Can someone explain the difference between Tripod Columns?

Newbie alert.

I have determined that I want to purchase a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod. This will be my first real tripod. And I hope this will be my main / only tripod for many many years.

I typed Gitzo GT2540 into the search at B&H and saw that they have many GT2540's with different columns (leveling, geared, rapid). And when I typed Gitzo GT3540 into the search, they had a few with no columns.

What do columns do and what is the difference between the different columns?


Thanks!

The columns allow you to adjust the height of the tripod head without needing to extend the legs of the tripod.

As for what they do, the leveling base does just that. It allows you to level the head, again without the need to adjust the height of the legs to get the head level.

A geared column has a geared crank that allows you to raise or lower the "toothed" column.

The rapid column is held in place by friction applied by turning a knob. The column can be raised and lowered freely by hand after the friction has been released.

One of my tripods has a rapid column but I practically never use it because, when used, it tends to cause vibrations which then defeats the purpose of having a steady tripod in the first place.

I do have a leveling base, though. I find it indispensable, especially when doing landscapes or pano shots.

The 3 series Gitzo come in a Mountaineer series and Systematic series. Gitzo Mountaineer series have center columns. Gitzo Systematic series don't come with a center column, they are an option. The Systematic series has other available options.

...And the LVL series are a cross between a leveling base and a rapid column: They offer a rapid column that can be levelled.

René Damkot wrote in post #5523232
...And the LVL series are a cross between a leveling base and a rapid column: They offer a rapid column that can be levelled.

Hmm, interesting. I never knew that. I knew that it had a bowl for video use although I never knew exactly how that worked. And I still don't.

I got passed the "which dslr" and "which lenses" questions on my own. But I am not sure which column I would want. The leveling base seems like it might be good for me and maybe the geared.

Is there one column most people seem to prefer? I was looking on youtube for demonstrations but didn't find anything. Any good links I should check out?


Thanks for all the replies

Which Gitzo is in this video? Youtube Link I didn't even know tripods could do these types of things. lol.


Edit.
tried to delete this reply after I found out it was a Systematic 6X carbon series 3 + head G1378M ( classic center ball) + levelling base GS5120LVL

PacAce wrote in post #5523891
Hmm, interesting. I never knew that. I knew that it had a bowl for video use although I never knew exactly how that worked. And I still don't.

LVL = Leveling. This is a seperate series, *not* Systematic.
Quite a bit more expensive then the comparable Mountaineer tripod, and a bit heavier.

Here's one. If you look closely at the image, you might be able to see the center column is slightly different.
Otherwise, the Gitzo site might help out

Video Bowl: Dunno either. I think it's a "bowl" where a half ball (attached to the head) drops in. I suppose after that, either gravity takes over, or there is a kinda fastening construction at the bottom (which ISTR seeing once )

Edit: Looks like it's sort of half a leveling base: The other half is attached to the video head.

rjx wrote in post #5524053
I got passed the "which dslr" and "which lenses" questions on my own. But I am not sure which column I would want. The leveling base seems like it might be good for me and maybe the geared.

Is there one column most people seem to prefer? I was looking on youtube for demonstrations but didn't find anything. Any good links I should check out?

Thanks for all the replies

Geared can be nice with a heavy camera (Like a 4x5" view camera). About the only way to get a Sinar P2 a bit up or down in a controlled way
Might also have advantages for macro for instance. Not sure. Don't do much macro.

Leveling is the only way to get a leveling base into a series 2 or 3 mountaineer (not Systematic). It's also the only way to get the combination of leveling and a rapid column.
Might have an advantage, but is more expensive and heavy.
I think I'd go for a Systematic if I'd want a series 3 with leveling capability.

Then again, I level my tripod by adjusting its legs independently, so I might not be the person to ask.

One very different series, and one you might consider if you are into macro, is the Explorer series.

Way different from all other Gitzo's. But a bit heavier as well, no fixed leg angles (this can be a pro or a contra), and more expensive.

And I am wondering about the 2530 versus the 2540. Is the 2530 (3 section) really that much steadier than the 2540 (4 section)?
Saves a little size when folded down...

René Damkot wrote in post #5524195
LVL = Leveling. This is a seperate series, *not* Systematic.
Quite a bit more expensive then the comparable Mountaineer tripod, and a bit heavier.

Here's one. If you look closely at the image, you might be able to see the center column is slightly different.
Otherwise, the Gitzo site might help out

Video Bowl: Dunno either. I think it's a "bowl" where a half ball (attached to the head) drops in. I suppose after that, either gravity takes over, or there is a kinda fastening construction at the bottom (which ISTR seeing once )

Edit: Looks like it's sort of half a leveling base: The other half is attached to the video head.

Oops! Looks like I was thinking of the other tripod series, the LSV. The letter "V" in LVL threw me off.

BTW, thanks for the link to that LVL series tripod. Didn't even know it existed. Must be new?