Gitzo Tripod choices

I'm looking for a tripod to hold my 500L with TC on a 40D. I was looking at the 3541XLS, but upon looking at the choices on B&H, I'm confused why one of these others wouldn't be better or at least a little cheaper.

I would prefer no center column. I will be mounting a gimbal type head (Bogen 3421 Head) on it. I'm about 6ft tall.

GT3530LS (This one is actually the same price as the 3541XLS)

GT3531LSV

GT3531S

Then finally the one I initially thought: GT3541XLS

Can someone explain the differences in these models to me or what would be the best for this setup?

I usually hand hold the setup, but after seeing some pics taken on a Gitzo tripod, I'm sold on getting a better one now.

My current tripod is a Amvona.com AT-828 with the Bogen 3421 head. I think it was only rated for 11 or 13 pounds so I'm pushing the limits of it and I'm sure thats why my pics aren't that sharp from the tripod. I'll post a pic yesterday taken with the setup so you can see an example.

I use the 3530LS w/ a Wimberley gimbal for the 500. I've never used any other tripod so can't offer a comparison. I'll just say it's a great set of legs that I couldn't do without

Edit: I'm 5'11'' and w/ the Wimberley I have to lower the legs about 2" to get the viewfinder right at eye level.

The S signifies Systematic. So flat top, no center column. The V includes a bowl adaptor that replaces the plate:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=​24&Go.y=14

The L (and XL) are length designations. You would need to measure from viewfinder to bottom of Wimberley mount and then tripod height to match to your eye height.

Ok so what are the differences between 3530 series and the 3541 series?

A 30 means three leg segments; a 40 means four leg segments. Not sure what the 1 means at the end compared to the zero, but might mean G lock versus no G lock. You can go to specifications on B&H site and see what changes with a change in numbers. They should be consistent within a line, but as some have reported aren't always.

I believe the 31 and 41 are newer than the 30 and 40 - that's it - no other major differences.

The "1" designation refers to the version number. A 31 is newer than 30. The newer version has more leg angles and a lighter center casting, if I remember correctly. There may have been some other minor changes on the 2 series.

I'm not understanding what that bowl adaptor does.

I just read on the bh website it's for video heads. So for a RRS BH55 or a Markins 20, this bowl would not be useful, is that right?

I also have a Gitzo fluid video head, but it doesn't seem to need that bowl either.

Since I have a gimbal type head, do I need anything in addition to the legs? I see the Markins being mentioned, but cannot tell if I need something like that or not to attach my head or not.

The gimbal mount is all that is needed. (And of course the plates that go with the mount to attach the lens to the gimbal mount). Some gimbal mounts (Sidekick) make use of a ball mount in the 90 degree position to hold the plate clamp. The Wimberley Classic or II don't need it.

If you think it necessary for level horizons, particularly for panoramics, a leveling base would come in handy. Otherwise, a direct mount of the gimbal is all that is necessary.

Thanks everyone.

Jim, no I don't plan on doing many landscape shots so I'll pass on the leveling base. Mainly doing birds.

Now I just got to decide if I want to pay extra for the shipping to have it by this weekend or not.

edit: Got the 2 day shipping so hopefully I can use it this weekend.