Help me choose a new Gitzo Tripod

Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a new Gitzo, my choice is between the 1542t, 1544t, 2542t or the 2580tqr4

The reason I'm considering the 2580tqr4 is that I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that it's a 2542t tripod. It includes a gitzo head that I'll not use, but the kicker is that the package comes in at $100 less than the 2542t...I know I'll need to buy an adapter disk, but I'll still be ahead of the game!

Anyway, I tend to travel quite a bit, so weight is a consideration, but I also want something that's not likely to flex too much in the wind for longer exposures.

The kit I'll be using would be: 5D3, 85L, 70-200L 2.8

I'm not really interested in any other brands, just Gitzo.

Help me out of this quandary & spend some dough!

Thanks

First bit of advice I will give you, dont buy a Gitzo head. They are not as good as those from Markins, Arca Swiss or RRS. Second bit of advice, start with the Tripod sticky.

This might not be what you are looking for, but I use the gt354ls tripod and I chose this because it is lightweight, portable for traveling, and rock solid. I use this for my gymbol and 500mm lens. This tripod would certainly be able to hold your gear.

ben_r_ wrote in post #16454409
First bit of advice I will give you, dont buy a Gitzo head. They are not as good as those from Markins, Arca Swiss or RRS. Second bit of advice, start with the Tripod sticky.

Taking a look there thanks & as for the head my choice is between the P0 (with RRS) or the RRS BH-40 at this point the head in the 2580 (if that's the route I go) will be either sold on or given away.

Tc202 wrote in post #16454411
This might not be what you are looking for, but I use the gt354ls tripod and I chose this because it is lightweight, portable for traveling, and rock solid. I use this for my gymbol and 500mm lens. This tripod would certainly be able to hold your gear.

I'll go take a look, thanks

Have you looked at the GT2542LS? It would be excellent support for your set up if its not too long or heavy for you.

Bearmann wrote in post #16454866
Have you looked at the GT2542LS? It would be excellent support for your set up if its not too long or heavy for you.

Thanks, I'm afraid the folded length is too long & it's too heavy.

Gitzo GT-2531 supports 26 pounds and is normally $699 on sale at B&H photo for $550 plus $30 off Adobe product. Same tripod I have with Markins Q10 ball head. Three section tripods are stable I am 5"7 so if your are taller a GT-2541 would be recommended or If you want to fit in your luggage for travel. I have GT-1542T for travel.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ountaineer_6X_C​arbon.html

snoop99 wrote in post #16454970
Gitzo GT-2531 supports 26 pounds and is normally $699 on sale at B&H photo for $550 plus $30 off Adobe product. Same tripod I have with Markins Q10 ball head. Three section tripods are stable I am 5"7 so if your are taller a GT-2541 would be recommended or If you want to fit in your luggage for travel. I have GT-1542T for travel.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ountaineer_6X_C​arbon.html

I'm 5'10" which is one of the reasons I preferred the 1542 over the 1544 as the center column's longer. I already have quite a robust (read large & heavy) Manfrotto so I'm after something smaller & packable for travel, hence the 1542/1544 or the 2542.

How do you find the 1542 performs?

I'm in Arlington back end of next week actually, any reasonable photographic stores nearby? I've never been inclined to look as tend do my shopping when in New York.

Thanks

You might want to research Gitzo service before placing that order. Hopefully, you won't ever need but if you do you'll regret your purchase.

Nortonski wrote in post #16454294
Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a new Gitzo, my choice is between the 1542t, 1544t, 2542t or the 2580tqr4

The reason I'm considering the 2580tqr4 is that I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that it's a 2542t tripod. It includes a gitzo head that I'll not use, but the kicker is that the package comes in at $100 less than the 2542t...I know I'll need to buy an adapter disk, but I'll still be ahead of the game!

Anyway, I tend to travel quite a bit, so weight is a consideration, but I also want something that's not likely to flex too much in the wind for longer exposures.

The kit I'll be using would be: 5D3, 85L, 70-200L 2.8

I'm not really interested in any other brands, just Gitzo.

Help me out of this quandary & spend some dough!

Thanks

I have a few Gitzo tripods and feel that you would be best served by a 2 series model such as the 2542T (that you suggest) should fit the bill. The 1 series tripods are superb and VERY light, however 2 series models are much more rigid for a small increase in weight.
Better to go for a 2 series IMO, I was never convinced by the 1 series models I tried before buying my 2 and 3 series models.

I've been very happy with my 1542T and Markins Q3T head. Perfect combination for travelling light. Fits neatly in my carry-on when I travel and weighs close to nothing. I've used it extensively for long-exposures in heavy winds and holds up like a champ.

If you live in the US please take Rick's caution above in post #9 on board. I'm a Gitzo owner and have experienced their parts service which is absolutely terrible. Manfrotto Distribution is a disgrace. This only applies to the US, if you live in Europe or elsewhere Gitzo service is fine.

I wouldn't recommend any Gitzo tripod with a center column for a person using the tripod in sub-zero temperatures. I suppose your choice of the 2542T is OK but I would recommend the 2542S which is a systematic with no center column (although you can get one separately if you have to have it).

By its design the systematic will be a bit future-proofed as it's more stable than the 2542T, the downside is that it's a bit heavier than the 2542T and doesn't fold up as small. However the stability of the systematics is the tradeoff and you can't have small size, light weight and great stability, especially with a tripod that has a center column.

Since you're buying Gitzo wait until December/January as the big stores like B&H in NYC have Holiday discounts worth $100 - $200. As Ben says don't get a Gitzo ballhead.

rick_reno wrote in post #16455193
You might want to research Gitzo service before placing that order. Hopefully, you won't ever need but if you do you'll regret your purchase.

Thanks for the heads up

johnf3f wrote in post #16456704
I have a few Gitzo tripods and feel that you would be best served by a 2 series model such as the 2542T (that you suggest) should fit the bill. The 1 series tripods are superb and VERY light, however 2 series models are much more rigid for a small increase in weight.
Better to go for a 2 series IMO, I was never convinced by the 1 series models I tried before buying my 2 and 3 series models.

I've been agonising over which is best for me, I'm leaning toward the 1542t due to the extra height (in comparison to the 1544t) & the price. I do like the 2542t though - decisions, decisions...

peter_n wrote in post #16456763
If you live in the US please take Rick's caution above in post #9 on board. I'm a Gitzo owner and have experienced their parts service which is absolutely terrible. Manfrotto Distribution is a disgrace. This only applies to the US, if you live in Europe or elsewhere Gitzo service is fine.

I wouldn't recommend any Gitzo tripod with a center column for a person using the tripod in sub-zero temperatures. I suppose your choice of the 2542T is OK but I would recommend the 2542S which is a systematic with no center column (although you can get one separately if you have to have it).

By its design the systematic will be a bit future-proofed as it's more stable than the 2542T, the downside is that it's a bit heavier than the 2542T and doesn't fold up as small. However the stability of the systematics is the tradeoff and you can't have small size, light weight and great stability, especially with a tripod that has a center column.

Since you're buying Gitzo wait until December/January as the big stores like B&H in NYC have Holiday discounts worth $100 - $200. As Ben says don't get a Gitzo ballhead.

I live in the UK, so service isn't so much of a concern, I do have a larger, heavier manfrotto that I'll ultimately replace, perhaps for the systematic, so, thanks for the pointer.

lehmanncpa wrote in post #16456745
I've been very happy with my 1542T and Markins Q3T head. Perfect combination for travelling light. Fits neatly in my carry-on when I travel and weighs close to nothing. I've used it extensively for long-exposures in heavy winds and holds up like a champ.

I'm leaning more towards this tripod, thanks for your comments, I know the 1544t folds a little shorter as the head is contained within the overall length, but I lose a couple of inches in centre column height.

What kit do you use this with?

Nortonski wrote in post #16457237
What kit do you use this with?

I use my 5D3 with a 16-35L II for landscapes, a 70-300L for wildlife and a 100L for macro. My macro setup includes a flash bracket and 430EX or 600EX-RT flash. The tripod is solid even with the center column extended.

Why Gitzo rather than some of the alternatives like Feisol?