Gitzo GM2540 (Older but lighter)
After spending the day in San Francisco, CA shooting at the San Francisco Zoo and then the Chihuly glass art exhibit in the De Young museum with crowds of people too thick to setup and use a tripod of any kind, I have decided I want my monopod back! I recently sold my Bogen / Manfrotto 680B because I thought I wasn't using it enough and because I figured if I found I did need it after it was gone I would just upgrade to a Gitzo/RRS setup when that time came.
Im looking at the Gitzo GM2540 (older model, but I found a place that still has them in stock) and the GM 2541 (newer model). I normally would just go with the newer and easier to find for sale model, however in this case there's an interesting issue... Based on the details given by both B&H and Gitzo directly, the new model actually weighs MORE! 12.8oz to 1.1lbs. Yet EVERYTHING else about the two monopods appears to be the same!
So who out there owns these or even better both and can comment on any other differences? If there truly aren't any (like maybe a newer twist lock grip design or something) then I will be going for the older model as the lighter weight is a good thing!
FWIW I will be topping any monopod I get with the RRS High Capacity Monopod Head and an RRS quick release clamp. LINK
Here is the details on both from B&H:
Gitzo GM-2540 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 26.4 lbs (12 kg)
The G-Lock mechanism has been completely redesigned in order to achieve a 20% increase in rigidity, faster operation and stronger, safer locking. G-Lock's special design also provides a "gravity lock" effect: the higher the load applied vertically to the leg, the stronger the lock.
Key Features
• 1mm Gitzo 6X Carbon Fiber Tube
Gitzo was able to develop a six-crossed multilayer carbon fiber 30% lighter than the previous 1.5mm generation that features the same exceptional performance of stability and vibration absorption and unbeatable quality.
• Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) System
The Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) system makes it quick and easy to open and close the monopod. Simply turn all of the locking rings at once and the whole leg can be pulled out in seconds.
• Connected wrist strap
Specifications
Maximum Height: 63" (160 cm)
Folded Length: 20.9" (53 cm)
Load Capacity: 26.4 lbs (12 kg)
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Twist
Male Thread Size: 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible stud)
Weight: 12.8 oz (400 g)
Gitzo GM2541 6X Carbon Fiber Monopod - Supports 26.4 lbs (12kg)
The G-Lock mechanism has been completely redesigned in order to achieve a 20% increase in rigidity, faster operation and stronger, safer locking. G-Lock's special design also provides a "gravity lock" effect: the higher the load applied vertically to the leg, the stronger the lock.
Key Features
• 1mm Gitzo 6X Carbon Fiber Tube
Gitzo was able to develop a six-crossed multilayer carbon fiber 30% lighter than the previous 1.5mm generation that features the same exceptional performance of stability and vibration absorption and unbeatable quality.
• Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) System
The Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) system makes it quick and easy to open and close the monopod. Simply turn all of the locking rings at once and the whole leg can be pulled out in seconds.
• Wrist Strap with Belt Clip
Connected to the top plate is a wrist strap, with a handy wide belt clip incorporated. This makes it possible to hang the monopod directly from a belt, strap, or pocket.
Specifications
Maximum Height: 63" (160cm)
Folded Length: 20.9" (53cm)
Load Capacity: 26.4 lbs (12kg)
Leg Sections: 4
Leg Lock Type: Twist
Male Thread Size: 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 (reversible stud)
Weight: 1.1 lb (500g)
