Manfrotto or Gitzo tripod for my needs?

Hi all,

I just get a 1D III few weeks ago, and it's now time to get a new tripod, the Velbon I have will not do the job now...

I've read many articles regarding tripods, like the one of Thom Hogans. So Id like to save money and made the good choice the first time… That’s why I need you help now.

I've made some search on high end tripods and we have on one side the Gitzo's (which looks like the leader in the “pro” market) and on the other hand Manfrotto with the model 055CXPRO4 that interest me.

I'd like to get in the near future a new Canon 500mm f4 IS. So I want to be sure that my current purchase will support it like it should. (Have a look at my gear to know what I already have). Currently the max load is approximately 6lbs (3kg) body + heaviest lens.
I like Macro photography, and landscape photography, si I’m also interested in a tripod that can do the job.

My question is, would the Manfrotto/Bogen 055CXPRO4 support correctly the 1D + 500 without vibrations… Or I better spend the difference of money and get a Gitzo?
Apparently it’s one of the best tripods of Manfrotto. And the center column offer many great possibilities for landscapes, macro (of flowers…). That why I’ve an eye on this one. And don’t think there is an equivalent in Gitzo series?

Following the configurator tool of Gitzo, my needs (body + lens, height…) will point on the following models:
- G1500
- G1505
- GT3530LS
- GT5541LS

The last one is not the same budget as the Manfrotto but apparently after reading many review (like the recent one of Richard Peters) it will do the job for my all life of photographer.
But this one is heavier, larger and taller than the Manfrotto. So it’s more convenient to travel with.

(I already have a Manfrotto 393 gimbal head, I know it can go to a Manfrotto or Gitzo legs, so no problem on this side). I also have a 488Rc2 that I’ll certainly have to replace soon when I’ll get the 500…

So may I kindly ask you to help me in this difficult choice?
I need comments of people having a 500mm, and their advice, recommendations…

Thanks you all for your reading in my POST, and for your help.

Regards,
Laurent.

Sorry, for my English

Any of the Gitzo models listed will outperform the Manfrotto. But, you are all over the place with the models listed. The Gitzo 1500 and 1505 are both aluminum with no column and are VERY heavy (the 1500 nearly 10 lbs.). The 1500 is 3-sections, the 1505 4-sections. Four section tripods fold down shorter (easier to travel with) than three section models and that is the primary difference between the two. The 3530LS is a three section CF, 3-Series, also without column and the 5541LS is a CF, 5-series and the most rigid Gitzo tripod, also without column, but weighs over 6 lbs. The Gitzo CF "Systematic" models are modular and can be fitted with an accessory center column, if desired. A center column will reduce the stability of a tripod, especially with long lenses and IMO you should not consider using one.

Your choices are aluminum vs CF: weight, cost; 3-sections vs. 4-sections: folded down length; series 3 vs. series 5: load capacity, weight. IMO, the best all-around Gitzo tripod is the CF 3541LS, which is 4-sections, weighs 3.8 lbs, is rated to support 39.7 lbs., is 57.5" tall, and folds down to 21.7" (the 3530 is 3-sections, same load capacity, folds down 5 inches longer). However, if travelling with a tripod is not a primary consideration, go with the 5541.

If you have the budget do the right thing here is my combo recieve a few

days ago no dissapointed love it ....... have Canon 300mm 2.8 plus Canon 500mm F/4

Gitzo + Wimberley Head II + Wimberley Flash Braket II

580EX II + Better Beamer + Canon Flash coard + all lens coat stuff

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You want to 'save money'...the Manfrotto is plenty good enough. Question really is, is the light weight worth it to you, to fund a Gitzo?! I don't thing a Gitzo 1xxx should be considered for the size lens you mention!

Wilt wrote in post #8499757
You want to 'save money'...the Manfrotto is plenty good enough. Question really is, is the light weight worth it to you, to fund a Gitzo?! I don't thing a Gitzo 1xxx should be considered for the size lens you mention!

He didn't say he wanted to save money, he said he wanted to save money in the long run by purchasing the right tripod the first time around. Perhaps you should read Thom Hogan's article that the OP referenced: http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

He didn't list a 1-series Gitzo, but the 1500 and 1505, which are aluminum 5-series legs with load ratings of 44 lbs.

1D and 500mm you say? IMO nothing other than a Gitzo 3 or 5 series should be considered....

Hi All,

Thanks for your advices.

edgard-junior, which Gitzo do you own? You did not specify the model.

NYPhoto, you're right I can afford any of those tripods, I wan't (like you said) to do the right choice at the first time. I don't want to have few tripods at home...

Laurent.

Definitely the 3531LS. For use with the 500 avoid anything with a center column - the flat plate on the Gitzo systematic tripods is a far more stable platform. I bought a 5530S for use with my 500mm and 300-800mm unstabilized lenses and I definitely made the right choice.

NYPhotog wrote in post #8499982
He didn't say he wanted to save money, he said he wanted to save money in the long run by purchasing the right tripod the first time around. Perhaps you should read Thom Hogan's article that the OP referenced: http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

He didn't list a 1-series Gitzo, but the 1500 and 1505, which are aluminum 5-series legs with load ratings of 44 lbs.

I understand the position of that link. I simply think that not everyone needs to spend an EXTRA $300 on a tripod, depending upon need. There ARE very sturdy Manfrottos

If weight is not an issue then get the 5541. Otherwise, the choice is the 3541LS or the 3530 for a 3 section legset. Definitely get the Systematic version because you can add a center column if you need it. For the 500, a Wimberley II is a must.

My Gitzo is 3541LS

If you want a Gitzo with additional freedom of motion, an Explorer might be the ticket.
It's heavier though then it's Mountaineer counterparts, and there's no 3 (let alone 5) series. So it won't be stable enough for the 500mm.
It is the most flexible option for macro though.

You can get a "lateral arm" for a few Gitzo series (1,2 or 3) by the way.

For a 500mm, I'd consider the 5 series, unless weight is more important then stability.

In that case: 35x1(X)LS depending on what (folded) length you want.

Neither of the CF ones you mention are anywhere near the price range of the Manfrotto 055 I'd think. The Alu Gitzo's weigh a ton.

I just traded my Manfrotto 055PRO Alum for the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4. I"m pretty happy with this lens. (I have no idea with the lens your going to use since currently I don't have one)

My suggestion is to find a POTN or go to a camera store that will let you take the tripod outdoors and mount your lens. And see if you like it.

If the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 can support it I would say save the cash, if you have doubts or dont' like how the 1d and lens sits I would get the gitzo.

I would go for the Gitzo 3541 if you are going to use a 500f4.

Hi all,

Thanks for all those inputs. It's now clearer to me, which one I have to choose.

Apparently when reading all your post I should get the Gitzo GT3531LS or the Gitzo GT5541LS.

BUT, there is one thing that confuse me:
When having a look at the poll, I can see than more people (in total 9, out of 17, so more than 50%) have voted for the Manfrotto, than for the Gitzo's, but I don't see all those 9 users comments here, why ? I only see (in the majority of the post)the person that advice me to go for a Gitzo, why?
You, who voted for the Manfrotto, do you own a 500mm f4 IS and use it with this tripod?

René, the lateral arms are a good solution to replace the new central column of the Manfrotto, but they are expensives, almost the price of the 055... (You've have to get the central column first to install them, so that's why it's so expensive.), May be I'd better get the 055 and a Gitzos then... But my wife will kill me if I can back with 2 tripods at home...

Thanks in advance for your answer.

Regards,
Laurent.