Which Gitzo to get?

Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy my first tripod and hoping to be my last I need this to be under 22 inches so that it will fit in my carry on, and can be strapped to my backpack for hiking and biking. My priorities, in order, are:

1) Maximum of 22 inches folded
2) Sturdy!!! I will be doing alot of long exposure photography, taking pictures in windy conditions, etc. so sturdiness is very important.
3) Lightweight (not that big of a deal)

I've narrowed it down to the GT2540T (kit form as GK2580TQR) and the GT3541LS. I went to my local camera shop to check out the GT1541T but found that it wasn't sturdy enough for my taste. They had the GT2540T on display as well, which was much more sturdy IMO. Now, the problem with the 2540T is that it only comes in kit form, hence driving up the price; I'd have to settle on using the kit ballhead for the time being.

Now the 3541LS, being a systematic, would be the ultimate sturdy tripod for me, but at the cost of more bulk (both size and weight) compared to the 2540T traveller. At least it would fit in my carry-on luggage, lol. But the advantage over the 2540T is that I would be starting out with a ballhead of my own choosing.

Seeing as how I've never travelled nor hiked/biked with a tripod before, which tripod would you guys think be best for me? Current gear is T1i with 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS, but I'm trying to keep future purchases in mind. Honestly I think the longest glass I would get is a 70-200, though. I think if I got the 2540T, I would be wondering "what if I had an even sturdier tripod?" If I got the 3541LS, I would be wondering "what if I had a smaller tripod?"

lol, sorry for rambling.

Can you link to the 2540T? I googled Gitzo "2540t" and got very few actual results.

When I went through the decision process I compared the 2540 to the 3540LS. The LS turned out to be everything I wanted as it folded smaller and was meant for much more load at a small cost in heavier weight. I can't compare it to the 2540"T", though. I'm also not a hiker so ultimate portability wasn't my concern... if you must shave every ounce, then obviously go with the lighter model. For me, though, the 3540LS was meant to be the last tripod I'll ever need to buy. If some day I want an ultralight, I'll look at the 15xx series.

Sure, the specs for the 2540T: http://www.gitzo.com …ods/traveler?co​de=GT2540T

However, since it only comes as a kit: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ler_4_Section_C​arbon.html

Would you be swapping out the centre column for a baseplate? If so, you'll get more weight savings. I think that would be a great rig for a 200mm max lens arrangement... but... if you think you'll get more lens someday, yea, you should go to the 3xxx.

I haven't tested, but doesn't the 3541LS fit in carry-on if you remove the ballhead? BTW I use my 3540LS with a Markins M-10, not an M-20. It is smaller than they suggest but, like you, I don't have any really big glass. The M-10 is another way to save weight. I'd also wager that it is a better ballhead than the Gitzo.

stickshift wrote in post #9131151
Hi guys,

I'm looking to buy my first tripod and hoping to be my last I need this to be under 22 inches so that it will fit in my carry on, and can be strapped to my backpack for hiking and biking. My priorities, in order, are:

1) Maximum of 22 inches folded
2) Sturdy!!! I will be doing alot of long exposure photography, taking pictures in windy conditions, etc. so sturdiness is very important.
3) Lightweight (not that big of a deal)

I've narrowed it down to the GT2540T (kit form as GK2580TQR) and the GT3541LS. I went to my local camera shop to check out the GT1541T but found that it wasn't sturdy enough for my taste. They had the GT2540T on display as well, which was much more sturdy IMO. Now, the problem with the 2540T is that it only comes in kit form, hence driving up the price; I'd have to settle on using the kit ballhead for the time being.

Now the 3541LS, being a systematic, would be the ultimate sturdy tripod for me, but at the cost of more bulk (both size and weight) compared to the 2540T traveller. At least it would fit in my carry-on luggage, lol. But the advantage over the 2540T is that I would be starting out with a ballhead of my own choosing.

Seeing as how I've never travelled nor hiked/biked with a tripod before, which tripod would you guys think be best for me? Current gear is T1i with 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS, but I'm trying to keep future purchases in mind. Honestly I think the longest glass I would get is a 70-200, though. I think if I got the 2540T, I would be wondering "what if I had an even sturdier tripod?" If I got the 3541LS, I would be wondering "what if I had a smaller tripod?"

lol, sorry for rambling.

my choice was between the 2541 and the 1541 GT. i chose the latter. the 1541 GT unlike the traveller is a full-size tripod that does not require the use of the center column. with my markins q3 + RRS flip lever release it weighs 3.25 lbs (sans center column). collapsed length without ballhead is 20.25".

ed rader

Yeah I'd actually prefer to go without a center column. 3541LS was striking to me that it appears to be under 22 inches (size of my carry-on) folded without the ballhead. 3 series are so sturdy! I applied alot of lateral force to the fully extended legs at the camera store but they didn't even wobble. 2540T wobbled just a little, 1540T wobbled too much. But how much would that affect long exposure photography or shooting in the wind on a practical basis?

I've read that the bundled Gitzo ballhead with the 2540T is okay, but can't compare to Markins, RRS, etc. but seeing as I've never used any of them before, I don't know if I'd be that picky

stickshift wrote in post #9131268
Yeah I'd actually prefer to go without a center column. 3541LS was striking to me that it appears to be under 22 inches (size of my carry-on) folded without the ballhead. 3 series are so sturdy! I applied alot of lateral force to the fully extended legs at the camera store but they didn't even wobble. 2540T wobbled just a little, 1540T wobbled too much. But how much would that affect long exposure photography or shooting in the wind on a practical basis?

I've read that the bundled Gitzo ballhead with the 2540T is okay, but can't compare to Markins, RRS, etc. but seeing as I've never used any of them before, I don't know if I'd be that picky

for the gear you mention i wouldn't get a 3 series. 3 series for travel is for 500L f4, imo.

ed rader

stickshift wrote in post #9131268
Yeah I'd actually prefer to go without a center column. 3541LS was striking to me that it appears to be under 22 inches (size of my carry-on) folded without the ballhead. 3 series are so sturdy! I applied alot of lateral force to the fully extended legs at the camera store but they didn't even wobble. 2540T wobbled just a little, 1540T wobbled too much. But how much would that affect long exposure photography or shooting in the wind on a practical basis?

I've read that the bundled Gitzo ballhead with the 2540T is okay, but can't compare to Markins, RRS, etc. but seeing as I've never used any of them before, I don't know if I'd be that picky

The Markins ballhead is one of the nicest pieces of equipment I have. I love well-built things and it matches with the Gitzo perfectly in that regard.

The 3541LS is a special one in the line-up, IMO. They did indeed make it very small when folded and yup, solid like an anvil. But like I said, I'm not a hiker.

Given your requirements, I think you might want to consider the GT2541. It is not a Traveler series, but it will give you the stability you want without sacrificing weight. You then have the option of whatever head you want without being forced to get a Gitzo head. The GT2541 coupled with a Markins Q3 is an excellent lightweight setup with great stability. This setup will easily hold your current gear and your planned future gear. You also have the flexibility of removing the center column if you want to save additional weight when needed.

Here is a 2530 with a Q3, tripod base and RRS clamp. It is less than 4lbs.

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I love my GT2541 w/ Markins M-10 head.

jhom wrote in post #9131611
Given your requirements, I think you might want to consider the GT2541. It is not a Traveler series, but it will give you the stability you want without sacrificing weight. You then have the option of whatever head you want without being forced to get a Gitzo head. The GT2541 coupled with a Markins Q3 is an excellent lightweight setup with great stability. This setup will easily hold your current gear and your planned future gear. You also have the flexibility of removing the center column if you want to save additional weight when needed.]

Very interesting...do you have to purchase any extra parts to be able to use the tripod without the center column?

While the 3541LS may be a bit overkill for the 70-200, it's one friggin rock solid SOB. I've been more than happy with mine.

stickshift wrote in post #9134877
Very interesting...do you have to purchase any extra parts to be able to use the tripod without the center column?

No, you just remove the center column and put it in ground set.

I have a 2540 with the same set-up as Jim's...Markins M-10, tripod base, and RRS lever clamp. Very nice rig, comes in under 4 pounds, and easy to strap onto a backpack. The current model is the 2541. I think this would be your best bet, considering your gear, and the fact that it's NOT a traveler.

I use my 2540 in all sorts of environments...windy cliff tops, rushing water, and ocean surf. I've taken 30-second exposures in the surf without any problems from vibration due to incoming/outgoing water. It can also handle a 100-400L with 1.4 extender without any problems.

Just listed a GT2541L for sale. PM me if you are still shopping.