Tripod on the way. Finally pulled the trigger

Gitzo 2541 legs and Photo Clam PC-44NS w/ BG-E2 Photo Clam plate. Super excited to get it and finally have some real stability. I am however tired of hearing people tell me how crazy I am for spending $1000 on a tripod.

I guess I understand as I'm not a professional, but as I'm sure many of you have read the ByThom.com article and Scott Kelby's preaching, why buy expensive glass if it's not supported well. I'll post a review on the Photo Clam once I get it!

NICE! Why the Photo Clam and not a Markins or RRS head though?

And as far as the grand spent.... Well for one, just stop telling people how much it costs to have a GOOD tripod! For two, Im not a professional either, by any means, BUT when I do anything whether it be mowing my lawn, fixing something in my house, soldering a wire or taking a picture, I like to have the best tool for the job! And IMO, thats justification enough to have the one I want.

I have the 1541 and you only need to use it once to realize it was money well spent.

I want the GT2541

Congrats and enjoy the new tripod.

I as well would like to know why you went with the Photo Clam and not a Markins, or RRS head?

ben_r_ wrote in post #9988139
And as far as the grand spent.... Well for one, just stop telling people how much it costs to have a GOOD tripod! For two, Im not a professional either, by any means, BUT when I do anything whether it be mowing my lawn, fixing something in my house, soldering a wire or taking a picture, I like to have the best tool for the job! And IMO, thats justification enough to have the one I want.

It's the same for me. I tend to buy the best out there for the job. Whether or not if its for work or pleasure, I like to have the best that MY money can afford.

Theres nothing wrong with Photoclam ballheads. They're very very well built and they perform amazing.

The pano knob is better on the photoclam compared to the Markins too.

As an alternative to the CF series I will be receiving a Gitzo GT2830 3-Section Basalt Tripod (Series 2) tomorrow after reading opinions from several of the guys at naturescapes.net that love it compared to their CF series. You save a good bit of money for only a few ounces weight difference in like models.

congrats on your gt2541 purchase. having had the gt1541t and now the 3541L, i know you will not be disappointed at all. i bought my 3541L for the added stability just in case i go with a long focal lenght lens in the future. I also needed the extra height that the gt1541t couldn't give me. it was also the reason why i passed on the 2541 and 3541. at 6'1" i find the 3541L to be perfect. to be honest, i did seriously consider the gt2542L, but my concerns about larger lens pull me back to the gt3541L.
good luck and many happy decades of fun with your new tripod.

Yikes. I'm 6'5". I plan to just use it and be happy. Yes it's shorter than me by 2 feet (column down) but it was $225 more at B&H for the 2542L and I couldn't justify it.

In all the research I did around the Photo Clam, it was constantly compared to the Markins as equal or better in quality. Both products are manufactured in Korea, and I can only assume that Photo Clam copied Markins and then improved where possible. It's a hunch to be honest because I haven't tested any of the heads I was considering as there are no local resellers of any of those here. If it doesn't perform as well as I had hoped, I'll move it to a monopod and probably go RRS.

Jdmhood wrote in post #9989759
Theres nothing wrong with Photoclam ballheads. They're very very well built and they perform amazing.

The pano knob is better on the photoclam compared to the Markins too.

nickelmedia wrote in post #9991490
In all the research I did around the Photo Clam, it was constantly compared to the Markins as equal or better in quality. Both products are manufactured in Korea, and I can only assume that Photo Clam copied Markins and then improved where possible. It's a hunch to be honest because I haven't tested any of the heads I was considering as there are no local resellers of any of those here. If it doesn't perform as well as I had hoped, I'll move it to a monopod and probably go RRS.

oh thanks. I am i've seen the stuff here about Photo Clam, but never really looked into. Glad you gave me some insight about it.

nickelmedia wrote in post #9991490
Yikes. I'm 6'5". I plan to just use it and be happy. Yes it's shorter than me by 2 feet (column down) but it was $225 more at B&H for the 2542L and I couldn't justify it.

I'll probably catch some flak for saying this, but IMO one doesn't skimp on $225 at the Gitzo level. Lenses come and lenses go, and need I even mention digital bodies? But a top level tripod is pretty much for life. Scrimp and save for another couple of weeks or months if you have to. I'm 6' even, and I found my GT2541 to be merely adequate - had to hunch very slightly to see through the VF. Couldn't imagine being 6' 5" and having to stoop that far, and put that kind of strain on my neck and back for something I paid a premium for, or having to raise the center column and lose all the stability (again, that I paid a premium for).

There are certain concessions that have to be made if you're on a severe budget, or if you are traveling and need the absolute smallest folded size. But if you're going to go all the way and buy Gitzo for your general use tripod, don't shortchange yourself - do it right the first time out. (IMO)

1k on a tripod. you sir are a brave man

c2thew wrote in post #9998027
1k on a tripod. you sir are a brave man

+ 1 Are Gitzo really worth the premium over other brands ? Are they more stable or lighter than competing products ?

Great! I have the 2530 with a RRS BH-40 head and clamp.

Now you need to get the matching carbon fiber monopod!

hyt wrote in post #9994124
I'll probably catch some flak for saying this, but IMO one doesn't skimp on $225 at the Gitzo level. Lenses come and lenses go, and need I even mention digital bodies? But a top level tripod is pretty much for life. Scrimp and save for another couple of weeks or months if you have to. I'm 6' even, and I found my GT2541 to be merely adequate - had to hunch very slightly to see through the VF. Couldn't imagine being 6' 5" and having to stoop that far, and put that kind of strain on my neck and back for something I paid a premium for, or having to raise the center column and lose all the stability (again, that I paid a premium for).

There are certain concessions that have to be made if you're on a severe budget, or if you are traveling and need the absolute smallest folded size. But if you're going to go all the way and buy Gitzo for your general use tripod, don't shortchange yourself - do it right the first time out. (IMO)

I agree with you. For something that isn't replaced often, and when purchased correctly, never. Buy what will work the best for you. People leave their cheap/expensive tripods at home more often if they don't work well, are too heavy to drag around or are awkward to use. In this case the latter is a distinct possibility.

Buy the best you can afford - I was told (repeatedly) that buying a cheap tripod is a false economy and that it will cost you much more in the long run.