Help with Gitzo

I've been using my manfrotto for close to a year and a half and I've just overgrown what it can handle so it's time to upgrade (hopefully for a very long while)

I have it narrowed down 'I THINK' to two tripods

Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic ( I'm leaning more to this side )

and

Gitzo GT350LS Long Systematic

Questions
1. Is the GT350LS discontinued? or no
2. Is the GT3541LS the updated version of the 350 or am I an idiot ?

What I like
- Both are the same price and 40$ cheaper after the rebate
- I like that the 350LS is a 3-section which makes for faster setup and less 'tweaking'
- I like that both are about the same height give or take approx 1 inch
- I like that the GT3541LS is only 21" folded while the 350LS is 26" (but a 3-section - DAMN)

It gets even harder as you list it like this

- I like that the GT3541SL is only 3.8LBS as the less the tripod and ballhead weight the more I feel comfortable bringing ALL my lens and equip.

If I find that the 3541LS is stable enough which Im sure it will be (Landscape is primary use here - maxed out at 70-200 + 1.4) Then being as it is a systematic I can always add a center column correct? Which I might end up doing just for versatility in the long run...

Or should I look to spend more now and get a lot more height (78") with no center column and then such up dealing with a 4.something LBS tripod thats 27" long?

maybe some comments and then Ill keep going because my mind is turning to mush

Maximum length needed depends on shooting heigth needed.
For instance, if you do a lot of group shots, something like a 3540XLS might be worth looking into. (or whatever new version there might be)

The 3541 is the new version of the 3540.

IMO 3 vs 4 sections doesn't make a stability difference to worry about anymore.

You can add a center column or leveling base to a systematic.

A 3 series will be more stable, but for up to 200mm a 2 series would be enough...

Gitzo recently upgraded its product line. The newer versions have a 1 designation instead of 0.

The 3 series Gitzos will more than easily handle your gear. The Systmatic models don't come standard with a center column. However, you can add one as an option.

Given your gear where a 70-200 with 1.4 TC is max, you might consider the 2 series. Will you be frequently using focal lengths greater than 300? If not then the 2 series may be all you need. The 2 series comes with the center column.

With regard to height, it depends on how you shoot. At a minimum, you should get a tripod that will allow you to shoot standing straight up without bending when you have your gear mounted. Remember to include the height of the ballhead and any other accessories as well as your camera body to your calculations. You can always reduce the height of the tripod. Adding height is another thing.

Since you live in NJ, I would suggest you take a trip to B&H and try out the tripods.

Thanks for the input guys much appreciated...

As for the 2 series, Im more in the need of a systematic tripod, as I tend to need to go low to the ground A LOT, and very low. Also I wanted the added strength of the 3 series anyway due to the fact that a lot of the time shooting in high wind, and in deep water (sometime coming 1-2 feet up the tripod legs - like strong current in rivers etc)

The ability to choose being able to use or not use the center column would be an advantage as I could keep it in a case in my truck when on location

My height is 6' flat I think

- SO 57/58" + 5" (ballhead) would put me around 63" high
- SO being as how my eye level is exactly 65" ill be staring right at the back of the camera when the tripod is fully extended (no center column)

Not bad Id like the 78" tripod however I'm not willing to trade off inches for lots of extra weight and 5+ inches added to the folded length of the GT3541LS

If I need to Ill run back to the car and rig up the center column but I doubt Id need it often as I shoot low 90% of the time...

On my Manfrotto I usually just use the center column for heigh tweaking which I'm sure ill miss in the beginning but will get use to

Maybe I'll shoot over to manhattan - I hate it though NYC is such a pain, going to BH is like a half day trip haha and the city is only 40 min tops from my house

...then a 3 Series is what you need. You will love it and won't be changing legsets for a long time.

Thanks Jim ha! I think inside a lot of the time we know what we need/want we just need to get it all out and then have someone agree with us haha!!