Which is sturdier? The gt0530 or the 1540t?

Curious because of the price points and the fact that one is a lighter 0 series and the other a heavier 1 series

http://www.canogacamer​a.com/detail.aspx?ID=2​4938 - 0530

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …T_Traveler_6X_C​arbon.html - 1540T

Yeah I know they are diff. stores its just what I found when I googled for their specs, so its weird that the 1540T is rated for 9.9lbs and the other rated for 11. I know these ratings don't mean that much, but they seem kind of backwards to me.

The 0530 is 4 oz. lighter yet is rated to support more weight due in part to it being a 3 leg section design vs 4 sections of the 1504. I'm not 100% positive but the upper diameter of the 1540 might be slightly larger too.

I recently bought the 0530 (for hiking) and have been quite amazed at its stability for such a compact design. Neither one of these tripods are the kind you'd want to leave untended in gustily winds though. However they both have hooks on the bottom of the center column for attaching stabling weight if needed.

Here's mine with a Kirk BH-3 ball head and the 40D + 70-200 f/4L attached.

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don't forget, though, the 1540 is about 5 inches shorter when folded. So, there's a trade off one way or another.

I have 1540T using it for travel, i used it when i was in Scotland and really i got amazing shots, thanks 1540T.

I'm having a really hard time deciding between these two! Or more accurately between the 0531 and the 1541T .... I'm planning on using a GH1780 head with it, as I just can't afford to throw £200+ at a tripod head, and £260/£360 at a tripod ... particularly when I'm currently making do with a small £80 aluminium Velbon (although to be honest that's a bit stretched with a 40D/70-200 F4 IS on top ...).

I love the compactness of the 1541T and the way the legs can be folded around over the head. I guess the 1780, being a Gitzo head, will be so sized to allow the legs to fold around it?

I think I will verge on the 1541T due to its compact size and taller extended length .... although it is heavier and a whole £100 more than the 0531! ..... argh!!

Hmm sorry to vent, but I don't like making decisions!


David

I guess a compromise would be the GT-0541 ... bang in the middle price-wise, lighter than the 1541T, actually the tallest of the 3, between the 1541T and 0531 when collapsed ... although the legs don't fold 180° do they? ....

Hmmmm .....

Opinions most welcome! I'm hoping to buy *a* tripod and head before next weekend as I'm going with my family to Norway for a week and would like to have a decent tripod to take with me

Cheers!


David

I still have not made a decision on this and would appreciate some more input.

At this point I'm definetly leaning towards the 0530 however. Significantly cheaper and lighter, while still fairly compact.

Whats the difference between the 0531 and 0530, and the 1540T and 1541T?

Edit: Sounds like gitzo just improved their load ratings a bit... if the 0541 is supposedly as sturdy as the 0530, I think I know what I'm going to do

I'm looking away from the 05XX range now as Gitzo don't recommend it for lenses longer than 135mm and I've got a 70-200 .... hmmm

The 05XX range have slightly thinner legs than the 15XX range, therefore they are not as sturdy, and cannot be used for such long focal lengths. The 1 at the end of those codes means they have been upgraded with G-Locks on the leg collars which in turn has increased the weight-handling ability ... I believe ... but not the recommended maximum focal length it can support ..

Hope this helps


David