Gitzo for 600mm IS II

[Pao Dolina]

Which Gitzo do you guys suggest for the now lighter 600mm IS II? I know Artie went with the GT3530LS for the 800mm when Gitzo's marketing material pointed to the Series 5.

Based on the weight difference between the old 500 and the current 600 IS II it appears that one can get away with a Series 3 Gitzo legs like the GT3542LS or should I stick with a Series 4, Gitzo's recommendation of the 600?

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Pao,

I have the Nikon 500 f/4 VR, which weighs the same as the 600 IS II. When using a tripod, I go with the GT3541LS and it works great! I really don't think anything bigger is needed, but that's just my opinion.

Miguel

[Pao Dolina]

Thank you Miguel we both use the same Gitzo for our respective 500s (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alabang/tags/canonef500mmf4lisusm/). I just finished reading Artie's review on the GT3532LS (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2012/10/02/gitzo-gt3532-ls-review/) and it appears that the new Series 3 is more than sufficient for the 600 IS II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alabang/tags/canonef600mmf4lisiiusm/). My choice is now narrowed between the GT3542LS (because of the smaller closed length and weight) and GT4542LS (Gitzo's recommendation for any 600mm).

I hate to go against manufacturer's recommendations but the GT3542LS load capacity of 25kg is now equal to a GT5541LS (recommended for a 800mm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alabang/tags/canonef800mmf56lisusm/)) and GT4542LS.

GT4542LS is larger in terms of closed length and weight. These are things that are of significant concern when traveling. Not to mention the price disparity is equivalent to a 64GB 600x UDMA 7 CompactFlash Card.

Now as to why I didn't go with the recommended GT3532LS (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2012/10/02/gitzo-gt3532-ls-review/) has to do with the increased closed length of 10.8cm over the GT3542LS. For me that is just too much. The weight difference is insignificant at 40gm.

Is my choice right for you? It may not be but my priorities are for a Gitzo that can handle a 600mm, weighs like nothing and is as compact as nothing without compromising gear safety or stability.

[Dperkell]

I have the 3541 and in my crazy thinking I'm thinking of getting the 5542. I use the 3541 with the wimberly and the 400 2.8 as well as 200-400 4. Someone please talk me out of spending the money if it is just me being crazy.

[Pao Dolina]

If your 400 2.8 weighs more than 3.85kg/8.5lbs then i'd go with the Series 4 or Series 5. Stability is awesome!