Used Gitzo GT1541T vs. New GT1542T

I was all set to pull the trigger on a new Gitzo GT1542T and take advantage of the $40 rebate when both Adorama and B&H raised their prices by $65! They are also now temporarely out of stock. So surprise to me when a lightly used GT1541T came available on FredMiranda. The are usually few and far between and typically go within hours so I grabbed it. It also came with a PC-33NR ball head. I was going to get a Markins Q3T ball head but I figured I would give this a try after reading good reviews on it. I can always switch it out if it doesn't live up to its billing.

My question is should I have held out and gotten the new one? Are the updates they made that different? Yes, I know they made it a little taller and the part that holds the legs are a little different but will I regret by impulse to buy the older model at a fair price?

I have a GT2531 as well but was looking for something easier to pack for my trips overseas.

The 1541t will be fine. Worst comes to worst and it doesn't work out, sell it for what you paid for it and no harm done.

swldstn wrote in post #14403976
My question is should I have held out and gotten the new one? Are the updates they made that different? Yes, I know they made it a little taller and the part that holds the legs are a little different but will I regret by impulse to buy the older model at a fair price?

I don't think so. The 1542T seems to have underwhelmed many members.

peter_n wrote in post #14404053
I don't think so. The 1542T seems to have underwhelmed many members.

I've heard the same. I think you did remarkably well by getting the used one and I hope you got a good price for it. Use it in the best of health.

1 just sold yesterday for $760 in ebay, too me thats crazy, i never knew it was that much of high in demand.
http://www.ebay.com …_trksid=p3984.m​1423.l2649
so you shouldnt have a problem selling it

If you can get a GT1541T used in good condition and for a price youre willing to pay, I would DEF get on of them over a new GT1542T!

The 1542T is a better tripod than the 1541T, judging by it's features; only it has the long center column, that will not let you get the folded length of true travel tripods .

In short, a design failure .

Petersman wrote in post #14405469
The 1542T is a better tripod than the 1541T, judging by it's features; only it has the long center column, that will not let you get the folded length of true travel tripods .

In short, a design failure .

Interesting, and what "features are you judging" by that have led you to the conclusion that the 1542T is the better of the two?

ben_r_ wrote in post #14406234
Interesting, and what "features are you judging" by that have led you to the conclusion that the 1542T is the better of the two?

Fair point - I can only name the G-locks .

From their website "The redesigned G-Lock leg-locking mechanism also contributes to the tripod's rigidity, achieving a 20% increase over previous-generation technology Moreover, as the tripod's load approaches its 15.4 lb maximum, the locking mechanism actually increases in strength. With G-Lock, leg locking is stronger, safer, and faster."

Huh, honestly I wasnt even aware that the leg locks had been updated in the GT1542T. Thats cool, however I have used my GT1541T with a variety of lenses and never once felt the legs locks needed to be stronger, but yea, its something to market, whether you need it or not.

Ok got my used GT1541T today and some one explain to me what kind of lock is on the 4th section if it's not a G-lock? Looks just like other two but smaller. Maybe these G-locks are different than the new ones but all 9 still look G-locks to me. Compared it to the G-Lock on my GT2531 and looks and act identically to me. Maybe on later versions of the GT1541T the changed it?

Found that PC-33NS clamp has one nice feature the Markins does not. It has a small button that retracts the spring loaded locking pin to allow you to slide the camera out of the clamp. Nice idea. Hopefully it's set up so you don't accidentally do it. Only time will tell. But it looks well designed and behaves well. Think it's priced very fairly in the market. It and it's bigger brothers should give Markins, Kirk, and others some competition especially if your looking for some value.

huh? There shouldnt be a different looking lock on the fourth section... Post a pic of what youre seeing.

swldstn wrote in post #14418412
Found that PC-33NS clamp has one nice feature the Markins does not. It has a small button that retracts the spring loaded locking pin to allow you to slide the camera out of the clamp. Nice idea.

Yes I liked that too.

ben_r_ wrote in post #14418815
huh? There shouldnt be a different looking lock on the fourth section... Post a pic of what youre seeing.

From what I remember 1541T didn't even have G-Lock on forth section.