Gitzo Tripod and Head combo...??

Sooo....I've been reading and writing in posts for a week or two as I try to decide what to do with my tripod purchase.

Here's where I'm "at" now...and I'm surprised!!

Back a few weeks ago, Laurie Excell at NAPP had suggested to look into the Gitzo 3540 LS and the RRS BH-55. I felt that was overkill (for my gear)...and I was a bit concerned about not having a center post.
I trimmed back to a 2530 with the BH-40 or Markins M-10 head and was pretty close to pulling the trigger.
I don't know what happened...but I'm back to Laurie's suggestion! And tack on the L-bracket, too!
I've read here and elsewhere that a center post is not needed....some actually recommend against it! I also like the smaller collapsed size and weight of the 3540 LS. And, if I do get a 400mm f5.6 lens (which is next "in line"), then the larger setup might be more suitable (or is it?).
Am I nuts??? Is this a good setup or is it, as I had thought, overkill for my gear and my occasional use of a tripod? If it is, then I'll go back to the 2540 (smaller when folded than the 2530) and the M-10 or BH-40. And I'll likely remove the center post.
This is, after all, a LOT to spend on a tripod. But, I feel that it will be worth it if it improves my overall sharpness....and if a really good tripod will induce me to use it more often!
Thanks!

I have the 3540LS and BH-55 and it is superb,I dont use a post as I dont think it will help with my 500f4, but it realy is a rock solid combo,If you think you may need a post just buy a post for it later.

I'm using the GT2540 along with a Markins M-10 ballhead and the TB-20 tripod base. For now, my biggest load is with a 5D/100-400L or 70-200/2.8. Very stable, even in knee-deep, fast-moving water...works like it should, and I couldn't be happier. I removed the center post...I never use one, for the simple reason that it will introduce vibration harmonics and negate or limit the dampening ability of the tripod.

But if you're thinking of getting the 400L, then the 3 series would be a better fit for you, mated with the Markins M-20.

sml wrote in post #5556036
Sooo....I've been reading and writing in posts for a week or two as I try to decide what to do with my tripod purchase.

Here's where I'm "at" now...and I'm surprised!!

Back a few weeks ago, Laurie Excell at NAPP had suggested to look into the Gitzo 3540 LS and the RRS BH-55. I felt that was overkill (for my gear)...and I was a bit concerned about not having a center post.
I trimmed back to a 2530 with the BH-40 or Markins M-10 head and was pretty close to pulling the trigger.
I don't know what happened...but I'm back to Laurie's suggestion! And tack on the L-bracket, too!
I've read here and elsewhere that a center post is not needed....some actually recommend against it! I also like the smaller collapsed size and weight of the 3540 LS. And, if I do get a 400mm f5.6 lens (which is next "in line"), then the larger setup might be more suitable (or is it?).
Am I nuts??? Is this a good setup or is it, as I had thought, overkill for my gear and my occasional use of a tripod? If it is, then I'll go back to the 2540 (smaller when folded than the 2530) and the M-10 or BH-40. And I'll likely remove the center post.
This is, after all, a LOT to spend on a tripod. But, I feel that it will be worth it if it improves my overall sharpness....and if a really good tripod will induce me to use it more often!
Thanks!

The 3540 can damp about 2X the vibration amplitude of the 2530/40. It is noticeably more stable as a platform. If you are going to get a 400mm, there is no question that you should get the 3540LS. 400mm is way over the spec'ed max of 200mm that Gitzo puts on the 2540.

I'd differ and highly recommend the Markins M20 for the 3540LS for the simple reason that it weighs about 40% less than the BH55. The BH55, while a great ballhead, needs to go on a diet now that there is the new light CF out from Gitzo. The M20 and 3540LS comes in at 5lbs even if you have a RRS Clamp on top. The 2540 plus a Markins M10/BH40 is 4.3-4.4lbs or so. For a minimal weight difference, you have added a ton of support.

I'm 5'11" and the 3540LS is the perfect height - don't have to stoop at all. The 2540 requires me to stoop a bit. I don't need, and wouldn't use, a column on the 2540.

You will find that you will use a good tripod much more than a crummy one. they are so much less hassle to use and the results show through. The reality for most photographers is that they don't use a tripod enough. With a good one, you can move that occasional use to "mostly use" and your results will show the difference.

J

J.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #5557333
now that there is the new light CF out from Gitzo.
J.

Oh oh....I'm afraid to ask!
What's the new light CF out from Gitzo? Is that something I should be looking at? Can't seem to find any info....

I think he just means in the long run... the CF Gitzos have become the standard over the previous aluminum models; not that there is any newer formulation. And the 3540LS has a lot of upside over a 25xx model for just a little more weight. I use one with a Markins M-10 but an M-20 is, as posted, even better for longer lenses.

"New" being the CF from last year (or so). That is when they changed the models from 13xx for Series 3 to 35xx (for example). That dropped about 30% in weight in the CF and added better locks etc...

j.

JohnJ80 wrote in post #5563009
"New" being the CF from last year (or so). That is when they changed the models from 13xx for Series 3 to 35xx (for example). That dropped about 30% in weight in the CF and added better locks etc...
j.

I never knew that! Sorry for the dumb question!

I have a question....
I am planning to get the 3540ls with the RRS or Markins large heads (this forum definitely favors Markins!!). Without the center post. And that combination seems to be quite light, or at least the same as the 2540 with the smaller head. So, I am wondering how much additional weight from the column is included in the weight of the 2540. That is, the 3540 is light because it doesn't include the post--right? How does it compare to a 2540 without a post (not necessarily looking for a literal answer....just "less, same, or more.")
That's because once I make up my mind with this, someone suggests that I should consider something else--a friend (and former pro) thinks this 3540 and large head idea of mine is overkill and that I should consider the smaller legs and head.
(I wish I knew more about tripods....though I'm learning!! This is not the way I like to make my decisions, going back and forth. But I am involved in this process with little or no background, understanding, or experience with tripods even though I've been shooting for 35 years!! Therefore, I really appreciate all the responses here and elsewhere!)

sml wrote in post #5563076
I never knew that! Sorry for the dumb question!

I have a question....
I am planning to get the 3540ls with the RRS or Markins large heads (this forum definitely favors Markins!!). Without the center post. And that combination seems to be quite light, or at least the same as the 2540 with the smaller head. So, I am wondering how much additional weight from the column is included in the weight of the 2540. That is, the 3540 is light because it doesn't include the post--right? How does it compare to a 2540 without a post (not necessarily looking for a literal answer....just "less, same, or more.")
That's because once I make up my mind with this, someone suggests that I should consider something else--a friend (and former pro) thinks this 3540 and large head idea of mine is overkill and that I should consider the smaller legs and head.
(I wish I knew more about tripods....though I'm learning!! This is not the way I like to make my decisions, going back and forth. But I am involved in this process with little or no background, understanding, or experience with tripods even though I've been shooting for 35 years!! Therefore, I really appreciate all the responses here and elsewhere!)

I'd estimate the column at about 8-12 ozs.

The 3540LS with M20 and RRS LR II clamp comes to about 5lbs even. My 1258 (same physical specs as 2540) with BH40 and Markins tripod base comes to about 4.3lbs or so. The tripod base and the column are probably even up for all intents and purposes.

If you were going to lighten up the 2540 you'd take off the M10 or the BH40 and go for the Markins Q3. That will save about 5-8 ozs or so.

I use my 1258 only for travel. All other times, it is the 3540LS and M20.

J.

1) the 3540LS is so freakin light and compact, why drop down to the 2 series?
2) you already have a 300mm; go by focal length not weight of your rig... you're already near the limit of a 2 series, nevermind if you move up to a 400 someday. Why re-buy when you can buy once? I put a smaller (m-10) head on my 3540LS to save some weight and since I don't currently have anything that needs the m-20.
3) overkill on tripod legs? what the heck is that?

I have no experience with the column models so I'll pass...

I went with the 3540 with center post. I find the post handy on smaller lenses and can not see it adding any vibration when it is retracted to the base with large glass(if I ever get anything like a 400 f2.8). I also went with the Markins M-20 and the RRS lever clamp and RRS plates. I have been on a couple of wildlife work shops and seeing other setups I still like mine the best. Expect for the 55 series Flat Top and a Wimberly head for Large glass, which I will buy if I ever get a 400, 500 or 600 lens.

I have a G1257 with a Markins M10 head. I don't know which of the new models the 1257 compares to. Now that they have changed the model naming scheme I am totally lost.

I don't have a lens longer than 200mm and don't expect to be getting one any time soon though.

emorphien wrote in post #5563460
I have a G1257 with a Markins M10 head. I don't know which of the new models the 1257 compares to. Now that they have changed the model naming scheme I am totally lost.

I don't have a lens longer than 200mm and don't expect to be getting one any time soon though.

1257 ~ 2530, 1258 ~ 2540. The 1257/8 has the newer 6X CF but has the older non G-loc connectors but has ALR.

j.

I just picked up a GT5540LS and a BH-55 and it is rock solid. When I put my 100-400 and 1.4tc and look through live view on the 40d its rock solid. I purchased this in anticipation of getting a 500mm f/4 next year and from the research it should handle it with no problems at all.

check out the feisol.com stuff...i love their tripods and monopods...