Recommend me a new tripod for wildlife set up

I'm exactly the same, my Gitzo is 57.5" which is perfect for me, and the only RRS tripod I could buy is the TVC-33 which has a max height of 58.0". I figured all that out when I was buying mine two years ago. Good luck with your new tripod, I'm sure you'll find it a pleasure to use. Both these brands make great products and it's hard to go wrong with either.

BTW, it's just the parts side of Gitzo that sucks, the service side (repairs and such) is very responsive. Given that though, it can be infuriating if you need a spare part and they're useless. I learned that lesson this year myself. Apparently the problem is local to this side of the pond, in Europe the service is excellent. Hopefully Manfrotto Distribution will fix the parts problem over here.

Thanks Peter. If they have issues with getting me small parts, then that would be major for me, since I typically do all my repairs - sending in for repairs would be my last, last resort.

I'm a stickler for Customer Service and will pay a bit more to ensure little hassle when I experience any issues.

I can say that Feisol customer service was spot on. When I lost a couple of the rubber feets for the tripod and monopod, they immediately mailed me a new set. Also, when one of the screws that mount the legs to the center column was stripped, they offered to repair it, but instead, I opted for a new screw and they obliged - quickly, too. I just felt now is the time to upgrade to a more stable unit. This should be the last one for me.

If you are happy with Feisol have you looked at the 3371 or 3471? Significantly less expensive than a Gitzo/RRS tripod and very sturdy... I have a 3441T (Same Legs as the 3442 you have just a different spider) and a 3471 and the '71 is a monster compared to the '41T...

Ghost, the RRS is the UPS truck and on its way.

Sorry to hijack, but has anyone had or used a Gitzo 1325 ii before?

Quite a few years old now, don't know how they differ from the newer models.

That's a much loved model. They are by modern standards heavy for their max load spec. A modern Gitzo weighing the same should be able to take at least double the load. I traded in a 1228 for a 3541LS; same weight but a quantum leap in max load and stability.

The other thing that modern tripods have that's really great is anti-leg rotation (ALR). With ALR the leg sections don't rotate when you're using the twist locks. It's awesome, once you experience it you can never go back, especially if you have a 4 leg section tripod.

I had a bunch of old tripods and in the last couple of years I've traded them all in for three modern models.

Thanks for the answer.

It'll be used to hold a 500 f4 ii, so it sounds like I will be better off with something that has a bit more capacity.

nellyle wrote in post #16268137
Thanks for the answer.

It'll be used to hold a 500 f4 ii, so it sounds like I will be better off with something that has a bit more capacity.

I have never used a Gitzo 1325 Mk2 but I do have a Gizo 1329 Mk2 which I believe has similar 32mm diameter Carbon legs, if this is the case then fear not your tripod is more than adequate for any EOS lens Canon currently sell. I also have a Gitzo 3530LS to compare it to and other than the weight, the newer model is lighter, I can find little difference in use and no appreciable difference in performance with lenses up to 800mm.
Check your leg diameter - I am fairly certain it is a 3 series (32mm top leg thickness) so save some money as you have a fine tripod.
Incidentally forget Gitzo weight ratings as they are incredibly conservative. I have just fully extended (58.5 inches) the legs on my 1329 and tightened the leg locks quite firmly and tried it with the heaviest load I had handy - ME! I have pretty weak arms but could hold on for a second or 2 (awkward angle) but the tripod was not phased. So a tripod rated at 12 kilo just supported 105 Kilo. I don't think a 3 Kilo lens will be a problem - do you?

From the table in post #12 above, Gitzo recommends a 4-series systematic for a 500mm lens. As a person who believes in support overkill, I'd get a 5-series. Yes they're conservative, but that's good!

johnf3f wrote in post #16268259
I have never used a Gitzo 1325 Mk2 but I do have a Gizo 1329 Mk2 which I believe has similar 32mm diameter Carbon legs, if this is the case then fear not your tripod is more than adequate for any EOS lens Canon currently sell. I also have a Gitzo 3530LS to compare it to and other than the weight, the newer model is lighter, I can find little difference in use and no appreciable difference in performance with lenses up to 800mm.
Check your leg diameter - I am fairly certain it is a 3 series (32mm top leg thickness) so save some money as you have a fine tripod.
Incidentally forget Gitzo weight ratings as they are incredibly conservative. I have just fully extended (58.5 inches) the legs on my 1329 and tightened the leg locks quite firmly and tried it with the heaviest load I had handy - ME! I have pretty weak arms but could hold on for a second or 2 (awkward angle) but the tripod was not phased. So a tripod rated at 12 kilo just supported 105 Kilo. I don't think a 3 Kilo lens will be a problem - do you?

Thanks John, I don't actually have the 1325ii, I just found one at what seems a reasonable price.

I think it might be wise to pay a bit extra and go for a current model.

I find I rarely use a tripod but yesterday I did use my 1325 and it continues to serve well. I think it's much more than adequate for my 600mm telephoto with gimbal head. The prices for the newer RRS and Gitzo seem staggering to me. I don't foresee upgrading.

I've never read a bad word about the 1325; users do seem to love them. Yes the current Gitzo systematics are pricy, but if you wait until December/January stores like B&H will have them on sale. And with the more popular models you can sometimes get two discounts. I got my Gitzo 3-series systematic for less money than the equivalent Chinese models that way.

Whatever you choose, just don't get the one with the Bear Attractant.

KirkS518 wrote in post #16270393
Whatever you choose, just don't get the one with the Bear Attractant.

Should have rented a Canon 800 + 1D4. More focal length + crop = bigger Bear!
Well it looks bigger anyway...........

I received the RRS Monday and it's a really nice piece. Below is a picture showing the differences in RRS and Feisol tripod.