has a 44mm diameter ball (I think) and that size would handle the gear you have posted in your OP. If you get a Gitzo 3541XLS then buy the Sirui, you can always trade up later if you get more demanding gear. However if you get one of the Benros seriously consider something like an Arca-Swiss Z1 head which should be available at a good price in Europe. That ballhead has a 54mm diameter and you'll never need to buy another head.