REVIEW of Gitzo GT3541XLS tripod legs

I just bought the 3541XLS. I can extend the top three sections and it's tall enough for most of my shooting: I'm 5'11. So basically I have a tripod is in essence a 3 section tripod for most use, but has the ability to expand to use on most any terrain I might use it on. Tripods have a tendency to get shorter in real life, and having the viewfinder at eye level is very nice, so having this extra length will come in handy.

It's close in size to my 1410, and yet weighs less than half of what that super stable monster weighs. I feel like I can carry this one some distance, the 1410 stays close to the car. The 3541 is very stable with a long lens and like a rock with anything shorter. The new G lock legs are a joy to use, just a quick little turn and they're loose, another quick turn to tighten.

Paired with my BH-55 or Gimbal this is one nice piece of kit.

abhimanyusab wrote in post #11259984
Great review. Thanks!

I had a couple more questions as I am thinking of buying the same tripod. Hopefully these were questions that you were concerned about too, and I will appreciate your feedback.
1. Since its 27" closed length, how would you transport this during air travel? Carry-on?
2. I'm 6'1" and I was wondering how to calculate required tripod length, i.e. column-less tripod minus RRS BH-55, Canon 7d and difference between eye level and actual height?
3. Any recommendations for a tripod bag and strap for this tripod?

Thanks!

Sorry, been busy and haven't been around the forums much. Apology for the delayed response, but here goes.

1) I always carry on a pod when flying. I put it in my carry on suitcase.
2) Just look at specs of your ballhead and camera on B&H's site. You can pretty much figure from there what the height of the eyepiece will be from there. I haven't measured mine, but head + 5D2 is about 7 or 8 inches higher than the base of the pod.
3) I mainly drive around with my pod, so it just sits in the passenger side or back of the Jeep. Don't have either, sorry

I want to thank you for this review because I am currently looking at the Gitzo GT3541LS. Based on your measurements and the help of my trusty measuring tape your dimensions of the XLS has helped me make a final decision on the GT3541LS. I am really excited because both are a perfect fit for the BH-55 (which I already have).

Gitzo here I come!

My pleasure

I personally couldn't possibly let myself leave a partial review. Since Lester was worried about these sticks supporting a 500L, I had the sticks but not the lens. To make sure to answer Lester's concerns, I just bought a 500L and gimbal head. I hope to have some first hand experience with this setup in the near future to be able to finish this review .

Now, the wife has asked that noone ask if this tripod can support a 400L, 600L, 800L or 1200L.

Your reviews are killing me!!!!
BTW thanks for them, helped make my decision on which pod to change to from my old Manfrotto 055c's..

I ordered a gt3541xls on April 2 still waiting for it to show up.

I picked up a Really Right Stuff BH-55 pro2 head to top it,
Ordered the head last Thursday showed up Tuesday, taking a whopping 40 minutes to clear customs.

The wait is killing me!
But had no choice to use the Canadian Retail chain I did (they owed me 300$) so the pod will end up costing me about 600$. If it ever shows up..

Whoot it finally arrived, 37 days from order placed.
It really is HUGH when fully extended!

Wow, over a month for an order. Congrats though.

As to the 500L, the tripod supports it like a dream .