Tripod Recommendation

[Kent Wilson]

I am 6 feet tall and need a new tripod. I would like not to have to spend any more than I have to, would prefer CF, no center post, capable of ground-level as well. I know the Gitzo3540xls extends to 78", more than high enough. Is there one of comparable quality that extends high enough for my height that is a bit less expensive?

I have bought about 5 tripods over the past 30 years and they've all been less than satisfactory. Since my own judgment about such things is obviously unreliable, I can only do better by asking you folks! :)

Thanks in advance for your input. I suspect I will end up with the 3540XLS, but I'd like to feel like I didn't overlook another option.

[Robert Amoruso]

Kent,

I have the Gitzo 3540LS. Like it very much. I don't find a stability problem with it - being a four section leg vs. the three so has a smaller diameter lower leg. At 5-10 it is a good height for me even though I would have like the xls on occasion like when photographing birds in flight so I don't have to bend over. I use it with a 600mm Canon lens and a Wimberley or Mongoose head.

[Kent Wilson]

Thanks, Robert, for the information.

Here is what is confusing to me. On their website, Bogan lists the 3540 LS as extending to 57.5". Add, say, 5" for a head, and you're at 63". Adding in 3-4" as the distance from top of head to eyes, it would need another 3-4" to get up to eye level for you, at 5'10" . But then there is the fact that it works for you.

Am I mistaken, or am I being too fussy, or missing something?

[Robert Amoruso]

For birds in flight I have to bend over some - remember I am looking up most of the time doing that. At level or inclined down I may have to bend some but it is not enough to cause me a lot of strain. That said, I still feel the XLS would have been better and certainly for you it would have. But it is good enough height-wise so I am not dissatisfied.

I also have a G1548 that is tall and I can stand erect for BIFs and practically anything else. If I am working close to my car or walking short distances, it is my tripod of choice. It never goes in the water. My old G1325 does that.