Best GITZO + BH55 for a 5'11 guy?

Hi guys, looking to upgrade my trusty Manfrotto tripod. I want to get something that is going to last me a long time so I have no limit on the budget. I want to get pretty much the best money can buy and I know I want to get a RRS BH55 head so whatever legs I get, should work well with it (like the GITZO 3531, perfect base fit).

One thing I want to make sure and this is vital for my choice of legs - when the tripod is unfolded, I want it to put the viewfinder right at my eye level. I don't want to have to adjust the legs to make it just right.

My Manfrotto 0550XPROB with Manfrotto 468 is absolutely perfect right now. Was wandering if there's anything I can get in a GITZO/RRS BH55 combination that will give me the same.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Looks like all the higher end setups are either a few inches shorter or taller than your current setup. However any would be a setup up in quality. And why RRS and not a Markins head? Markins are lighter, more compact, and cost less. The Markins look better IMO too.

055XPROB/468RC2 - 55.9" + 4.7"
GT3541/Markins Q20 - 52" + 4"
GT3541/RRS BH-55 - 52" + 3.7"
GT3531/RRS BH-55 - 52.4" + 3.7"
GT3541L/RRS BH-55 - 59.1" + 3.7"

Ive got a GT3541LS and a Markins Q20 with an RRS Lever Clamp setup that I love FWIW.

I used a BH55 for a while and sold it foolishly. It was awesome, I want it back. I forgot, I don't want more than 3 sections.

Added the GT3531 to my list above. Didnt make much difference in fully opened, column unextended height though.

3531 is what I've been eyeing. It would be a few inches short though. I'm afraid that it may bug me ...

pixel_junkie wrote in post #14601220
3531 is what I've been eyeing. It would be a few inches short though. I'm afraid that it may bug me ...

Does have a center column though that you could inch up a little bit if you absolutely needed to have it perfect.

Don't forget to consider the height of the eyepiece above the ballhead QR.

Thinking of going with a full RRS outfit at the moment.

pixel_junkie wrote in post #14601915
Thinking of going with a full RRS outfit at the moment.

You mentioned you wanted to buy once and budget wasnt' a concern, in that case the TVC-33 is the obvious pairing choice for that BH-55. If the 33 meets your height requirement (you may look into the 'S' variant if you'd like something shorter) you won't find a better built, better performing tripod in that class. And it looks like a work of art coupled with the BH-55.

As a side note, there is one currently on eBay that's in great shape. Some pretards killed the $700 BIN pretty early, as that would have been a remarkable deal, but it should still save you some coin when all is said and done. (Link)

pixel_junkie wrote in post #14601915
Thinking of going with a full RRS outfit at the moment.

If total height is of that much concern to you, then you really ought to be considering the Markins, as the RRS are lower profile. Besides, the BH55 needs to go to the fat farm; the M20 makes for a less top heavy and better balanced outfit. (I have the BH40 myself,which is similar to the M10 in weight.)

pixel_junkie wrote in post #14601915
Thinking of going with a full RRS outfit at the moment.

Yes that might be a good solution for you. Assuming that Ben has the numbers right in his post above your "perfect" height to the top of the ballhead is 60.6". That seems a bit low for a 5' 11" guy to me so maybe that Manfrotto number is off. Anyway Ben gave you the now discontinued Gitzo systematic specs - those tripods have been replaced by a range of new designs. The nearest to 60.6" 3 leg section Gitzo in the new systematic range is the 3532LS which has a max height of 58.9" which when you add on the 3.7" for the BH-55 the total height comes to 62.6".

The RRS TVC-33 is 58.0" so the total with BH-55 there is 61.7" so you may be correct that it fits you better. However as Wilt says the BH-55 does need to go to the fat farm but I assume you really like the way it locks down.

Its all over ... TVC33 + BH-55LR package is on its way. Tapping myself on the shoulder, wishing myself to enjoy using it and make a lot of money with it for many years to come

Congrats. If you don't mind I'm going to vicariously enjoy your purchase.

Thank you, sir. Be my guest I had the tripod before but bought it to resell it as I found it on CL and couldn't pass such a good deal. When I got it, I wanted to keep it, you're right, it is a jewel. But I couldn't justify the cost as I wasn't making that much money with photography. Now it's different and although still hard to drop that much cash on a tripod, it was purchased with money earned from photography so it's a bit easier.

Oh nice! Forgot to post that as a suggestion! Well done!