Think Tank Bazooka or Gitzo Tripod Bag?

jhom wrote in post #5804679
No pockets. I'm curious, why would you remove the head and then carry it in the bag with the tripod?

When I ordered my ballhead (and in the instructions) it was recommended that I remove the head from the legs when not using it.

sml wrote in post #5804814
When I ordered my ballhead (and in the instructions) it was recommended that I remove the head from the legs when not using it.

Does the instructions give a reason why you should remove the ballhead when you are not using it?

Personally, I never remove the ballhead when I'm not using it. I see no reason not to leave it on the tripod. I do remove the head when I travel if I pack the tripod because of security reasons.

I would think it rather inconvenient to reattach the ballhead everytime I need to use it. It would likely promote a habit of leaving the legset at home.

I always leave the head on my tripod. I can't remember instructions one way or the other but that's what everyone else I know does. for travel I can understand removing it if space is an issue but it fits fine on top of my legs in the bazooka.

emorphien wrote in post #5805062
I always leave the head on my tripod. I can't remember instructions one way or the other but that's what everyone else I know does. for travel I can understand removing it if space is an issue but it fits fine on top of my legs in the bazooka.

I agree....that's what I've always done, too (leave the head on).
But, when I spoke with RRS and in their instructions it states, "When transporting the tripod, we recommend removing it (the head) from the tripod." I imagine I'll start out doing that and then, when I stop babying the thing, I'll just keep it on unless I'm goin' on a plane or something. Hmmm...maybe I'll end up deciding it's a good habit to get into, though! And it doesn't seem to be a hardship or a deterrent to using it. Just screw it off and on.
Anyways, no big deal....it's not a determining factor for the case.
I'm leaning toward the Bazooka....probably order it next week unless something changes my mind! Besides, the "new" model of the Gitzo bag isn't available yet at any of the stores I checked. And the Think Tank products seem to be pretty good, from what I've seen.
Thanks for the feedback and comments....

sml wrote in post #5805551
I agree....that's what I've always done, too (leave the head on).
But, when I spoke with RRS and in their instructions it states, "When transporting the tripod, we recommend removing it (the head) from the tripod." I imagine I'll start out doing that and then, when I stop babying the thing, I'll just keep it on unless I'm goin' on a plane or something. Hmmm...maybe I'll end up deciding it's a good habit to get into, though! And it doesn't seem to be a hardship or a deterrent to using it. Just screw it off and on.
Anyways, no big deal....it's not a determining factor for the case.
I'm leaning toward the Bazooka....probably order it next week unless something changes my mind! Besides, the "new" model of the Gitzo bag isn't available yet at any of the stores I checked. And the Think Tank products seem to be pretty good, from what I've seen.
Thanks for the feedback and comments....

I was also close to ordering the bazooka today. The Gitzo seems like a tighter fit (which is what I'm looking for) however I haven't seen any info on the new range thats coming out. The only thing thats putting my off the bazooka is still the rigid structure, I'm thinking it will take up too much room in my suitcase because of this.

futura wrote in post #5805727
I was also close to ordering the bazooka today. The Gitzo seems like a tighter fit (which is what I'm looking for) however I haven't seen any info on the new range thats coming out. The only thing thats putting my off the bazooka is still the rigid structure, I'm thinking it will take up too much room in my suitcase because of this.

If you are looking to put the bazooka in a suitcase, the suitcase better be HUGE.

The purpose of the bazooka is to have the ability to carry your tripod in a semi hard/soft case without having to worry about bumping it against something and or just keep the tripod out of sight and safely secure it. Meant to be used as extra padding if you are going to use a Pelican hard case or use it as a carry on.

I'm not saying you can't put it in the suitcase. The suitcase just needs to be large.

If you have bought any of the airport series, you can even attach the tripod case against the bag. Well that's a totally different thing now...

To carry my 1541t in my suitcase, as well as light field duty, I splurged for this:
>>Link to B&H item<<

A big $10!!! Its all I really need. No padding, so no space increase. My 1541 will fit(just) with Q3 attached, even with the legs folded down(not over the head). I didn't want a big padded case to put it in my suitcase. I just wanted to keep my cloths clean, and have something with a shoulder strap to hide/carry the pod while walking around. Its not fancy, and probably wouldn't hold up to heavy use, but it should meet my needs.

Here are a couple shots of my GT2530 with mounted RRS BH-40 head inside the OEM Gitzo bag.

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One more. You can see the inside pocket for extra storage.

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nutsnbolts wrote in post #5805991
The purpose of the bazooka is to have the ability to carry your tripod in a semi hard/soft case without having to worry about bumping it against something and or just keep the tripod out of sight and safely secure it. Meant to be used as extra padding if you are going to use a Pelican hard case or use it as a carry on.

Agreed, I bought the Bazooka so I wouldn't have to put my tripod in my suitcase anymore. I just sling it over my shoulder, and on an airplane shove it in the overhead. It fits quite easily.

That photo of the Gitzo bag makes it look quite appealing!! Actually...it might change my mind! I like the idea of the small pockets for cords, etc. And it looks "sleek" and light.
Anybody have a shot of the Bazooka with a similar setup?

I went online to see what I could find out about the newer version Gitzo bags (I found a couple of places that have them!).
Seems to me the dimensions of the bag for the 1-series tripods will fit the 2 series tripods. That is, the GC1100 is 30.3" long compared to the GC2100 at 33.5". With the tripod around 25 or 26 inches, it seems that would fit into the smaller bag even if I end up keeping the head on!
Make sense? Or is the extra length desirable?

Good grief those Gitzo bags are expensive!

I would want a bag that fits the tripod well, and isn't too long.

here's some photos of the bazooka

I haven't had a chance to take some shots of my Bazooka with my 2530 setup. However, here are some of my Manfrotto 055MF3 with Manfrotto 468MG and RRS screw clamp. The Gitzo will occupy less space laterally and be will shorter than the Manfrotto setup.

Thanks for the pictures. Reason for putting the tripod in a bag and not using it as a carryon is because in the UK there is a one baggage policy on most airlines (two allowed if its a laptop bag). I think I'm going down the gitzo route or just plump or for a cheap and cheerful option as JC4 suggested.