Lightweight/Traveling Tripod

[HDNitehawk]

Brant

Just got back in, and will share a few thoughts.

I have the GT2541, it is the most versatile tripod I have seen at its size. It is sturdy and the leg and arm mechanism can be structured in many ways most tripods can't. It's flaw is that it weighs over 4 pounds. So it is one reason I have been thinking about the 1541T for backpacking. The build quality of Gitzo legs are excellent and I am a fan after owning two. I don't think you will go wrong with the Gitzo legs, although the 1541T will be the lightest and will be also the flimsiest that Gitzo makes. I think if you bought one of the light versions and it didn't work for you, no light version would and you would need a heavier tripod. I do not think I would want a light 1541T if I intended to use it for every day use, it would be for packing and traveling light only.

Gitzo heads, the GT2541 came with a GH2750 off center head. The Gitzo heads noticeably creep when locked down. They are sturdy once set but not as good as Arca-Swiss or some other brands. As others have said stay away from the Gitzo head line.

Good Luck

[ahab1372]

Brant,
I'm facing the same question (see my thread here http://community.the-digital-picture...ead.php?t=7054)
Sirui seems to be an interesting brand and gets good reviews. I'll probably go with the aluminum version M-3004 to save some money, I don't do too much hiking. The CF version is the M-3204
You can check their distributor's website for local dealers if you want to check them out in a local store: http://www.sirui-photo.us/Sirui/Siru...A-(Sirui).html

Here is a video were the tripods are tested (in German, but at least you can see how it handles): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETUTJvNAWrw
Ballheads seem to test well, too. Even the smallest holds a 1D body with 300 f/2.8 in the vertical position.

I might drive up to the city next week to see them in a store

[Kayaker72]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and suggestions. You've given me a lot to research over the weekend.

@Eldarhua I'll check on Benro's equipment as I expect the vast majority of my use to be <100 mm. I had missed Gitzo's "safari" line of tripods as they were under the "bird watching" category. But, while they look similar to some of the others, they are interesting. It is also good to hear that you liked the GH1780QR ball head.

@Poik/Eric I've wondered if I'll end up as you did...starting off thinking small and light but finally getting a very solid, and a little heavier, set. For now, I am still planning on eventually having two set ups and want to definitely distinguish between the two. So, at this time, I am still thinking small and light.

@Conropl/Pat: I hadn't heard the "bad reports" on Gitzo heads. I guess this is why it pays to ask. I had looked at the Arca Swiss ball heads and was concerned about their weight. When I build the bigger system, I bet I use the Arca Swiss or RRS ball heads. How do you like the Induro tripod?

@Neuro/John: Thanks for the feedback. I worry about things like load ratings, which is why I've tried to stay with what I consider known brands. But the RRS video on the TQC-14, rated at ~25 lbs, did crack me up when the presentor suspended his entire body weight with the tripod. Both you and Pat have me rethinking the Gitzo ball heads. Actually, right now I am thinking the RRS BH30 is a better way to go. Granted, almost double the price.

@Eric: I appreciate the real world experience and this is one of the brands that I hadn't heard about and will look into....

@Rick/HDNitehawk: Well, this may seal the Gitzo head's fate. Noticable creep is something I want to avoid with the new system. I'll definitely let you know what I think of the GT1542 if I end up getting it. It is good to hear the GT2541 is solid. I had been considering that, but it is a bit heavier.

@Arnt: Let me know what you think of Sirui....I first heard about them in your thread. They actually have a tripod lighter than the GT1542.

Again, thanks for the feedback. It sounds like a number of us have been trying to wade through all the options recently. I appreciate all your help.

Happy New Year!
Brant

[HDNitehawk]

Brant;

There is one complaint that you see occasionally on the Gitzo legs, and it is true so I will throw it out so you are not disappointed if you go that way and it happens to you. The feet of a Gitzo are screwed in. If you are not careful and pay attention, they work themselves loose. Probably by brushing against something. I have lost one before and it would have been frustrating if not for the fact I have a Gitzo monopod and just pulled the foot off of it. I have heard some people say they use locktite to hold theirs on. I just ordered a three pack of replacements and through them in my pack.

Rick

[eldarhau]

Brant;
The feet of a Gitzo are screwed in. If you are not careful and pay attention, they work themselves loose.
Rick

It´s true that the legs are screwed in, but on the two I have, you need tools to get them off. A very solid spike tip, which is nice to have available on ice and rocks, is tightly screwed in. For normal use, a high quality rubber cap is fitted over it, with a snap-in-to-place design. That rubber cap can be turned, but with limited friction on the spike. I saw the same comment you make Rick, in an earlier review I read, but I will be very surprised if anyone get this problem with the current design.

[HDNitehawk]

It´s true that the legs are screwed in, but on the two I have, you need tools to get them off. A very solid spike tip, which is nice to have available on ice and rocks, is tightly screwed in. For normal use, a high quality rubber cap is fitted over it, with a snap-in-to-place design. That rubber cap can be turned, but with limited friction on the spike. I saw the same comment you make Rick, in an earlier review I read, but I will be very surprised if anyone get this problem with the current design.

Perhaps the newer versions fixed it. For me it is just something to watch. It wouldn't deter me from buying a fine Gitzo tripod.

The reason I thought I should point this out to Brant, is the lowest review on B&H for the 1542T is a complaint about loosing a foot. Especially with this tripod, the idea of owning this tripod is that it is so light you would carry it several miles in to the mountains to a remote area. Check your gear and be prepared, I am meticulous that way as anyone doing a long hike in to the wilderness should be. I would rather Brant know the possibility exists that it could happen, rather than recommend the Gitzo then he loose the foot on a 20 mile hike in to the wilderness.

I will eventually buy a backpack tripod, the 1542T is what I would buy if I ordered today. The foot thing is a non for me.

[Kayaker72]

Perhaps the newer versions fixed it.

Well, I should be able to answer the question by the weekend. The GT1542T is ordered.

So, now onto the ball head. In reading through things, it appears that the RRS BH-30 and Markins Q3T were specifically designed for the GT1541T (predecessor to what I just bought) so that the legs can fold around the ball head. The Kirk BH-3 may have been as it seems to fit the general criteria. It doesn't appear Arca-Swiss makes a lighter ballhead and that RRS, Kirk, and Markins are all very good. Anyone familiar with Markins or Kirk?

In the end, I hope to have a very lightweight and portable set up. Eventually, I'll add a more typical/slightly bigger set as well. BTW, while I love taking photos, another great thing about photography is all this really cool gear.

[conropl]

@Conropl/Pat: I hadn't heard the "bad reports" on Gitzo heads. I guess this is why it pays to ask. I had looked at the Arca Swiss ball heads and was concerned about their weight. When I build the bigger system, I bet I use the Arca Swiss or RRS ball heads. How do you like the Induro tripod?

I have never regretted getting the Induro. It is a well built tripod, and I bought one big enough that I can still use it for a 500mm someday if I get the opportunity (I went a bit overboard with the CT414). Also, the legs are stiff enough to hold well on ice (they do not splay out especially with the spike feet installed), and it holds up well to wind (it also has a weight hook if you need more weight to hold up to the wind). Mine is a bit heavy for what you are looking at. However, they have smaller ones; but compared to what you are looking at, it might be a little heavier at 2.8 lbs, and the small ones only fold up to just under 20". However, I have not tried a small ones.

[neuroanatomist]

The ball was also frustrating... I would pain stakingly line something up and then when I would tighten up the ball it would move it.

The Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead has a similar issue. After locking the ball, it 'settles' a bit, varying with the load. The Manfrotto 468MG doesn't move, which was one reason I upgraded (the other was that the 488RC2 cannot be converted with an AS-type clamp, whereas the 468MG can).

[neuroanatomist]

Another consideration is maintenance. RRS (and maybe Gitzo - Rick?) legs can be easily disassembled for cleaning/drying - very useful after shooting at the beach, in the rain, etc.