Lightweight/Traveling Tripod

[Kayaker72]

I purchased the Gitzo GT1542T traveler tripod. There are a couple of “traveling” tripods out there. In addition to the tripods mentioned earlier in this thread, I would also take the time to look at the RRS TQC-14, Feisol 3441s,and others in the Gitzo traveler series (GT1544T, etc). Of course, there are many other tripods that are very close to the “traveler” types. In the end, my decision came down to the GT1542T and the GT2541, even though it isn’t a “traveler” it seemed to be a favorite tripod for hikers/backpackers (3 lbs, closed length of 21.85”) and is rated to support more weight.

In the end, I went with the GT1542T as it closed to the smallest length (16.7” with the legs folded back over the ballhead/extended center column), was among the lightest I found (2.2 lbs), and it was going for the “reasonable” price of$448 after rebate. These factors were important to me as I decided I wasn’t only trying to replace my old aluminum Bogen/Manfrotto tripod, which only traveled with me occasionally, but also Iwas trying to replace my gorillapod, which travels everywhere with me. I also decided that not only did I want to have my tripod fit in carry-on luggage, such as a suitcase or my pelican storm im2500, but also, potentially, on the inside of a backpack. I don’t know if I’ll ever do that, but I’d like the option. Looking around, the longest backpacks I found were about 20” with it more common around 17”. Of course, this will never happen with my current Lowepro Fastpack 350, but I am already planning on getting a second backpack later this year.

So, with all that I bought the GT1542T, and I am very impressed and happy with the purchase. It seems very well made. It is very light. It is much more stable than my old aluminum tripod. Below are a few pictures:

Set up with withe the RRS BH-30 and center column at it’s highest point

Gitzo-1432 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Set up as close as it can get to the ground with center column removed

Gitzo-1434 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Of course, I went with the traveler because of its weightand collapsed size (with and without the BH-30 attached):

Gitzo-1441 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Gitzo-1442 by kayaker72, on Flickr

A few posts ago, I mentioned I was leaning toward the RRS BH-40. My mind began to change as I started considering ways of getting the ballhead to fit within the 16.7” and not stick out. So, I know this is a little crazy as ~20” with a ballhead attached is still very compact, much more compact that most tripods. Also, if I ever needed it to fit within 16.7," I could just take the ball head off and travel with them separately.

The ball head fitting between the legs when the tripod was collapsed was the design of the other Gitzo traveler series, as their center columns are shorter. It seems that with the GT1542T they extended the center column to 15.7” to get additional total height which I don’t need. I’ve read that the center column of the GT1544T/GT1542T is 12.7”. So, while I don't necessarily need to be able to fit the ball head between the legs while traveling, I decided that would be nice and moved off the BH-40, as it is too wide to fit between the legs, and started looking for ways to decrease the length ofthe center column.

I’ve come up with thefollowing:
· The center columns from other Gitzo series 1 6xcarbon fiber tripods are interchangeable. So, the shorter center column used on the GT1541T/1544T/1541/1531 can be purchased from from Gitzo, www.gitzospares.com, or B&H. The part number is d1155.08 and costs about$120. Even if I bought this, I would still have spent less on my kit than a new GT1544T currently costs.
· Gitzo sells a “Low to medium level” centercolumn (GS1510KB). It is available at adorama/B&H/amazon for about $71 new. It is about 2 inches shorter than I would like, but does work and also gives me ~3-4” to adjust the column height when working close to the ground.
· Go with a DYI option and cut the current GT1542T center column to the length I would like. The primary issue I see with this is the plug that allows you to screw the hook into the bottom of the center column is glued in. So you would either lose the hook, need to buy and glue in a new plug, or somehow cut/dremel out the current plug and re-glue it. I haven’t been able to get Gitzo to respond about selling me a new plug, but I have found some glues for carbon fiber. I know DYI may seem crazy, but as an engineer that designs and builds remediation systems, it actually seems pretty easy to me.

But, in the end I found a used “low to medium level” center column on amazon for $35, bought it and intend to use the kit as it is for a while before trying either of the other options. I am 5’9”, and wish the smaller center column was about 2” longer. I used this set up last Friday to take the long exposure pictures in Boston and it worked really well.

A few pictures with the GS1510KB and Markins Q3T:
At full height (about 52.2 inches with the Markins, 48.7 inches without)

Gitzo-1450 by kayaker72, on Flickr

At it's lowest height; the short center column will provide ~3" of height adjustment:

Gitzo-1448 by kayaker72, on Flickr

And in the collapsed setting with the Markins Q3T:


Gitzo-1444 by kayaker72, on Flickr

Below are a comparison of the center columns. Top, what comes with the GT1542T, the GS1510KB, and then the two ends that can be combined to eliminate the center column.


Center Column-1453 by kayaker72, on Flickr

I also bought a "snoot boot" from Op/Tech to cover the ball head, especially when between the legs so as to not wear on the legs and vice versa.

Thanks,
Brant

Edit: To answer a few questions from earlier in the thread. The legs and feet do detach. As of now I am not too worried about the feet detaching as they seem very solid but I guess that has been a concern for others.