Tripod on the way. Finally pulled the trigger

lannes wrote in post #9998345
+ 1 Are Gitzo really worth the premium over other brands ? Are they more stable or lighter than competing products ?

Generally, yes, they are worth the premium IMO. My Gitzo GT2541 is more stable (despite having an additional leg section), is 1.5 pounds lighter, and has nearly twice the rated load capacity than the Manfrotto carbon fiber I used to own. Gitzo construction quality is generally top-notch, with the possible exception of their current aluminum models which use a so-called "Soulid" polymer (plastic) instead of a metal casting for its spider.

However, I just bought a Feisol CT-3401 which I originally intended to be a travel/backup to my Gitzo that I could throw in my checked baggage without worrying too much about theft or breakage. I was (and am still) so impressed with it that I ended up selling my GT2541.

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)

Don't make me second guess myself! I did save for a long time to get this setup. I almost deviated to lesser cost brands numerous times but in the end I did realize the value of the build quality. I haven't gotten it yet, but now I'm thinking maybe I should have went with the 1 series traveler. At first I wanted to support my 70-300 and maybe a future 100-400, but technically the 2541 is underpowered for that as it is, and I can't really remember a time I needed a telephoto on a tripod. I do enjoy shooting birds, but my past tripod use has been all landscape and HDR.

I'll wait until I get it and see how it feels. I do appreciate your feedback though. I hate making bad decisions and usually have instant buyer's remorse on any ticket item I buy

lannes wrote in post #9998345
+ 1 Are Gitzo really worth the premium over other brands ? Are they more stable or lighter than competing products ?

YES

nickelmedia wrote in post #10000146
Don't make me second guess myself! I did save for a long time to get this setup. I almost deviated to lesser cost brands numerous times but in the end I did realize the value of the build quality. I haven't gotten it yet, but now I'm thinking maybe I should have went with the 1 series traveler. At first I wanted to support my 70-300 and maybe a future 100-400, but technically the 2541 is underpowered for that as it is, and I can't really remember a time I needed a telephoto on a tripod. I do enjoy shooting birds, but my past tripod use has been all landscape and HDR.

I'll wait until I get it and see how it feels. I do appreciate your feedback though. I hate making bad decisions and usually have instant buyer's remorse on any ticket item I buy

Dont feel anything now. Just wait till it comes and you can decide then. Youll keep it. Theres nothing better and youll see that once you have it in your hands

nickelmedia wrote in post #10000146
Don't make me second guess myself! I did save for a long time to get this setup. I almost deviated to lesser cost brands numerous times but in the end I did realize the value of the build quality. I haven't gotten it yet, but now I'm thinking maybe I should have went with the 1 series traveler. At first I wanted to support my 70-300 and maybe a future 100-400, but technically the 2541 is underpowered for that as it is, and I can't really remember a time I needed a telephoto on a tripod. I do enjoy shooting birds, but my past tripod use has been all landscape and HDR.

I'll wait until I get it and see how it feels. I do appreciate your feedback though. I hate making bad decisions and usually have instant buyer's remorse on any ticket item I buy

I don't think anyone knowledgeable about the importance of a good tripod can ever fault you for choosing to buy a Gitzo. But at 6'5", you almost definitely bought the wrong model, and would be even worse off with a Traveler unless you like to shoot on your knees, or carry a stool around with you all the time (as if schlepping a tripod around wasn't enough of a pain in the rear already). I'm just saying this as an ex-owner of a GT2541, who is 5 inches shorter than you - AND I'm still relatively young and fit. Maybe it'll work out for you, but don't throw the box and tags away until you're sure.

Holy cow! there are a heck of alot of brave souls on this thread who own gitzos!! me included. personally i think the money i spent on my gt3541L was well spent. it is extremely stable with my 100-400 lens on my 7D. at 640(1.6x cropped) i see no vibrations whatsoever. extending and retracting the lens barrel has no effect on the picture with the gt3541L. whereas when i had it on my gt1541t it would jiggle big time.
granted the gt1541t is super compact and surper light, but the trade off in picture stability wasn't worth the portability it offered. my gt3541L is just more than twice the weight and five inches longer and a bit more difficult to travel with, but worth it when it comes to stability.

Ha ha! No braveness required, just simple logic: Want the best? Pay for it!

hyt wrote in post #9994124
ILenses come and lenses go, and need I even mention digital bodies? But a top level tripod is pretty much for life.

You are right.

I bought my tripod in 1980. It was a POS then and still is now.
I will keep on using it until I get a heavy lens.

hyt wrote in post #10000269
I don't think anyone knowledgeable about the importance of a good tripod can ever fault you for choosing to buy a Gitzo. But at 6'5", you almost definitely bought the wrong model, and would be even worse off with a Traveler unless you like to shoot on your knees, or carry a stool around with you all the time (as if schlepping a tripod around wasn't enough of a pain in the rear already). I'm just saying this as an ex-owner of a GT2541, who is 5 inches shorter than you - AND I'm still relatively young and fit. Maybe it'll work out for you, but don't throw the box and tags away until you're sure.

I'm assuming you recommend the GT2542L. I don't see the value in 7" at an additional $230. I won't be using it with every shot. In any studio type setup I'll be tethered with live view. Plus now I'd probably have to pay restock w/ B&H if I decided to return, no?

Are there any other benefits to these legs besides the length?

wife just called, legs are waiting in the garage! Apparently she picked the box up from the doorstop and almost threw it when she braced for it to be heavy. That's a good sign!

Now I just have to make it through another 2.5hrs of work :\

Here are some shots of the Photo Clam PC-44NS. I had a hard time finding a vendor that sells this head. There are plenty on eBay located in Korea, but I went with Kerry from Reallybigcameras.com who was excellent to work with and based in the US. Initial impressions are it's very solid and movement is super smooth. It takes almost no effort to COMPLETELY lock it down.

I also went with their plate which was cheaper than the RRS and works with the safety stop of the head. Fits perfectly on the BG-E2.

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The cost of a tripod is practically unimportant, as someone else pointed out you will be using it for life! I am using a 2 pound 8 ounce Hollywood tripod I bought in 1969 and at the time it was rather expensive but needed. That said I am looking at carbon fiber tripods and a head for one currently but finding one that is lighter and as rugged as my current one is a challenge.

Um, why does the Photo clam look so much like a Markins?

ben_r_ wrote in post #10001738
Um, why does the Photo clam look so much like a Markins?

Maybe i should reverse the question. Why does the Markins look so much like a Photo Clam?

If i recall correctly.. Photoclam has always had the pano knob and the big knob (friction knob?) positioned in 90º of each other.

That wasn't the case with Markins until recently!

nickelmedia wrote in post #10001009
I'm assuming you recommend the GT2542L. I don't see the value in 7" at an additional $230. I won't be using it with every shot. In any studio type setup I'll be tethered with live view. Plus now I'd probably have to pay restock w/ B&H if I decided to return, no?

Are there any other benefits to these legs besides the length?

I'm 5'9" and use the 3530L legs. They are pretty tall but honestly, I rarely have my camera set up on a tripod at full height. I usually have just the camera with one set of legs extended, it's easier to carry the camera and plop down the camera.

Guess what I'm saying is it matters to the photographer on the total height of the legs how they use it. I tend to believe that you shouldn't extend the legs more than needed to reduce any vibration, or chance that it will fall over.